Gratefulness, a project about true love

So the bible says "Rejoice in the LORD always.  I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all." (Philippians 4:4-5)

Even today?

Even when I'm feeling cranky, complainy, and totally off my rocker?

Yes.  I suppose so.

I have been keeping a little notepad by my bed.  Remember by goals for BALANCE and GRATEFULNESS??  So, rather than mindlessly scrolling through Facebook or Instagram (more than I already do), I've spent the last few minutes before bed writing down things I'm grateful for from the day.

Here are my notes from the past week:

Feb 5, 2014 (#91-98)

• time with Clark at Target
• "Stacey, you're creative. Can you help me?" -spoken by two friends I ran into at Michaels.
• an invitation to a Pizza Factory lunch with Minda & Elliott
• The kids' excellent quiet time reading, each with a STACK of books.
• Piano lessons: jane beginning playing with two hands!
• Haley babysitting so I could...
• ...relax at yoga!
• staying up late crafting and planning and plotting.

Feb 6, 2014 (#99-115)

• Lisa
• Rain
• Coffee
• Tea
• Boots
• Umbrellas
• Garages
• Legos
• Dentist
• Floss
• Clean Sheets
• Cuddles
• Patience
• Craftiness
• Warmth
• Planning
• Teaching

Feb 8, 2014 (#116-117)

• Jane's super excited smile and talk throughout the getting ready for the father/daughter dance, leaving, coming home, and getting ready for bed. It was SOOO sweet. Im proud of Blaine for being there for her and for participating.  She loved it!
• Clark & I having our own little stay-at-home mother/son date.  He chose to watch the "Airshows from Above" movie (my dad's airshow & helicopter team DVD).  It was so cute, his "Awesome!" this and "Awesome!" that throughout.  We were both thrilled to see Grandpa Jim on video.  I am so grateful to have this to remember him through.

Feb 10, 2014 (#118-131)

• being alive
• the Olympics
• being inspired by so many Olympic stories
• being inspired by the "because of mom" commercials
• being DONE with the MOPS make-a-meal project 
• moms showing appreciation for the meals
• Marisol requesting my help for save-the-dates
• Clark's silliness
• Jane wanting to cuddle
• Patty/Alli/Cory #bookclub
• Having medicine to put on my giant chin cyst
• Enough $ in the bank
• Diane, Argie, Lisa & Kandice cleaning up during/after MOPS today
• being blessed to watch those servant-leaders in action.

At first, I was wondering how in the world I would be able to list 1,000 gifts in 2014???  It turns out, I could probably list 1,000 gifts every single day.  I am receiving them... but am I really noticing them?  This listing practice is helping.  

Although I am still terribly ungrateful, I'm opening up my eyes.

Join me?

gratefully,

Stacey