Attitude of Gratitude: Friday's Fave Five

Friday November 11, 2011

Can you name five blessings from your week? Susanne from Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday’s Fave Five each week. Click on over and see her if you’d like to join in!

Happy 11-11-11! And most of all, Happy Veteran's Day. Hug one or thank one today; their sacrifices are beyond measure.

1. An attitude of gratitude. I’m counting down until Thanksgiving, focusing on a different subject each day. And my gratitude is growing. I’m really enjoying doing these posts!

2. Anticipation. I think I name this about once a month or so…but I’m so excited about Thanksgiving this year. We’re getting everyone together, and we’ll get lots of time with grandson Aiden. Just can’t wait!

3. Friends who can relate. It’s so nice to have people around who understand how you feel – who’ve been there or are there right now. I feel so much support from friends who share my frustrations and concerns. They’re great. It doesn’t turn into a pity party, but instead an uplifting “We can get through this” time.

4. Plans. I came home from my conference on fire, with so many plans. Alas, real life hit me square in the face and I realized I had no time to attack all these great ideas. Frustration quickly set in and I thought to myself, “Why did I even go? It just made me want to do all these things I have no time to do.” But my dear hubby helped me make plans, and I already feel better. When I have a plan, I have a mission. And now, I do!

5. This quote:

“In this crazy world, there’s an enormous distinction between good times and bad, between sorrow and joy. But in the eyes of God, they’re never separated. Where there is pain, there is healing. Where there is mourning, there is dancing. Where there is poverty, there is the kingdom.” (Henri Nouwen)

These words just remind me of my limited view of life—they remind me to look to Him for His view. And this quote carries such hope. He sees it all, and He brings healing, He brings dancing, He brings the kingdom.

Wishing you healing, dancing, and more of the kingdom this week!

16 comments:

Faith said...

Oh I love your list, especially the quote! And I can relate about the friend time....I just had one of those my self last evening...we didn't turn it into a pity party but more of a "let's do life together with the One who brings Life"...enjoy your weekend Laura..I'm assuming your school is closed as well for the Veterans Day.

Anonymous said...

I am anticipating having everyone together for Thanksgiving, too!

Friends who can relate and encourage are a big blessing.

It definitively help to have a plan. I can get frustrated, too, when the demands of everyday life don't seem to leave time for things I want to do, but bit by bit I can squeeze time in on some of them.

Jerralea said...

Gratitude, plans, and anticipation - all good things that I love as well.

Hope you have a wonderful time with that grandboy this thanksgiving!

Carrie said...

A plan! A mission! You are a woman after my own heart! ;D

Now I have the "Attitude of Gratitude" song (by Joni Erickson) stuck in my head. Not a bad thing, actually.

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Unknown said...

great list - i love your friday faves because they always make me smile!

Karyn said...

An attitude of gratitude..... something we all should strive for.

Good for your hubby to help you make plans that will work for you!

I can well imagine the anticipation and excitment as you look forward to having your family all together for the holiday! Especially that little one!!!!

Great quote! A truth that is sometimes hard to embrace. But oh, so true.

Amber said...

I love the quote! So true!
I agree, friends who can be there to support and lift you up are special!
And I like the Attitude of Gratitude. What a great idea, and wonderful posts!

As always, such warm and wonderful posts here on your blog. I enjoy reading them.

And thank you for you kind comments on my blog.
Have a grest weekend!

Clella said...

Of course you feel better when you have a plan and a GOAL. Just kidding. I always enjoy your Friday Faves even when I don't comment. Love Clella

Shonya said...

ooooh, numbers 3, 4, and 5 all resonated with me. Friends who can relate (and at the same time life you up)--PRICELESS!

And it sounds like your hubby is one of them--love that he encouraged and motivated you with a plan!

And that quote--perfect! I wish I could always hold on to that perspective.

Anonymous said...

I like your Thanksgiving advent idea! Boy can I sympathize with you on #4! Having a plan helps so much. Thanks for that great perspective-reset quote.

Anonymous said...

Love the quote. I am praying for the offering on Sunday and plan on sharing it then.

I am enjoying your attitude of gratitude posts. I can relate to much of what you share and so it's like it is my "list" too.

Have a great week, Laura.

Susanne said...

We do tend to look at life through a very narrow field of vision, don't we? Thank God that He sees the big picture!

I love anticipation of the holidays! Sounds like you will be surrounded by your family. What a great time you will have!

Brenda said...

Sometimes my ideas and plans overwhelm me as well, I know what you mean!

I love the attitude of gratefulness that this time of year encourages us as well, now if we could only carry that over through Christmas. . . .

Karen said...

Laura, enjoy that grandbaby and kids... Amazing quote-our eyes are so finite.

Willow said...

Great list this week and I love the quote. Time and again this autumn I've been reminded everywhere that God is sovereign in all and yes, there is joy in sorrow and the kingdom even in poverty.
I so know your anticipation for the holidays. I'm holding on for Christmas when I'll see my New Boy!

Catherine said...

I have been enjoying your gratitude posts! Your feed in my reader is always a pick me up. As usual, your quote is perfect.
-Catherine

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