Abounding Gratitude

I'm continuing on my count to 1,000 gifts.  Ann Voskamp, at A Holy Experience, has written the book One Thousand Gifts which dares us all to live fully right where we are.


Even though I haven't purchased, nor have I read the book yet, I have accepted the dare and am counting my blessings.


Last week I wrote about thankfulness being more than mere gratitude.  You can read that post here.  This week I feel an Abounding Gratitude for all the blessings in my life.


I'm beginning my Multitudes on Mondays post with a few quotes that really spoke volumes to me on gratitude.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.  They're really good and very true!

"Pray without ceasing.  In everything give thanks." ~ I Thessalonians 5:17

"Fear of trouble, present and future, often blinds us to the numerous small blessings we enjoy, silencing our prayers of praise and thanksgiving." ~ Anon.

"Jesus is moved to happiness every time He sees that you appreciate what He has done for you.  Grip His pierced hand and say to Him, "I thank Thee, Savior, because Thou hast died for me."  Thank Him likewise for all the other blessings He has showered upon you from day to day.  It brings joy to Jesus." ~ O. Hallesby"

When we succeed in truly thanking God, we feel good at heart.  The reason is that we have been created to give glory to God, now and forevermore.  And every time we do so, we feel that we are in harmony with His plans and purposes for our lives.  Then we are truly in our element.  That is why it is so blessed." ~ O. Hallesby

Now to continue on counting my One Thousand Gifts. . . No(s). #0011-0021.

#0011.  Aside from my Bible, first and foremost, I'm grateful for the brilliant men and women who spend enormous amounts of time compiling inspirational, positive and wise quotations into gigantic reference books, just for my convenience.  I love leafing through my ginormous book, The Book of Positive Quotations, whenever I need a some compelling words to spur me on.

#0012.  So grateful that my son had a great day at school.  It was his first day back after having surgery to repair a bimalleolar fracture of his right ankle.  He now has 10 screws and a metal plate holding it altogether.  His successful day at school, relieved some stress and was very reassuring for this worry-wort momma.  I need to lean on Jesus more and trust that God will take care of everything.

#0013 - #0016.  For the gentle kiss and whisper of, "Have a nice day," that my husband gave me before he left for work this morning.  I'm so grateful that he has a good paying job.  Affording me the privilege of being a stay-at-home-mom; and the money to pop into the grocery and get what I was missing to make our dinner tonight.  Also, for the delicious frozen coke I enjoyed on my way back from the store.

#0017.  For the energy boost I had at 9:30 a.m. which allowed me to accomplish several chores in a relatively short amount of time.

#0018.  I'm grateful for the sunshine we had on Sunday and the bit of sunshine this afternoon, whilst picking up the kids from school.  It always spreads so much cheer to feel its warmth and see it shine.

#0019.  For the sweet flavor and beautiful color of the chocolate covered sunflower seeds I'm enjoying right now.

#0020 - #0021.  I'm thankful for apple scented dish soap, that makes me feel as though I'm walking through an apple orchard while doing the dishes and for lemon scented Pledge, its citrusy smell brings a smile to my face every time I dust the furniture.