Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #68

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you do not know what this is all about.

Imagine the feeling of eating but you could never be mobile. Just completely sedentary. You cannot avoid eating, because you are hungry. However, what if you never moved your body the amount of time needed in a day to use any source of energy that food has produced? I thank God for the ability to exercise, even if it is just to take a good long walk. In addition, think about it…exercise helps you to age gracefully (just ask your joints). Your face may tell the story of youthfulness but so can your body if you use it enough and in the right way. Sure, there may be some “minor” aches and pains, and other health issues, but if we make use of the exercise, we can keep issues to a minimum (along with proper eating habits). I thank God for exercise!

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #67

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

It’s funny how every now and then among the ads and junk mail I normally throw away I find an answer. In this case the answer was a nasal spray right out the store that would almost instantaneously decongest my sinuses without triggering breathing problems for me. So, if you haven’t figured it out yet, I am GRATEFUL for medication that works without side effects. We would all like miracles when it come to our health but I am a witness that sometimes the effectiveness of a medicine is a miracle in itself when you’ve tried everything and nothing has worked. It’s difficult being on a prescription medication where it does wonders for your sinuses but then over time you find the horrendous itching with your eyes is not allergies but a side effect of the prescription.

If you have believed for complete freedom from a health situation, hold to it. Keep believing. But if you have found some relief, some comfort in a medicine while you wait, be grateful. One of the worst things is to wait on deliverance and have absolutely no comfort in the waiting.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #66

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

I frantically searched the table that was made for eating that now seemed to be cluttered with writing stuff. So, what’s the purpose of my home office? Oh, yes…I digress. I was trying very hard last night to see where I’d placed my eyeglasses I’d just had earlier in the day. I went back to the bedroom and checked among the tussled comforter on my bed. I rambled through my purse. I even went as far to check the closet where I keep my toiletries and my refrigerator! Don’t laugh...but sometimes when I’m multitasking I set things down in the oddest places and forget I put them there—yes and that can even be my refrigerator. That doesn’t happen often. Anyway, the phone rang and I got sidetracked in conversation but because I needed to see what I was reading I didn’t forget what I started out doing. All the while I was pleading, “God please show me where I put those glasses.” I barely had the glasses 3 months and it almost made me sick to think I’d have to dish out the money for this prescription again. So, I decided to call my sister and mom’s house to ask they pray I find my glasses (…where 2 or 3 are gathered in My name…). With the phone ringing I walked back to the dining area and looked under the table. My eyes caught the eyeglass case in one of the chairs. I hung up the phone. Somehow they’d slipped off the table and I had no idea.

I thank God for the invention of eye glasses! I don’t need them all the time, just for reading. I don’t know why people are becoming so cheap with ink printing things so small now days on everything! Seriously, could you imagine being told that after a certain age there would be just some things in life you can no longer do before you even reach the age of seniority? If you can do anything with the aid of eyeglasses, you have one more thing for which to be grateful.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #65

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

The sometimes soft spoken woman was seated in a room with all male prisoners sitting at tables with their loved ones and friends. Each table had no more than 4 chairs, 1 for the inmate and 3 for the visitors. At one side of the room where she was seated were food and beverage machines accompanied by a microwave; the same lined the wall where she first entered. The inmate that was seated at her table had finished eating the food that was brought to him by two of the three ladies that had also come with her to visit.  As she sat there across from him with two of the women, she listened to him speak while trying hard to tune out past habits of searching for how to respond. In response to a question from one of the other ladies with her, he said, “I have some doubts and confusion about God…” The soft spoken woman listened intensely as he seemed to struggle in explaining what was going on inside of him and his desire to live honestly in whatever beliefs he would hold to for his life. The other ladies chimed in at certain points during his explaining. It wasn’t before long that she broke her silence, “You’re concerned about your identity…you think that you’re going to lose who you are…” She tried to hide the uncomfortable feeling that arose in her in response to his sudden outburst of laughter. She nervously laughed, shrugged her shoulders and mumbled, “Sorry, I just said what I thought…” She hadn’t intended to make an assessment of what he was feeling; it just came out. But one of the ladies almost seemed shocked, catching on to his laughter, “Naw…that’s it. He’s laughing because you hit his issue right on the head.” It was true. His conversation took a totally different direction into just a little bit more transparency.

