“Find the good and praise it.” — Alex Haley

What a blessing it is to have sunshine and blue skies this time of year! I take it for granted way too much having lived in Southern California all my life. I spent some time in the backyard this morning enjoying the warmth as I worked in my garden. What a wonderful day!

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” — Thornton Wilde

My gratitude today is for my church family, because they are truly my extended family. As I sat in church today I felt so appreciative for everyone there who cares about me and has helped me by their service.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein

My son, daughter-in-law and grand daughter are starting for home today
after a week long Thanksgiving visit, so it is an easy choice today! I am grateful for all of them : )
They are very caring and thoughtful, but also fun to be with as we visited
Disneyland, relatives, the beach, ect. My grand daughter Mari is a gift from heaven!
We will see them again soon (Christmas) so it won't be too long of a withdrawal : )

“There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy.” — Ralph H. Blum

My gratitude today is for my husbands family. They came to celebrate Thanksgiving with us yesterday. Chris' mom passed away three weeks ago and it has been difficult for his family especially his father. I realize now after all these years how much I care for them. They are my family too. May they feel peace during this difficult time.

It seems appropriate to start out this year of gratitude by giving appreciation for Thanksgiving Day. I am thankful for a day to celebrate our blessings with family and friends. I love you all!

A Year of Gratitude

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown

I felt prompted to start this blog to challenge myself to always show appreciation for my many blessings. Everyday, starting on Thanksgiving, I will share something in my life that I am thankful for, and will hopefully continue all year until next Thanksgiving.