Earlier this year I read a post that said: "What if when you woke up tomorrow, you only had the things you gave thanks for, today?"
Somehow this statement really impacted me. I found myself, audibly expressing thanks for those things I did not want to be without tomorrow. Strangely they ended up being people, living spaces, and basic lifestyle needs. In positive psychology research, gratitude is associated with greater happiness. It appears to help people feel more positive emotions, enjoy their experiences, improve their health, deal with challenges, and build strong relationships. The book, Everyday Gratitude, Inspiration for Living Life as a Gift, states that when we're able to live gratefully, with gratitude as the lesson for our daily experiences, we notice what is already present and abundant in our lives, from the tiniest things of beauty, to the grandest of our blessings. Living gratefully makes us aware of and available to opportunities to learn, grow, and to extend ourselves with care and compassion. We can see that life itself is a gift, and that small, grateful acts every day can uplift us, make a difference for others, and help change the world. My prayer is that on this Thanksgiving Day, and every day, you and I will take some time to sit quietly and reflect on all that we are grateful for, finding joy in the tiniest of things, and the grandest of blessings; and that we find a way to make a difference in the world. I am grateful for you, Janene
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I didn't grow up crafting so to speak. My siblings and I were submerged in music, and my mother was an amazing seamstress and cook who expressed an enormous amount of creativity in every thing she did.
From upholstery and draperies, new outfits for church every week (even crocheted ones), to canning, baking and cooking - exotic and healthy meals, she filled our lives with color and planted vibrant seeds of creativity. I did not however, perceive any of these activities to be crafting. When my children were young, Scrapbooking began taking off. I saw these gatherings as a waste of time and a prime setting for gossip and emotional hurt. When the Spirit placed the concept of Home and Heart in my head, it was made clear that crafting was to be a part of it. I didn't resist this in any way, but I wasn't very excited about it. So, I began setting up Home and Heart.... Even began meetings where I reluctantly said there would be crafts - and then I discovered Pinterest! If any of you are following me on Pinterest, you know that my boards are full of beautiful and exciting creations from artists all over the world, and you would probably never guess that I haven't always been in love with crafting! Creativity is a beautiful thing. Here's to creating a life of beauty, balance, serenity and celebration! |
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