Aren’t you grateful for people that will just take the time to let you say what you want to say without trying to make you feel the way they think you should feel? Don’t you hate when people just want to rush you along in what you’re trying to get out into the open, or prejudging what they think you are trying to say? Aren’t you grateful that there is at least one person (I hope) that you don’t have to worry about raining hell and brimstone down on you because you are being honest about what’s in your heart? We really do want other people to help us but honestly most just aren’t equipped to listen long enough to hear what’s going on in us that we ourselves aren’t even aware that is going on. Even if you only have God that listens to every care of your heart and walks you through how to change your way of thinking, be thankful that you have Him. And if you’ve been blessed with the skill to actively listen, not “just hear” sounds, thank God for that! The secretly hurting and spiritually dying people around you need you.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #64

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

I hate to say it, but at one time it would put me in one of the most mind pleasing moods ever. Things could be going a little rough but just a little bit of THAT and I’d be good to go! It’s as if it would set the world right for me. I could have it all day long but I know that’s not healthy.  I’m better now days but the love of it still hasn’t gone away—CHOCOLATE! Dark Chocolate, milk chocolate, peanut butter and chocolate (REESE’S)…it doesn’t matter! But seriously, I thank God for that study I encountered, Made to Crave that helped bring me into balance; I was so far out of balance. And in light of my balance I thank God for simple pleasures He allots us that were never meant to take the place of any real emotional needs, like chocolate. The cacao bean is one of the greatest gifts of nature He could have ever provided. He had to be thinking of me when He made it…ha ha ha! So, barring any STRONGHOLDS, for what simple pleasure(s) are you grateful today?

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #63

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Thank You

Thank you

for the tears you’ve dried

And thank you

for the embraces you’ve given

...For many times they ease the suffering

our hearts have to endure

 Thank you Mom...

for just being you

For so many times

You felt you had to have the answers

But just having someone to care

Is a privilege many today cannot experience

 
You mean much to us

...not for the house in which we dwell

...not for the many clothes you’ve put on our backs

...not for the many meals your hands have prepared

...no...not for any material reason

But for the heritage and emotional ties

that bind us together 

Our words fall short

of the gratitude in our hearts

For your being encompasses much

to be desired by many

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #62

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Well, it is 62 days into this journey of being thankful “on purpose” everyday and we have approximately 2 months before this comes to a climax on Thanksgiving Day! What a ride so far uh? So, today I just want to pause and say THANK YOU for taking time to stop by and read my thoughts for however many days you’ve visited! You didn’t have to but you did and I’m grateful. I love inspiring others in my own way whether I’m at work, praying one-on-one with someone, or just spending time communicating my thoughts through social media. That’s first and foremost my desire—to encourage and inspire others to change and keep improving.

So, I hope that you’ve been inspired so far to keep being thankful everyday not just because you wake up every day but for all of those things that we all so often take for granted. If you need a reminder of what those things are, take a moment and start back at my day 1 of these postings. I look forward to continuing this journey of thankfulness with you on tomorrow. Until then, do something different today—find someone you can shock by thanking them for something (be genuine though). You’ll brighten their day and I believe you’ll feel good too!

See you tomorrow!

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #61

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

There is one particular innovation that gets blamed for a lot of bad things because people abuse its usage, but I’m very grateful for it. It’s helped me find out how to break into my own suitcase when I was far away from home without the key to the lock. It’s allowed me to gain a brother from another mother ocean’s away. It’s given me natural home remedies that have worked for my health. It’s provided me some great recipes. It’s currently providing a way for me to gain a grant writing certification with my crowded schedule. It allows me to work from home when needed. And among a host of other things, it’s allowed me to find my way home when I didn’t know how to get there. When it first came on the scene we called it the World Wide Web, but now we just coin it as just the internet. Sure, those of mine and past generations got along quite well without it. But could you imagine not having it now? We’d have to resurrect those Yellow Pages that we now just let sit on a shelf when they arrive at our front door or recycle them upon arrival. And let’s not forget thumbing through a dictionary or encyclopedia for a word or research. To be honest, the encyclopedia still has some of the most solid information depending on the online searches you come across. But you get my point. The internet has become our “go-to” for just about anything we need or want to find quickly. And we shouldn’t take this innovation for granted. Imagine living your life without it for the valuable reasons for its use. See any inconveniences? Be thankful for every convenience allotted you. Think about it. You could not read this blog if you didn’t have access to the internet.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #60

