Thankful

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp is one of the books that has impacted my life in a huge way. No, most people would not notice the changes since they are mainly internal. Learning to note, to count all the gifts--small to big--that my Father in Heaven blesses me with, I'm changed. I'm more thankful, more intentional, more peace-filled. When I'm more of these things, I'm less anxious and worried. I know, I'm not supposed to be anxious or worried, but the truth is I struggle with anxiety.

Taking the dare to count His gifts, I've learned I can't be anxious and thankful at the same time. Thanksgiving pushes out--replaces--anxiety. So long, anxiety and worry. When I practice daily giving thanks, I am changed, renewed, refreshed. That is a new thing.

      1995. Walking with my Best Beloved down our country road
      1996. Teenage son, aka Serious Man, coming home covered in dirt from head to toe after helping Ranch Manager with outdoor chores for the day--Serious Man showing he's has a good work ethic
      1997. Watching Boo draw--what a talented artist!