Awed Adoration: Friday's Fave Five

Friday November 18, 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!

Thanksgiving is almost upon us!

I’m so looking forward to family time. And here are this week’s favorites for me:

1. Hearing a student say, “I really liked this book.” My students just presented an Outside Reading Project, and I got to hear those great words. They’re great from any student, but these came from a sixteen-year-old boy, one who struggles academically. Warmed my heart to see his excitement over the book he had read!

2. The countdown. It’s days now until I get to see all my boys, my sweet daughter-in-law, grandson, and a young lady who’s special to one of my boys. I’m glad for every day that takes me closer to them!

3. April. Yes, I know—it’s far away. But my writer buddies and I have made plans, and we’re hoping to spend a weekend together. It’ll be great.

4. More holiday time! I do love Christmas, and the fact that Thanksgiving is the doorway to that season isn’t lost on me. I’ve already pulled out the Christmas music, and I have it ready for November 25th.

5. This quote:

“The life of true holiness is rooted in the soil of awed adoration. It does not grow elsewhere.” (J.I. Packer)

That’s what thankfulness is—awed adoration. And holiness? That’s being close to Him.

What a place to be at the Thanksgiving season. Full of awed adoration, standing next to Him.

Hoping that for you this week.

Anticipation and Gratitude

Thursday November 17, 2011

I'm thankful for anticipation. I love having something to look forward to!

And this week, I'm thankful I can anticipate these things:

1. The whole family under one roof. Just. Can't. Wait.

2. Time with grandson Aiden. It's been months, and the little guy has grown and changed and learned. I can't tell you how much we're looking forward to playing with him!

3. Time to talk, listen, read, write, think…. No school means time - time to do all those things I love to do.

4. Seeing my boys together. It's so much fun to watch them together and remember what their early days were like.

5. A day set aside for thanks—no pressure, just cooking and love and decorating for Christmas. Need I say more?

What are you thankful that you can anticipate?

Tough Times and Gratitude

Wednesday November 16, 2011

Being thankful in tough times? That’s not easy. Sometimes we get a glimpse of thankfulness when we see the sun peeking through…other times it comes in the calm He gives in the very eye of the storm.

Looking back, I can thank Him when things are hard because:

1. I reach the end of myself. Just when I thought I could do it, work hard, make it happen, fix things…I reach the end of me. And then the good news is #2.

2. I realize He’s truly my provision. Not my husband, my friends, family, as wonderful as they all are. Our peace and provision truly come from Him, and tough times make that pretty clear.

3. That breath – that sigh – when you’re through the flood. Or that peace that comes from knowing He has you by the hand in the midst of the waters. The peace amidst the storm is precious.

4. Lessons learned in the darkness. Oh, the lessons learned! And fallen as I am, I turn around and have to learn them again sometimes, but I’m thankful He uses those times to teach.

5. Having a hiding place. When we think we’re doing fine, when we have it all figured out, we don’t really think about having a hiding place. But when things crumble, we realize we have a strong and mighty tower, a hiding place like no other. What a great reminder.

This song talks about this very thing, and it's simply beautiful. It's written and performed by Laura Story. Take a moment to listen.



Have you had tough times? How can you be thankful for the storm?

Things I Feel: Attitude of Gratitude

Tuesday November 15, 2011


Today, my Attitude of Gratitude offering focuses on Things I Feel.

I’m thankful I can feel:

1. Florida fall. I do miss those crisp, cold November mornings in the north, but lately we’ve had some cool weather and nice breezes.

2. New sheets. We just got some, and they feel so nice!

3. My husband’s big hand in mine. I love holding hands with my man, and he has these big, strong, protective hands.

4. My grandson Aiden. Come Thanksgiving, I will be SO glad to feel him in my arms, to read to him in my lap, to tousle that sweet head.

5. Joy. I’m so glad I can feel joy. Joy isn’t based on circumstance or how the day is going—it’s that underlying, ever-present contentment that comes when my heart is close to His.

What are you grateful that you can feel today?

Linking up with Jen at Finding Heaven Today for Soli deo Gloria. Click on over and come along with us!

People: Attitude of Gratitude

Monday November 14, 2011
Continuing with my Attitude of Gratitude, who doesn’t like to be needed? So today, my focus is on being thankful for people who need me - people I need to bless.