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Today, that for which I have to be thankful (and hopefully you as well) is so simple and yet so noticeable when it doesn’t exist. You cross the path of some people and they leave you wondering if their parents or anyone ever took time to teach them better. Honestly, the lack of it is a complete turn-off to me, which is why I’m thankful when you encounter people who demonstrate that they had good home training. It’s courtesy. Thank you. Please. May I. Or, it’s just acts of holding the door open for the person coming right behind you. Or, not just blatantly cutting in line when you see other people have been waiting. Or, this one—not just letting one rip by belching out loud in public without as much as “I’m sorry” or “excuse me.” It's just plain, good old, common courtesy. Or you can even call it good manners. It’s sad that we live in a society now days where you find it a breath of fresh air when you’re around those who still hold humane qualities because often it’s become so rare. So yes, I’m very thankful for the smallest acts of courtesy. It makes a big difference when it’s lacking.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #59

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

I’ll never forget that day years ago. I was sitting on the bus and this beautiful little girl sitting next to me looked up at me and asked me why she and I were black and my sisters were white. My heart almost broke for her because she didn’t understand the difference in hues of skin color. Yes, today is one of those touchy subjects about skin color (too bad the hands of the various colors don’t touch more like this subject). This little girl and I were a darker skin tone than my younger and older sisters. I remember when I was a little kid I wished I was lighter like my sisters. For some reason I just thought I was too dark. That’s just what was in my own mind. It wasn’t until I visited my Big Mama (grandmother) one day and saw in a photo album that what my mother had told me repeatedly as a child was true, and not just something to make me feel good about my hue. In that photo album was a picture I stared at in unbelief! It had me thinking, “How did I step back in time to be in this black and white photo?” I saw a reflection of myself; my mother really was dark! She was born and raised down south and constantly told me that her skin only lightened after she left the south. So, along with all the other things she would tell me about who I was as a person, she really wasn’t just trying to make me feel good. I don’t know exactly when it happened, but somewhere over time my darker hue stopped becoming an issue for me in my childhood. As a matter of fact, I was once asked by someone whether or not I would ever get a tattoo. They might as well have asked me would I like to have my body permanently painted. The thought of marring any part of this hue in my skin depresses me. I am thankful for the hue of my skin; I love the tone in my color. And whether you are Caucasian, Asian, African, etc. be thankful for the color of your skin. Be thankful for the various hues we find in mankind. We don’t all have the same shape of eyes, noses, or lips—why do we have to have the same skin color or hue within our races? What should concern us more is whether or not we all value the life of the hue that embodies it.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #58

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Yesterday was the first time I can ever remember having an experience where I literally felt like my body was shutting down and I don’t mean in a way of just feeling tired. I mean I literally felt like I had no control over my physical body and I would just drop to the floor at any minute. Come to think of it I had a similar feeling once about a year ago but I was sleeping…I digress…that’s a topic for another time. Anyway, yesterday I was standing in line at the grocery store and I had one foot propped up on the back of the cart with my head down hoping no one noticed the flush that I was feeling. I was just praying and taking deep breaths, “Lord, please let me just make it through this checkout and seated behind the wheel of my car. Please don’t let me fall out in this store.” See I ignored this little voice that was telling me to go home after I’d left an afternoon event to get just a little breather before I had to go to an evening service. But noooo…I had to get my grocery items before going home! Our bodies are wired to give us certain signals when we need to do something. They tell us when we’re hungry. They tell us when we’re sleepy. And among other things, they tell us when we are TIRED. My body was TIRED from going non-stop all morning and early afternoon with probably only 5 hours of sleep the previous night. I did make it through the checkout and home with my groceries put away. I crashed on the couch for about 45 minutes; just enough to get a little bodily refreshment. I thank God for His grace but I hope to never be that hardheaded again in ignoring my body. Don’t try to be superman or superwoman; pay attention to your body’s signals. Thank God that your body gives you signals—warnings! Don’t ignore them. Whatever you feel needs to be done by you will never get done if your body doesn’t allow it.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #57

