{ Thanksgiving 2014 (DAY 496) }

Can I let you in on one of the biggest secrets of my increased joy this year?  It’s too good to keep to myself.  After reading Ann Voskamp’s book 1,000 Gifts I was challenged to start writing down the things that I am thankful for.  I started last fall and decided to write down every morning what I was thankful for from the day before.  It sounds completely cliche but it’s true when I say it has changed my life.  Before I committed to doing this I was just trying to be grateful throughout my day but there’s something to writing it down that makes an impact.

This week is Thanksgiving.  That one day out of the year where most people in my country choose to be thankful for something.  Yet why just one day?  I say why not every day?  Being thankful for all the gifts and blessings God has given me has radically increased my joy. Day in and day out.  I’ve filled up one journal and I’ve already started another one.  4,099 gifts later I’m a different woman.  No, I’m not magically thankful all the time but I am choosing to see more beauty and more moments and to discover the grace in them and hard times.  It’s all around us. You just have to look for it.

So I hope on Thanksgiving you see all that there is to be grateful for (your breathing, your limbs, food, clothing…..) but more that that my prayer for you would be that you would have a thankful heart all year round, 365 days.  It takes some effort but it’s worth it!

We’ve been given so much.  And if today you feel even a little bit thankful would you consider giving to someone who has less than you?  Would you consider donating to our sweet orphans in India?  They could use our love and gifts.  Even if you just give $5-10 dollars that makes a mark.  And it’s so easy! You just have to click on that “GIVE HERE” button to make a donation. 🙂  Thanks everyone! I’m so thankful for all that you’ve done for me and my 545 kiddos!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

UPDATE! $89,708.82  Almost to the $90K mark! Let’s see if we can get there by Thursday yes?  🙂