1. My other half in this marriage team. He needs me, I need him. It works great that way! I went to a conference last month, and it felt great to know he had missed me while I was away. I’m thankful that together, we have a team.

2. My students. I do love my subject matter, English, but I quickly learned that to be a teacher, you also have to love kids. They don’t say, “I need you to teach me, Mrs. Groves,” but after the first essay of the year it’s pretty clear. I love to watch them learn! (By the way, I’m posting over at Inspired Teacher today about using a Classroom Gratitude Journal. Click on over!)

3. My boys. I laugh about the phone calls that ask things like “Can I heat a hot dog on a paper towel without the towel bursting into flame?” or “Does this stuff at the top of the peanut butter jar mean it’s bad,” but it is nice to be needed, even when your boys are older. Teacher talks with one, parenting chats with another, talks about life in general with them make me feel needed.

4. My mom. She’s in her eighties and my dad passed away ten years ago. I look forward to our phone chats, and I know she does, too. She has great friends, but sometimes you just need to talk to family, so we do that twice a week.

5. Those He puts in my path. Knowing you have been given a plan and mission in life is great. God has given me abilities and the chance to share, and I’m thankful for the people He puts in my path; I pray I can let Him shine through my feeble words and deeds.

What about you? Won’t you join in the Attitude of Gratitude? I wrote last week about people who bless me and today about people He gives me to bless.

Are you thankful for someone today?
Linking up today with Michelle at Graceful for Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday.

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!

Memories: Attitude of Gratitude

Thursday November 10, 2011


With my Attitude of Gratitude, I’m counting down to Thanksgiving, with a laser focus on a different subject every day.

Today? I’m thankful for what I remember. Can you name five memories you’re thankful for today?

1. Memories of happy, fun-filled childhood. So many memories to be thankful for there. Loving parents, a household of faith, close family all around. For awhile, we all lived close—aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins—and everyone’s birthday was celebrated at Grandmother’s house. Great times.

2. Memories of words. I’m thankful for a good memory—not photographic, but pretty good. Because of that, I have lines and poems and verses rolling around in my head, and I love that!

3. Memories from my college days. I had a great time in college, learning, acting, singing, speaking. And my roomie is still a treasured friend today. I just loved college life.

4. Memories from a bunch of years of marriage. (Over 30, actually…) No, it hasn’t all been easy; there have been hard times and stress, but the great memories easily overshadow those hard times. We’ve had sweetness and fun, adventure and teamwork…so much more.

5. Memories from my life with four boys. I know, it’s crazy—but it was great fun! There were days I just held on and wondered if I’d make it through, but I did survive. And I have some great memories from those jam-packed days and nights.

What about you? What memories are you thankful for?

Things I Hear: Attitude of Gratitude

Wednesday November 9, 2011
In my Attitude of Gratitude series, I'm giving thanks for specific things. Today, it's things I hear.

I'm thankful for these things I hear:

1. Music. I chose a picture of musical notes because music is important to me. I don't know how it got to be that way except that God put it in my soul. I'm no musical artist, but I love, love music. I listen in the car constantly. Music is one of my favorite parts of our worship service on Sunday.

2. The sound of a loved one's voice on the phone. So nice when you aren't close...and we are too far, geographically, from one another!

3. Laughter. Oh, it does my heart good. My husband knows how to make me laugh and my boys certainly do. And my students? We've had some rip-roaring times in my classroom, and everyone leaves feeling good after laughter.

4. High school voices raised in song. I think my students are especially talented, and their music teacher is a marvel. The sounds she gets out of them are just incredible. About 7 boys came to my room after school the other day and sang for me, and it was awesome.

5. The stories and songs and verses of His promises. I'm taking a class right now, and hearing of Him, His people, and the longing of the human heart for Him just warms my heart.

How about you? What are you thankful for that you can hear today?

People Who Bless: Attitude of Gratitude

Tuesday November 8, 2011

Gratitude is ever on my mind this month, so I decided to pen a few thank you notes to people who bless me.

I'm thankful for:

1. The aforementioned people. I wrote about these people yesterday; they're the ones who help me get through each day. The ones who reach out and hug or laugh or smile with me, in person.