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Today I give special pause to looking at how people are connected to us or we are connected to them. I believe God has always used certain people in our lives to be the answer we need in our lives, and in return He uses us to be the answer to them or someone else. I think about the very fact that there is this person who went through such an extraordinary ordeal in life and God orchestrated their life in such a way that they would meet a need in my life. I don’t believe in coincidence, I believe in divine orchestration. And when I really think about it, I marvel at the fact that people can’t just plan out certain things in their lives, especially the negative ones that will become a catalyst for the needs of someone else. Of course, I believe there is a hand at work that causes some very bad things, but I also believe in the Greater One who operates in such a way as if to say, “That’s okay…I’ll allow that and I’m WILL work in that too.” Today I am thankful for the life of this soul that helped change one of my misfortune’s in 2013.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #56

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Who doesn’t like to be pampered every now and then? If you’re a guy, I’m sure you like going to sit in the barber’s chair and have him line your hair or shave you. And women…you know we love getting our hair done. Let’s not forgot sitting while we get our hands and fit pampered. And yes, we know there are some men out there who enjoy this as well! But what about when it comes to our food? We love sitting at a restaurant while someone brings food to us or dropping somewhere for carryout when we’re on the run. And without fail, we love having the postman bring us our mail. Can you imagine if we were required to visit the post office everyday to pick up our mail? We all love being served! Some of us complain when we have to serve others but we ourselves love receiving it. Being served is a gift; never hold the belief that people have to serve you with a smile. And it doesn’t matter that they’re being paid for it. Not everyone that is paid gives service that makes you want it again. Be grateful every time someone serves you whether in your home or in the grocery store. Be thankful!

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #55

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

I don’t know about you but I am so grateful for the ability to learn new things! Last night I started my 1^st class online through the St. Louis Community College for my certification in grant writing and it was absolutely invigorating! Life would be just a bit of a bore, don’t you think, if learning stopped after you completed the 12^th grade or college? That wouldn’t help us a bit when it comes to the need to learn for new job opportunities, or how to learn the skills for a new hobby or other interests. What if our brains had limited power or limited storage like computer memory? Many of us don’t take full usage of our brains; we don’t stretch ourselves. We feel like we can’t remember much because we don’t exercise them enough, especially if we don’t feel we need to with the use of technology to remember things for us. But think about it…the possibilities we have really are limitless if we actually purposed to use the brains God gave us. Perhaps we don’t all retain the same types of information but I believe we are all wired to retain and recall information beyond measure. You don’t think so? What was the last song you found yourself singing and had no idea you knew the song? The mind is a powerful thing. Thank God for your ability to learn!

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #54

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Imagine you look back over your life and you see a time when you were very immature and naïve. You did something that was so horrible to someone. Maybe what you did or said was to a parent or a friend. Or perhaps you did something very awful to someone you were dating. Or maybe you say what you did wasn’t all that bad but you’ve done something during your lifetime that you wish you could take back. Imagine getting the opportunity to say you’re sorry to that person and ask that person to forgive you for what you did but they refused. Their voice echoing in your ears, “I don’t want to hear your “sorry” and I will never forgive you. As a matter of fact I hate you!” Cold words, right? Well, now imagine that feeling being magnified because every single time you did something, regardless of how small you could never be forgiven by anyone ever. You forgot someone’s birthday; that person is forever angry at you. It even costs you a friendship. You missed returning someone’s phone call just one time. This relationship is never the same. The first time you arrived late for work; you get your walking papers. Even your dog who always ran to you now wants absolutely nothing to do with you because you took a little too long to feed him. What a cold, cold world if you had to be perfect because just one screw up, JUST ONE costs you something EVERY SINGLE TIME without fail. But yet I doubt there is one single person on the face of this earth that can say they have NEVER experienced the gift of forgiveness at the hands of someone. Forgiveness is truly a gift because it’s something that you can never take from anyone; it must be willingly extended to you. I am grateful for every hand of forgiveness that is extended towards me. I am grateful for the times I’ve been late making it to my work desk and it didn’t count against me. Yes, this is a form of forgiveness. And please, no one get the idea that I have a chronic problem. I just pointed that out because sometimes we are so quick to think we have very little for which to be thankful. We should instead be quick to think about all the graces we receive every moment of the day. So, thank God for every act of forgiveness extended to you and extend the same to others. After all, whether you believe it or not, God has forgiven us all for much.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #53

