Counting My Blessings
This has been a rough past few days, and yet an amazing past few days – all at the same time.
We’ve not brought in enough finances from Jon’s work, and well…..I don’t bring in any money, and the end of this month has been tight. We were not sure that we were going to be able to pay rent, and going further into debt was not an option.
It would be really easy to focus on what we don’t have, and complain about our “lack”. That would be REALLY EASY! There seems to be so much that we don’t have, and it seems like we are so tight, and have been for so long.
I have decided to focus on the “Blessings” that have come into our lives. I have a sheet of paper tacked onto the wall beside me, and I’m listing everything that has come in or been a blessing to me/us. I started last week, and have written down everything since then.
It’s amazing how many things there are when you actually take the time to write them down, and focus on them, and not on what you don’t have.
- Sept 24 Got a Blazer (that I wanted) from my Grandma (for my birthday)
- Sept 25 $40 from someone who used my steam cleaner
- Sept 25 Given a weekend on the Island (we pay for our food – it’s a suite, so we can bring our food – and gas and that’s it. The ferry and the place are taken care of.)
- Sept 25 Get in to see Naturopath who is not accepting new patients
- Sept 26 Accepted by Dr. (again who is not accepting patients)
- Sept 26 Jon given a Hoody (zip-up, hooded sweatshirt – he’s wanted one for a long time, but no $$)
- Sept 29 Mom took me out for lunch (maybe it’s not a big deal for you, but I hardly ever get to go out to a restaurant for a meal and so it was huge for me)
- Oct 1 Given $200 by some people (no strings attached)
- Oct 1 Given a HUGE pot of soup, and some groceries
- Oct 1 Given a bunch of frozen meat, and fresh bread and a few other groceries
- Oct 1 Given $100 to be able to go to Weight Watchers (something I want, and need, but again – the no $$ to be able to do it)
- Oct 1 Given $25 towards doing something special with or for my kids (what a blessing, now I just need to figure out what to do with them)
We were able to make rent, and seriously………
……..at how blessed we truly are. I didn’t even realize quite how blessed until I started writing things down. Even just this morning……I hadn’t written down any of the stuff from yesterday until just this moment, and when I write it all out, it seems mind-blowing just how blessed we actually are.
It’s so easy to just dismiss stuff as common place, but none of this stuff is common place. It’s amazing! It’s a miracle!
I am so blessed!
October 2nd, 2006 @ 1:24 pm
that is so awesome!! and such a great idea to write down the blessings!
October 2nd, 2006 @ 1:26 pm
I’ve had to read over and over again Phil. 4:8-9 many times. I still have to remind myself to do what it says when my old nature tries to bring me down. Negativity is contagious just as a smile is and this world is definetly negative based, just watch the news one night or read the paper. If it’s not tragic, horrific or shocking … than it’s not news. God knew that we would need help keeping focused and on track. This is my favourite way to read the above mentioned Scripture. I LOVE IT!!
“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious — the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies.” (The Message)
October 2nd, 2006 @ 1:55 pm
got a knitting ? for ya. can I felt wool that is 80% wool and 20% acrylic? or does it have to be 100% wool?
October 2nd, 2006 @ 2:08 pm
ok thanks! I will try that……I haven’t knitted for SO long ….um making like total mistakes! crocheting is easier! I bought a pattern book and am like clueless with the directions…I don’t know what the codes all are…my neighbor has a knitting for dummies book at her house….me thinks I need to borrow it!!!
love ya! keep thinking about coming up here to visit when Jon is away!!! like seriously!! maybe for an extra long weekend or something! bring the kids snow suits! cuz apparently snow is coming….if you want too and don’t mind doing the “drive” but need doe rae me and if that is the only reason then let me know I can la tea doe!
hehe
October 2nd, 2006 @ 2:35 pm
Hey Girl…I’ve kept a ‘Blessing Sheet’ on my fridge for a couple of years. It’s always amazing to me, how many blessings come in my house, and if I don’t keep track of them, I become ‘lack focused’ and depressed. When I keep track of every thing, from big to little, it amazes at how ‘cared for’ I am and how the Father is meetnig MORE needs that remembered! So..way to go. Keep it up. You’ll be amazed, if you do it for a couple of months how many things God has sent your way. Get the kids to add their blessings too – it’ll encourage them! Way to go!! ” More Lord!!”
October 2nd, 2006 @ 3:21 pm
What a list…you truly are blessed!! I hope this month will be a great one for you and your family!
I think sometimes we get so focused on the negative things that happen in our lives we forget all the good stuff. Good for you for making a list…great idea!!
October 3rd, 2006 @ 4:46 am
Wow, you definately have been blessed and continue to be. This is awesome!! I think I need to do a blessing list and post it somewhere. What a great encouragement for us!!