2. My writer friends. My Kindred Heart Writer buddies -- Clella, Jeanie, Johnnie, Karen. They're heart friends, and I only get to see them once or twice a year. We're in contact every day though. They support me, encourage me, pray for me, even push me. I'm so thankful God put us together.

3. My family. From my mom to my sister, to my sweet boys, daughter-in-law, and grandson...and on over to the other side of the family, the one I married into. They're all so great and loving and supportive and fun. If I need encouragement, I don't have far to go with this bunch.

4. The blog bunch. Yes, that's you. Daily I'm blessed (if I make time to cruise around and read your words) by your honesty, your humor, your love for family and faith. I could start naming names, but you'd be here all day.

5. Those who've gone before. Maybe it's the teacher in me, but daily I'm blessed by the words of someone who walked this path before me. First and foremost, in the words of Scripture that begin each day for me. My love for literature is no secret and the truths found there bless me over and again. I'm thankful for those who fired that love in me--teachers, my sweet dad--and whose memory blesses me each day.

What about you? Can you name a few people who bless you, that you're thankful for?

What I See: Attitude of Gratitude

Monday November 7, 2011

I'm working on my attitude of gratitude. This is the month for it, you know.

In November of last year, I posted Gratitude Checkups, focusing on things I was thankful for. It's fun to go back and read what I was thankful for a year ago!

This year, I've decided to take a laser focus on my thankfulness, choosing a topic every day. (A sneak peek--tomorrow I'll be giving thanks for people who bless me. Come back by and share!)

Today's gratitude is focused on What I See. Today I'm thankful for these things I can see:

1. God's beautiful world. I got to spend about 4 days in beautiful South Carolina last week, and His handiwork was breathtaking. I do miss those fall leaves.

2. My sweet husband's face. I'm so thankful for him--for his love, his advice, his sense of humor.

3. Pictures. When loved ones aren't in reach, I can still smile at the sweet pictures I have. (Like my sock monkey grandson...)

4. Friends and colleagues. Without my teacher friends, the workday would be dismal indeed. Lunchtime, before school, after school -- I love seeing their faces.

5. Books. I love the fact that I can set my eyes on the printed page and be transported anywhere. I saw a news report the other day that brought tears to my eyes. An organization had gone into an underprivileged school and totally outfitted the library. Oh, the potential in that one room -- for learning, wonder, discovery, imagination. I do love books.

What about you? Can you name a few things you can see that you're thankful for?

Linking up with Jen at Finding Heaven Today for Soli deo Gloria, Michelle for Hear It on Sunday, Use it on Monday, and Laura for Playdates with God. Click on over and come along with us!

Get Ready for Gratitude

Wednesday October 26, 2011


Wondering what you can do to get your family ready for November?

Decorate the house with leaves and turkeys and pilgrims. Trace your kids’ hands, cut them out, and have the kids write what they’re thankful for on them. Glue the thankful hands to a turkey so they form the turkey’s feathers and use it as a Thanksgiving decoration.

Start a family gratitude journal for everyone to use. You can decorate it together or just place a plain journal on the kitchen table. Invite everyone to jot down what they’re thankful for every day. On Thanksgiving, take a moment and let everyone read their favorite entry.

One day, set out to talk about the little things you’re thankful for. Show the kids as you fix breakfast or drive them somewhere how to be thankful for the smallest of blessings. (“I’m thankful for your smiles this morning.” “I’m thankful that the sun is shining today.” “I’m even thankful for the piles of leaves we have to rake up!”) Explain that when we show thankfulness for the small things, we’re showing God we’re grateful for everything He gives us and we know that all—big or small—comes from Him.

Choose a family verse for November and post it on the refrigerator. Let one of the kids do a keyword search on Bible Gateway, find verses about gratitude, and have each family member choose one to memorize this month.

Thankful time is coming! A month of gratitude sets the scene for the season of giving—so make the most of it, as a family.

Toddler Rules: Hear It on Sunday, Use It on Monday

October 24, 2011

I’ve been thinking about writing a post about toddlers and teens because when you think about it, they’re similar in a lot of ways.

But I was unprepared for the revelation my ego received in church this morning. The pastor said, “Many Christians are still playing the game of life by toddler rules.”