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

There is this great experience in my life that has given me so much patience and has been so tranquil in its dealings with me. And the experience has caused me to be the recipient of such kindness and thoughtfulness beyond measure. And at the times when I’ve acquired something this experience has never shown me any amount of jealousy and it was mindful to not brag or be arrogant when I had to standby and just be the observer. Just being a part of this experience there has never been room for rudeness or oversight for my needs. And I’ve never had to be overly conscious of arousing any negative feelings. And if I ever made a mistake it wasn’t taken personally. One of the most remarkable things I’ve seen as a part of this experience is this great character that never took an opportunity to jump to believe the worst but instead it held to the hope of truth or some reasonable explanation for what could be seen. Even more remarkable was to witness acts of just repeated patience being extended. A patience that just seemed to endure the test of time in such difficult situations. It seemed to be endless. This GREAT experience is love. I’ve witnessed the various facets of “true love” in my lifetime during my interactions with various people. And I’m grateful that I can say I have “seen” and “experienced” it. People can say all day long that they love you but until you can experience it in its true form as defined by I Corinthians 13, you never truly experience it. I just pray that all of these characteristics can be found wrapped up in me by others.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #52

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

At various stages in our lives sometimes we need reminders of who we are and who we were made to be. We need to look at ourselves and see if we truly know our own convictions and if we find contentment with them. When you were younger it may have been a little harder because far at the back of your mind you thought just maybe you were missing something in life; no one wants to feel like the odd one out. But then comes that day of reckoning where you’re exposed to that thing that was lingering at the back of your mind and you find yourself asking, “Is this it? Is this all there is to this?” And in that moment you realize that the person you’ve become at the stage where you are in life you really, really like this person and you don’t need the other stuff. Let’s just say you come to realize you really are “an individual.” You walk to the beat of a different drummer; you really are set in your convictions and you have peace with it. It’s not to say that you don’t look to grow even more but you find that you’re comfortable in your own skin. Are you truly at peace with who you are? Not many people can say that they’ve found that peace. Some try to find peace in other people, their possessions, their titles, their status, and acceptance. Be very cautious of the latter; acceptance doesn’t necessarily mean peace or contentment. Sometimes acceptance is a disguise for settling for less than your place of victory in life. If you can truly wake up every day without the disguise of a smile while a storm is raging inside you, be thankful for the peace of your convictions.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #51

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Sisterhood and brotherhood; neither is dependent on being related by blood. Besides siblings, one definition of sisterhood is defined as congenial relationship or companionship among women; mutual female esteem, concern, support, etc. One specific definition I found for brotherhood was feelings of friendship, support, and understanding between people. So, as you can see you may be an only child and still experience the blessing of having that close tie with another female or male. This is very important because even for those of us who grew up with siblings we all know that sometimes in life you can’t connect with that sibling(s) and need that support from another. It’s just a reality sometimes depending on the situation we encounter in life. Sometimes that sibling is just not going to understand or cannot connect with you in the way you may need for that particular situation. I believe we are all made to relate to other people, even the person who tags themselves as a “loner.” Think about it…how many loners have you ever seen that look happy or peaceful? People may not be comfortable connecting with a crowd of people but I believe everyone wants to connect with someone. Be thankful for your circle of sisters or brothers regardless of the size of that circle. It’s not the size of the circle that matters; it’s the quality of that circle. You need them and they need you.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #50

