Thursday, June 5, 2014

Thankful Thursday


“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” Oprah Winfrey

I used to be afraid to touch life, to enjoy any of its good, big or small. For me, it was all about survival, fighting to get through one day to the next. 

Not anymore. Now I wake happy and eager to get out and experience whatever the day holds. I never imagined life could be this great. And it's not b/c anything major is happening, but just that I'm alive, I've been given a second chance and I finally understand that life is meant to be lived, not endured. Thankful for..... 

-the laughter and smiles of my children. They're the best things that ever happened to me. I want to be happy for them so they can be happy in life.
-chatting with strangers - I love when people just come up to me out of the blue and start talking as if we were old friends.
-drives in the country. One of my favorite things to do. The peace, sights, smells, sounds - it's so life affirming. I always return home happier. 
-Animals. There's something fun about seeing a groundhog scurry across a field, or a family of deer grazing nearby, or the myriad of birds flying around - I love it. Best entertainment there is.  
-Mostly, for the gentleness of His touch. It's what really pumps me with gratitude, peace and joy. Joy - that was the farthest thing I'd ever thought I'd have. 

Happy Thursday, Guys!!!!

 

8 comments:

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Living life with an attitude of gratitude can take one a very long way. And when we discover living one's life for God is the way to true happiness, life becomes so very beautiful. Not perfect, but beautiful. Spending time drinking in the scenery is always a happy place for me too. Have a happy day and weekend, Nikki.

Blessings 'n hugs,
Sandi

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I'm so happy for you. I love how you embrace life. My daughter is struggling and I hope she can find your strength someday!

Sharon said...

I'm grateful for animals, too, Nikki. I wrote something this week about some *God* lessons my granddog, Marty, taught me. And, it's one of the things that I love here in the mountains. I am delightfully entertained by scampering chipmunks and squirrels, deer who visit our salt lick and drinking trough, and the birds and hawks who call this area home. And OK, I guess I like the lizards and snakes, too!!

All of God's creation reminds me that He is there.

GOD BLESS!

Launna said...

I want to get to the point you are at...I want to just love life... That must be an amazing feeling Nikki ♥

Nana Jul said...

Beautiful sister! There is such truth to the quote you used! I have to practice daily the art of giving Thanks and Praise! So I look, I write them down, all the good,so I can remember. Because for some reason seems my brain is wired to hash and rehash everything that went wrong. So I am even more determined then ever to find the good. And in the practice He's opened my eyes to see Him, and it's awesome! Love ya! Jul

Crown of Beauty said...

Abba Father is truly the God who redeems and restores, keeps His promise to repay you for the years the locusts have eaten. Your life is one proof of this, and there are many others as well. I love reading your Thankful Thursday posts - they never fail to bring a smile to my face each time I read them. The gentleness of His touch, that is just so true, Nikki.Enjoy the rest of your Thursday, for me it is already Friday mid morning.

Connie said...

Beautiful post, Nikki! I love your list of things to be thankful for this time around. Hope you have a nice weekend. :)

RCUBEs said...

Knowing your story, that's the key.... you never gave up! Until you realized the Hold that never let you go because He doesn't give up for He loves us. Have a great weekend sister!