Hmm…a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Ouch.

In Acts 4:32-37, we read of a time when “all the believers were one in heart and mind.” They shared everything; they sold land and brought the money to those who needed it. It’s a beautiful picture.

This story has important lessons in the context of radical giving, but it spoke clearly to me this morning about radical living.

But there are those “toddler rules” that often get in the way. Here’s one.

Who’s in charge? (Toddlers answer, “I’m in charge.”)

Yes, unfortunately, that’s often me. I mistakenly think I’m in charge of my life. (Mary Engelbreit’s Queen of Everything comes to mind.) And if I’m in charge, then I make all these decisions about how to live my life with my own “wisdom.”

How did the believers in Acts avoid the “I’m in charge” mentality? Reading the passage leading up to verse 32 yields an answer. Look at what they did. First they prayed and, in Acts 4:24, they acknowledged that absolutely everything came from Him. Then they asked for boldness, and they got it.

Another “toddler rule” that gets in the way?

What will I get out of it?

How often do I give – just give – out of love and thankfulness? Undeservedly, to the biggest rascal or offender, with joy? (Paul really steps on my toes here…)

How did the Christ followers in Acts avoid getting caught in the “what’s in it for me” trap? Again, look where they started – with Him. First, they acknowledged Him as the source of all things. It’s Him that matters. And if He has it all and loves us, can’t we trust that He’ll give what we need when we need it?

So I back up to Acts 4:23 again and realize that this wonderful prayer that attributes everything to God came on the heels of Peter and John being hauled before the Sanhedrin. They were commanded not to speak in Christ’s name; they were threatened. They were mistreated.

So what did they do? They prayed and gave Him the glory for all—good and bad, big and small.

November is coming, and I have gratitude on the mind. My goal? Gratitude through it all.

So maybe I can leave those toddler rules behind. With His help.

Will you join me on my gratitude quest in November?

Linking up today with Michelle at Graceful for Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday. Click on over and come along with us!

Thankful Thoughts to Carry Us to Christmas

Thursday November 25, 2010

May today simply begin your thankful thoughts.
May they carry all the way through the coming season.

You can make that happen, you know. And what better way to approach the season of giving than by giving thanks -- and continuing to do so, all throughout December.

Keep gratitude at the front of your thoughts and words this season, and see what effect it has on your family.

I've read several posts about children and families who are giving gifts to those who really need them in honor of each other this Christmas. Instead of purchasing something plastic, they're pooling their money for chickens for a family in a third world country, they're sponsoring a child through Compassion or World Vision, they're planning to give of their time to those in need.

As the festivities wear off today, tomorrow, and through the weekend, why not put up a different kind of tree first?

Make a Thankful Tree. Trace your family's hands on different colors of construction paper. Have each person write what they're thankful for on the hands. Arrange them in the shape of a tree. Make that your first decoration of the Christmas season.

Take those thankful thoughts with you as you journey toward Christmas, and December will be different.

Don't leave thankfulness behind as you approach Christmas. How do you plan to carry it into December?

Thankful for Friends Who Make Me Think

Wednesday November 17, 2010

Photo credit: Flicker Creative Commons

Come along with me and meet a friend I’m thankful for – one who makes me think. Her name is Amy Sullivan, and her first question sets my mind awhirl. At the top of her blog is the query, “What consumes you?”

Amy asks in her sidebar, “What fills your head when you have a couple minutes of precious silence in the car? What is the first thing you think about in the quiet of the morning? If you are like me, life demands your attention, and the idea of others is often an afterthought. Sick of the me, mine, must- have-mentality, I’ve decided to blog about my family’s journey toward GRACIOUS GIVING.”

See what I mean? She makes you think! And that’s a good thing. Stay a minute and eavesdrop on our conversation, and then read what Amy has written just for outnumbered moms.

Amy, tell us about your family.
I’ve been married to my biggest encourager, travel buddy, and frozen-pizza-devouring husband for twelve years. Together we have two girls who are so sweet their veins actually pulse with honey instead of blood. True fact, sort of.

What’s your passion?
God, giving, and writing. Yes, in that order. Although at times I forget the order and stick one in front of the other, not good.