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

On my way home from work yesterday I was driving down I-70 leaving downtown. The sun was shining beautifully but my eyes were a little weary and itchy. My eyes had been giving me issues over the past 2 or 3 days. A thought passed through my mind, “If I could just get a new pair of eyes…just take these out and replace them I’d…” It was as if my thought was stopped midstream when I heard this inner voice from God, “You can see can’t you?” Quickly I fell back into thankful mode. It was true, as irritating and frustrating my eye issues can be, I see very well. I just need glasses for small print and that’s quite alright. My thoughts switched to how despite the drastic eye issues I’ve had since 2008 there have been no doctor diagnosis of vision impairment due to the scarring that has been left on the white part of my eyes. The scarring is due to abnormal growth of eyelashes “under” my upper lid and on my bottom lids--growing in the direction of my eye instead of away. This condition has caused me to master (with the help of God) the usage of tweezers and a 15x magnification Floxite mirror. Quite often I have to lift my upper left eyelid and peer into that highly magnified mirror that has backlighting to find that lash growing under the lid where no hair should ever grow. And like playing the game, Operation, with those tweezers I pull it out without flinching or blinking. It’s tedious and can work my nerves but more frustrating when I know the hair has re-grown; my left eye is watering due to the very small hair stabbing my eyeball. And though I’ve had to repeat this process on a regular basis for 7 years now, I have not lost any eyesight due to this condition. It would make me more than happy to have a miracle of the scarring disappearing and no longer deal with the abnormal eyelash growth but I believe God’s grace “is sufficient” for me. And in that I CHOOSE to be grateful.

So what about you? What is not so perfect for you right now but despite it you are functioning anyway? Brag on what God has and is doing for you! As a matter of fact, I invite you to use the comment section below to brag on what God has done in your life. After all, He gets all the glory for anything good that happens in our lives and He deserves it. So, tell it! Show your thankfulness! Have a thankful day!

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #49

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

When was the last time you’ve had a day where it just seemed like you were getting nowhere in the things you needed to do that day? When was the last time you can say that you ended the day feeling good because there were some things you wanted to get accomplished and you ended the day meeting that goal? Productivity. That’s the difference in the depiction of those two types of days. When you have so much to do and not one thing has gotten accomplished that day you can feel very unproductive. I don’t know about you but sometimes those days can make me have that “what’s the use” feeling. If nothing is getting done why even bother. However, days that are productive help keep pushing us forward in life. We see what was done today and it encourages our hope for the next day; we don’t have to see things finished—just moving. Be thankful for the days when you are accomplishing things. It might be studies working towards a degree or certification. It might be a room in your home that you’ve been slowly cleaning out or remodeling. Another chapter completed for that novel you’ve been trying to write. Or, it might be a project at work that’s not quite at the finish line but there is just one more task or part of a task being completed everyday to get you there. There are so many opportunities for obstacles to our goals on a daily basis (phones calls, uncooperative people, unanticipated health issues, etc.) so be thankful for those days that end with you completing something.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #48

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Have you ever had just a little bit of difficulty with getting something accomplished and someone for no reason at all helped you? Ever had to move to a new home or just move a piece of furniture or a TV, and a friend, or a neighbor—someone helped you, no questions asked? They didn’t expect to be paid they just did it out of the kindness of their heart? Doesn’t it just feel good when someone helps you with no ulterior motives? No, one wants to be taken advantage but sometimes you just need a helping hand. It helps strengthen your hope in humanity when God blesses you with people in your life who can just be there for you in the way that you need when necessary. Sometimes you just need someone to listen to you; you’re not looking for them to solve your problem. But as much as we feel blessed when people are there for us, never forget to be that blessing that someone else may need. I firmly believe that when you make things happen for others (with no ulterior motives), God will notice and send the right people along to help make the things happen that you need in your life. In life, never expect that you will always reap where you’ve sown; sometimes those people don’t have what you need. But that doesn’t mean that your harvest isn’t somewhere else. I know this to be true. Thank God for the kindness you experience in life and pay it forward.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #47

