Trying....

**photo's are compliments from the few archives I actually had saved in my flickr account that I was going through today, if you remember this** 

REAL hard, I really am. This week my SIL came to visit and we were talking about pessimists and optimists. Can I be really honest, {no pun intended} and say we both like the term and categorize each other as Realists. Is that fare? Or is that just a cop out for saying you are not a pessimist but still would like to complain??





I really don't think I have verbally complained a lot too much over the last few years weeks, but my heart has. I find myself in a state of survival at this very moment (some of you might totally get this, some not yet, and some not wanting to admit it), thinking that IF I just spent more time doing this, or that, or  Less time doing this or that, then I wouldn't have to complain and "life is good" as probably the most popular quote/bumper sticker/t-shirt proclaims.

The fact is........ "Life is Good"....










**photo compliments of CalebChancey.com**


I have been in complete love with the writings and truth that Nancy Leigh Demoss tells. I have done MANY of her studies and could read her books over and over again, for they speak to me and are used to reveal so much of my heart to me each time I read them.







I have recently purchased and just starting reading Choosing Gratitude: your journey to joy , Nancy's new book. Here is something that I read from part of the introduction.........


"Over the years, I have sought to make gratitude a way of life. And I have experienced many of the blessings that accompany the 'attitude of gratitude'.   


However, I've seen that if I am not ceaselessly vigilant about rejecting ingratitude and choosing gratitude, I all-too-easily get sucked into the undertow of life in a fallen world. I start focusing on what I don't have that I want, or what I want that I don't have. My life starts to feel hard, wearisome and overwhelming. 


At times, in the course of writing this book, I have allowed myself to get pulled back into that dangerous current. I have seen how a lack of gratitude manifests itself in fretting, complaining, and resenting-whether within the confines of my own thoughts or, worse yet, through the venting those thoughts to others.

But in those moments when I have found myself gasping for air, feeling that I was going under, I've discovered  that gratitude truly is my life preserver. Even in the most turbulent water, choosing gratitude rescues me from myself and my runaway emotions. It buoys me on the grace of God and keeps me from drowning in what otherwise would be my natural bent towards doubt, negativity, discouragement, and anxiety.


Over time, choosing gratitude means choosing joy. But that choice doesn't come without effort and intentionality. It's a choice that requires constantly renewing my mind with the truth of God's Word, setting my heart to savor God and His gifts, and disciplining my tongue to speak words that reflect His goodness and grace- until a grateful spirit becomes my reflexive response to all of life." 






need I say more. Go out and purchase this book! Click here if you are a procrastinator and would like me to make it easier for you!



This early morning I went to awake my girls. One of which LOVES to sleep. I know, I know, we are not to be lovers of sleep. Don't think she hasn't heard that verse before! She has recently changed up her room if you remember and sacrificially gave up, in her own words, THE.MOST.COMFORTABLE. bed to her sister for her new room. {still in working progress, sorry, life is busy, will post soon!}. 













As I awoke her, and she was wrapped up cozy in her bed, I asked her "do you like your new bed?" she replied "yes". I asked, "is it comfortable" . Again she replied "Yes" and then stated, "too comfortable to get up". At that point I pointed her {and more so me} to gratitude for that warm comfortable bed she slept peacefully in all night.

I know we can all "say" we are thankful for this, but I will be the first to confess here, that yes, I am thankful. But it is something I have always had, always think I will, and just plain thought "of course I would" have forever. Same with food, a car, a job, nice clothes, etc....

This simple thought {and sometimes not even a thought}, has been just a part of the ungratefulness my heart holds, and therefore plays a part of stealing a piece of my everyday joy away.

I truly believe,( and want so badly to hold to) in ALL circumstances, if we give God all the glory and thanksgiving in all and for all circumstances, we will be fruitful and will be blessed by much Joy in even the deepest of trials.




**photo compliments of CalebChancey.com**

So, I am trying, really trying, to choose gratitude; and I know it will ultimately be the work of the Holy Spirit that chips away the pieces of ungratefulness that has hardened my heart to feeling the joy of the everyday blessings I have been given.





So with Thanksgiving I share my thoughts and heart with you all. And if you have never read any of Nancy Leigh DeMoss' books; go out and buy one {or all!}, I pray you will be encouraged, challenged and blessed by them! Good night Y'all!