"I want..." and "I need..." often come out of my mouth.
To challenge myself in living with contentment and gratitude, I've decided every time I think or say that I want or need something I will follow it up with at least three things I have that I'm grateful for.
I want a heart rate monitor.
I'm thankful for the ability to exercise.
I have a "hobby job" that allows me to exercise in a gym for free.
I'm thankful for the great shoes I wear when I work-out.
I need to go see the chiropractor.
I'm thankful I don't struggle with chronic pain.
Thank you, God, that you carry the weight of the world, not me.
I'm so glad I have a comfy bed to sleep in that supports my back.
I want to go out to eat.
God, thank you for an abundance of food.
I'm so thankful for clean running water.
I don't have to cook alone. Chad or any of my kids will help me.
See? Easy and perspective giving.
Last night I shared my thoughts with my family. I think we will all be participating in this for awhile. Please know that I don't think it is necessarily a bad thing to want stuff. Eventually, I will purchase a heart rate monitor. This isn't only to curb my greedy appetite. Creating a deeper heart of gratitude for the extreme amount of abundance in my life is my aim.
You should try it, too. I'm already surprised at how much peace, contentment, and thankfulness it is creating in my heart.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
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| Linking up with my great friend, Alysa, this week! I sure love that lady! |
Ann Voskamp's book is on my reading list. Some women in my life who have read this book highly recommend it. She takes having a heart of gratitude to a whole new level. Have you read the book? How did it reading it change you?
7 important comments so far. What are your thoughts?
Love this, Angel! Gratitude and praise have definitely been on my heart and mind in the new year. Our family is claiming Psalm 71:8 as our verse for the year. "My mouth is filled with your praise and with your glory all the day." (Norah and Jack had this memorized in no time. A good reminder for me to help them memorize more scripture!)
My prayer is that as we make it a point, as a family, to declare the things we are thankful for and declare the glory of His name, our lives would look more like Jesus and would point to Him!
--Tia
Thank you so much for linking up friend! I have read Ann Voskamp's book, and it definitely gave me a new perspective on giving thanks in ALL circumstances. I feel much more content and less likely to give in to envy or unhealthy "wanting". Giving thanks every day is bringing more joy into my life for sure.
What a great idea, Angel!
I've read Ann's book and have kept a gratitude journal for a year. Along with reading her blog, I found myself challenged to find the ways I've been blessed in all circumstances, whether good, hard, or in between.
I gave you my thoughts on the book already, but love your twist on focusing on thankfulness. I know I don't even realize how often I say, "I want." I will definitely be trying to pay more attention!
Excellent thoughts, esp reflecting on the abundance we just received and enjoyed at Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Another good article.
I've started listing my gifts with Ann, but I love what you've done here. I'm challenged by your words, and I will be doing it right along with you. I'm continually amazed at what happens when I choose to look for the gifts.
Beautiful Angel. I love this so much and I really like how you wrote the "I want/need" statements and then listed what you're thankful for right under it. Definitely puts things into perspective. Caylin and I are reading Ann's book right now and it is incredible. My whole view on life has been changed, I feel so much happier and content after reading it. It opens your eyes to see all of the amazing blessings that God has placed in your life that you never noticed before. Thank you for your blog Angel, I really enjoy reading it :)
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