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Imagine life being serious all the time. There is no reason for anyone to smile. As a matter of fact it is a crime to smile. But the ultimate offense is any hint of a chuckle. Any sign of a chuckle would be considered the prelude to laugher, and that is a definite no-no. To be caught laughing is a sign of foolishness and immaturity. People will be more apt to perceive you as intelligent if you are never found laughing. If you want people to take you seriously you must always carry a serious face and engage in serious conversations. Serious people are more favorable than those who are ever caught laughing. After all, the more serious you are in every area of your life the better your character, unlike those who spend anytime laughing at stuff. Doesn’t all that sound like one of the craziest ideas you have ever heard? But what’s even crazier is if all this were true! Could you imagine never having experienced Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd? Did you grow up with the show Sanford and Son? What about the Three Stooges? If you’re a parent could you imagine never having laughed at the little stupid things your kids did as toddlers because you were always making them sit down? Life is filled with so many opportunities for laughter and I believe it’s safe to say that we’d probably cry more and have more cases of depression and sickness if laughter was never an option. Laughter really is some of the best medicine you can get for free. Thank God for the ability to laugh!

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #46

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

I can’t tell you how many times I have read something a number of times at various stages in life and all of a sudden one day I would get a whole new understanding or more clear understanding of what I’d been reading. And then there have been the times when I had one way of solving a problem and after sleeping overnight I’d awaken with an easier way of solving that problem. Have you ever had those “ah ha” moments? Those are new insights! It’s like a bell goes off and you’re thinking, “Wow…was that really the answer all this time?” Be thankful for those insights. Thank God for those insights! What new insights are you expecting today? Those don’t come too easily so treasure them.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #45

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Today many of us have been given a day of rest from work in honor of Labor Day. It is a blessing to be given the opportunity to use our hands, our minds, our gifts and talents in exchange for wages in the marketplace. How many of us can say that we’ve been fortunate to ride that train of entrepreneurship? Perhaps one day we’ll have that opportunity. Or maybe you are of the mindset that you don’t want to work at all. Whatever the case, it is a privilege to use the bodies we have been given to work. In working, many of us have found that we get to put our skills behind the type of work that we feel good about and contribute to the welfare of others. And for many who are not fortunate to work they wish they had the opportunity. So, be found thankful today for the work of your hands.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #44

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

Have you had the privilege of doing something that no one else has been able to do? What about someone doing something for you for no obvious reason? These are examples of having favor with others. You can’t determine what may give you favor with one person and not with another. But I do believe that you can live life in a way that causes constant favor to follow your life. Favor is a gift. Before you tell yourself you’ve rarely experienced favor take time today to reconsider that thought and then be thankful for the favor you’ve received. Let that thankfulness lead you to extend favor towards someone else.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #43

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

You will have to forgive me today I have no analogies to start my post. No questions, no “what-ifs.” I just have a thankfulness in my heart for answers. Answers to questions that have been “unasked” in my mind (I know that’s not a word—roll with it). Answers to things I’ve pondered that have practically fallen in my lap, though not really (I know the source of all my help). See I was working on a writing project and I was kind of pondering how I wanted to sandwich it…that’s my analogy for how to start the article and how to close it. Without even planning it, something showed up in my e-mail that required my need to decide how to take action on this e-mail which in turn became the opener for my writing project. The e-mail and the writing project are totally unrelated! It’s as if someone orchestrated that e-mail as the answer to what I was working on. The beauty of what I was working on is that the beginning and ending came full circle in my writing project totally based on my e-mail and has absolutely nothing to do with the content of my project but the basis of the email and my writing project are totally related, pulling everything together. Are you confused? I’m sorry I know… Maybe one day I’ll get to share it with you and you’ll understand. But trust me, it was the answer I needed. What answers have you received today? I know…I said no questions today. I lied!