Why did you begin blogging?
Almost a year ago, I had a post Christmas experience that shook my world, and made me realize how consumed I was with just about everything EXCEPT God and giving. Not knowing what to do with the weight I felt under, I came up with a small way for our family to serve locally. However, when I filled my family in on my grand serving idea, my husband was only mildly interested, and my daughter’s response was “But I don’t even know any poor people!” Life in the Sullivan household needed to change and change in a big way. I knew I wasn’t alone in my struggle to move away from self-centeredness. There had to be other moms who felt that life and material objects were filling the hole that only God was meant to fill. I thought by blogging I could connect with others fighting the battle against consumption, and maybe learn a little about myself along the way. This past May I hit that little “publish post” button for the first time.

When I asked Amy what she’d like to say to moms who visit my blog, this is what she sent me. What a heart!

Two Easy Steps to Growing a Giving Heart

Dear Moms,

I know you are exhausted and worn out from the routine of it all. You may be feeling as if you cannot possibly clean up one more mess, find another lost Polly Pocket shoe, cart a child to practice, or pour out more of yourself.

Your days are filled. Your hands are juggling, and you are tired. You don’t have time for yourself. You certainly don’t have time for others.

The world is telling you to buy more and eat there and have you seen those new shoes? The world is screaming take care of yourself first, make those home improvements, and is that the car you really drive?

You don’t have time to chair that board or start a nonprofit or do all the big ideas that are floating around your head. So instead, you sit and wait for something to fit your schedule or fit your life. You wait for something more convenient.

You wait and you miss out.

But here’s the thing. You don’t have to miss out. You can get involved today.
Right now, in those snowman pajamas without any make-up. Right now, without even leaving the room. Yes, even you can start growing your giving heart.

How?

Step 1: Pray for that cause that spins around your head at night. That’s it. Find your cause (come on now, you know what bothers you - human trafficking, poverty, AIDS, the homeless…). Now pray for that ONE cause.

Step 2: Repeat step one daily.

See, giving takes on many forms, but the first step to meaningful giving is always prayer, and prayer is something you can start right now.

So get to it. Start growing that giving heart of yours.

Go visit Amy! As you cultivate gratitude this November, you’re preparing the ground for a giving crop. Once we begin to realize our blessings, our hearts warm to sharing them with others.

What one thing can you – and your family – do to grow a giving heart?

Thankful Weekend #2

Saturday November 13, 2010


I keep cultivating that attitude of gratitude, and you know what? It’s showing fruit.

Ten things I’m thankful for this week:

1. An awesome date night last Sunday with my dear hubby. We saw an incredible concert and had dinner out. Lots of fun.

2. The love of dear friends – those with skin on and virtual ones. I’m constantly feeling their love and support.

3. The approaching holidays! I look forward to cooking and a house full of boys!

4. Meeting some sweet moms face-to-face. Today, I sold my book at a Christmas Boutique and I connected with some great moms.

5. Edy’s Peppermint Ice Cream topped with chocolate syrup. Mmmm….A bloggy friend put me onto the peppermint ice cream and I added that touch of chocolate.

6. Boys who are anxious to get home for the holidays. I love that they’re looking forward to it!

7. Friends for my mom. She underwent some minor outpatient surgery this week, and I’m states away. I’m so thankful she has great friends and neighbors who love to help.

8. My boys! In talking to moms today, we commiserated about how hard being a boy mom is. But I still wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m so thankful for them – they’re my “material”!

9. My writer friends. I write with a dear bunch here, the Kindred Heart Writers, and they’re my buddies, my editors, and my prayer support. Also, this weekend, a local author shared his spot with me at the event in #4 and wouldn’t let me share the cost. A blessing.

10. So much I want to say and I’m on #10! The beauty of Scripture, the poetry of the language…it bolsters my spirit and makes me feel as if He has my heart in His hands.

What about you? Leave a comment and let us know what you’re thankful for.

Linking up with Thankful Thursdays Top Ten – even though it’s Saturday! Go visit Curious Georgi!

A Thankful Weekend

Saturday November 6, 2010


How can I pass up an opportunity to write about thankfulness?

It’s so funny – ever since I decided to make this my theme for the month, it’s been ever on my mind.

