Feels Like a Fall Gift to Me

The weather has been AMAZING the past week.  I feel all thankful inside when I see the leaves changing colors, cool breeze blowing in my face, watching football games on TV, children playing outside in the neighborhood, ...oh I could go on and on about the wonders of fall.  One of my favorite things do in the fall is go to the lake with Daniel -it makes for a great date and an awesome way to get out of the house without spending much money!  We spent last Sunday on Lake Tuscaloosa enjoying the weather and talking to each other about everything except "grown up" stuff  (Isn't it great to just talk about something besides work schedules, bills, making plans?)  I am grateful to have a husband that enjoys relaxing days on the lake as much as I do! 
I took my nook to read a few chapters of  One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp, while Daniel fished.  Ann has faced many trials in her life, and almost given up on faith when one of her friends encourages her to look for the good in every obstacle that she faces throughout the day.  She begins to write down the "gifts" from God on a tablet...  "Mail in the mailbox, grandma's pressure pot still dancing, moonlight on pillows, kisses in dark, warm cookies, crackle in fireplace"...she really found 1,000 + daily things to look at as gifts over a period of months.  I have been trying to look at my own daily happenings as gifts from the Lord...it's amazing how happy I feel.  Sometimes we just need a little reminder to keep being positive.

A few of my "gifts" from today: 
1. coffee
2. waking up for an 8AM appt
3. sunshine
4. talking to my mama twice
5. getting a tweet from my nephew
6.  goodbye kiss from Daniel followed by a "Can't wait to see you tonight..I love you"
7. good ol' customer service at Tuscaloosa Toyota. 

I probably would have taken each of these gifts for granted if I would not have been looking for the blessing!  Try it and see how thankful it makes you feel!

Give thanks to the Lord of lords.

His faithful love endures forever.

Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.

His faithful love endures forever.

Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters.

His faithful love endures forever.

Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights-

His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 136:6-7

As we approach the official changing of seasons on Sept. 22, I hope that we will all remember to look for the blessing in every obstacle and give thanks to the Lord above for all that He give us.  Now, I'm off to find some burlap for a pumpkin door hanger and check out the Swan Creek Candle new fall frangrances.  Excited to see the rest of the gifts God has planned for me today!

-laura

Follow the link below to order One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-thousand-gifts-ann-voskamp/1101087939?ean=9780310321910