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #42

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

It was around 10 minutes to 7 last night when I got home from work after making a stop at the Post Office. As I walked through my home I dropped one bag I was carrying into a dining room chair and I made my way to the bedroom to drop my purse and kick off my shoes. I saw my answering machine flickering for 2 messages waiting. Who could those be from I thought. I rarely get phone calls at home unless it’s someone soliciting or trying to sell something. I played the first message a couple times because I couldn’t make out what he was saying…it was my oldest brother. Whatever it was he sounded tickled about it. The most I could make out was something about a chicken bone. I listened to the second message it was my brother again. This time he didn’t sound the same. The 2 calls were hours apart and it wasn’t anything bad and didn’t seem like it was urgent. But yet I thought I needed to call back instead of waiting until I got unwound for the evening because I might not get to the call. And I’m glad I did because he and I had a very good long phone conversation…almost an hour! See I’m 45 and my oldest brother is about 10 years older than me. We have never talked that long on the phone…ever…about anything! Last night caused me to appreciate the invention of the telephone just a little bit more. And I’m not talking about the age of texting on digital and smart phones but actually hearing another person’s voice on the telephone. And I’m not speaking of the voices we get tired of listening to at work over the phone. When we get older and start living busy lives it’s hard at time to connect with those to whom we’re the closest. But there is something about hearing the other person’s voice. Letters are nice and even an impromptu text at times. But there is nothing like the live voice of another person coming through the miracle of the telephone. The last thing many of us want to do at times is talk on the phone, but be grateful you have a choice. Many of us live more spread out than the families of former generations.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #41

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

At times it is so easy for us to lose sight of our own shortcomings until God reveals to us through some situation just how messed up we really are. During those times the patience we receive from others while we work through our issues is so valuable. And at the same time we need to be patient with ourselves. While it’s important to see the truth about ourselves and the realities of the actions we need to take, it’s also important to accept we won’t grow without the gift of patience being a reality in our lives. But you know patience from others is also very relevant when we’re totally clueless that we’re in need of it. Ever been in traffic and made a move without realizing that you just pissed someone off? Yes, I said pissed… I mean you didn’t intentionally plan to cut that person off, as a matter of fact you didn’t see them. Do times like this make your mind fall back to when someone may have done the same thing to you, but you immediately became defensive? And if you’re saying, “oh they meant to do what they did,” the point I’m making is that we all need to be recipients of patience or grace. Grace sounds more appropriate here, but you get my point. Today be grateful for the patience that is extended to you while you try to navigate life, and then extend it to someone else.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #40

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

I just have 4 questions for you today:

·         Did you get enough rest last night so that you could be up for work today?

·         Did you ensure you had clean clothes to wear out today before today?

·         Have you managed your finances in a way so that you have gas or money for public transportation?

·         Do you have the ability to plan as needed to limit as much stress as humanly possible?

Well, my friend if you were able to say ‘yes’ to any of those questions above that’s called using wisdom. Many people lack it; it has nothing to do with being an adult. Be thankful for everyday that you’re growing in wisdom.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #39

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you don’t know what this is all about.

I remember it as if it was last night. It was pitch black in my condo and pitch black outside. The only lights that could be seen came from the headlights of cars. There were no lit light poles. There were no lit buildings. I have to admit this was just too much darkness for me; the power had been out in my area for 2 or 3 days. Day time was fine but I dreaded each night where the only light I saw was the light from my flashlight or my candles. But I have to admit there was a certain peace I felt before I laid down at night when I’d look out and see a police car driving through my subdivision. Or every now and then I’d just hear the sound of a police car’s siren and it brought me comfort. Isn’t it funny how in one instance you can hear a police siren and it brings up feelings of something bad happening but when you’re enduring nights of darkness in your town that sound brings comfort? Even though I believe God sits high, sees all and would protect me, during that time the thought of people with evil hearts thinking to use that time to break in houses and do all sorts of crimes caused me just a little bit of unease. Going through those nights of having to lay my head down and sleep knowing there was complete darkness in my area gave me a greater awareness of the value of law enforcement. That was about 7 years ago. And despite everything that has happened between law enforcement and citizens around our country, I couldn’t imagine police presence just going away. I’m grateful that we have it and I pray for the good ones out there every day and even the ones who are just “lost” mentally. Could you imagine being without the presence of law enforcement???