I sit at a stoplight and think of what I’m thankful for. What a great way to occupy your thoughts – with lists of the good stuff! I love it.

And I do think you have to cultivate that attitude of gratitude. After all, these things have been here all along, but because I’m tending that garden of thanks, its fruit is ever present in my mind.

What about your garden – and your family’s? Are you cultivating thankfulness?

As I’ve pondered my blessings this week, I’ve noticed:

1. My kids – not my own (that’s another blessing), my kids at school. I do love them. Yes, they drive me crazy sometimes, but what a privilege to touch young minds and hearts.

2. Words. I’ve loved them as long as I can remember! Reading reminds me of that.

3. My Creator. This week I’ve been struck by how grateful I am to know the Author of my blessings.

4. Trust. My oldest has an exciting weekend ahead that involves a job prospect. I love that we can trust that no matter what, One greater than us is in control. We can trust that every experience is a step in the journey, and He holds our hand along the way.

5. The joy of eating. That may sound strange, but I’ve had a temporary crown this week which has reminded me that it’s so much fun to eat without one!

6. The ups and downs of life. The ups are great (of course), but the downs have their place. Without rain, how would we see the rainbow?

7. The love of a parent. I met with parents this week in an activity connected to school, and I saw love in their faces – concern for their teens, even anxiety. But the love shone through. I reminded them to always share that love, even if it seems their teens don’t want to hear it.

8. Anticipation. That’s a word I use a lot lately. I’m looking forward these days, not back. And I’m thankful for that perspective.

9. The warm spot by my husband’s side. How I love curling up by him on the couch and sharing an evening!

10. The attitude of gratitude. I’m thankful for November in a way I haven’t really experienced before – all because I’m trying to cultivate thankfulness. So far, the fruit is awesome.

I thought, “Should I post today? No one reads on Saturday.” But you know what? It’s been a great exercise in thankfulness for me!

What about you? When you look around with your grateful glasses on, what do you see?

Linking up with Thankful Thursdays Top Ten – even though it’s Saturday. Go visit Curious Georgi.

Gratitude Checkup #1: A Family Gratitude Journal

Monday November 1, 2010

Are you thankful? This is the month for it, you know.

Can you increase your gratitude – and your family’s?

I’d say definitely. We’re thankful when we realize and appreciate what we have. And too often, we’re just too busy or too hassled to contemplate what we have and see the blessings there.

So take time this month to contemplate what you have and encourage your family to do the same.

Consider a Gratitude Journal. It can be a pretty journal that you buy or fashion, or it can simply be a notebook. Label it and put it on the kitchen table with some pens and crayons. Encourage everyone to contribute to the journal when they’re struck by something they’re thankful for – big or small.

If you have a hard time getting started, you can label a few pages to get things going. Here are some ideas:

Use the alphabet. Put an A on one line and skip a few, then a B on one, etc. List A’s and B’s you’re thankful for, continuing through the alphabet. This is a great activity for your young readers.

Use pictures – photos, cut outs, or child-created drawings. Have a picture of something you’re thankful for? Tape it in. Let your children find pictures from magazines of things they’re thankful for, and add those. Encourage them, though, to see beyond "stuff." Their pictures can be symbolic -- a heart for love, a smiling face for jokes or laughter. You or your teens or your little ones may want to get artistic in the journal – go ahead!

Label pages with the five senses. On one page, write “I’m thankful for the things I see…” and leave space for family entries. On another, “I’m thankful for the things I hear…” Don’t forget smell, touch, and feel.

Highlight the big and the little. Make an “I’m Thankful for the Little Things” page and an “I’m Thankful for the Big Things” page.

Encourage thoughtfulness. Especially if you have older children, make an “I’m Thankful for the Gratitude Journal Because…” page. It’s a great place to list what you learned through the Gratitude Journal.

Support thankful actions. Title one page "Ways to Show My Thankfulness." Entries can be as simple as saying thank you for something specific to writing a thank you note to someone.

Be sure you date the journal. It’ll be great to look back upon one day.

That’s my first idea for encouraging thankfulness in your family. You’ll hear more ideas throughout the month.

Have you ever used November to encourage your family’s gratitude? What worked for you?

Interested in a giveaway for my book? See Sunday's post below.