Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for solitary hours that give me time to think, write, cook, knit, design, create, hike, read, nap, watch television ...
I don't plan to be a recluse for the rest of my days, but spending time away from lots of people has strengthened my faith and my dependence on You.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Thursday, December 30, 2004 - Prosperity
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for prosperity. After S lost his job, I doubted that we would make it through the year without dipping into our savings account, but I kept the faith and we did. As a result, we gave a more generous cash Christmas gift to our neighbor boys (we adore them) and donated money to Mercy Corps to help the Southeast Asia tsunami relief efforts.
Our home is still overflowing with the stuff of a nearly 18 year occupancy, so my goal in 2005 is to declutter and give away what we don't use, need or want. Gandhi's statement, "Live simply so that others may simply live," has become my battlecry.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for prosperity. After S lost his job, I doubted that we would make it through the year without dipping into our savings account, but I kept the faith and we did. As a result, we gave a more generous cash Christmas gift to our neighbor boys (we adore them) and donated money to Mercy Corps to help the Southeast Asia tsunami relief efforts.
Our home is still overflowing with the stuff of a nearly 18 year occupancy, so my goal in 2005 is to declutter and give away what we don't use, need or want. Gandhi's statement, "Live simply so that others may simply live," has become my battlecry.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - To be alive
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful to be alive. I mourn the tens of thousands of people who died in Southeast Asia in the aftermath of earthquakes and massive tsunami waves. We plan to donate to one of the relief agencies. Because we live in a global economy, we are part of one enormous family that spans the globe. In good times, we celebrate each other. In bad times, we take care of each other.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful to be alive. I mourn the tens of thousands of people who died in Southeast Asia in the aftermath of earthquakes and massive tsunami waves. We plan to donate to one of the relief agencies. Because we live in a global economy, we are part of one enormous family that spans the globe. In good times, we celebrate each other. In bad times, we take care of each other.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - My head cold is finally history
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful that my head cold is finally history. For the first time in over a week, I can taste food, savor deep breaths of cold mountain air and sleep through the night. Ahh, it feels good to be alive.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful that my head cold is finally history. For the first time in over a week, I can taste food, savor deep breaths of cold mountain air and sleep through the night. Ahh, it feels good to be alive.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, December 27, 2004
Monday, December 27, 2004 - Abundance of intuition and inspiration
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an abundance of intuition and inspiration - the two "intangibles" that guide me in my writing, artwork, cooking, and gardening. Without them, my trademark creativity would suffer.
For these blessings, I am thankful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an abundance of intuition and inspiration - the two "intangibles" that guide me in my writing, artwork, cooking, and gardening. Without them, my trademark creativity would suffer.
For these blessings, I am thankful.
Amen.
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Sunday, December 26, 2004 - Simple things that fill my life
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the simple things that fill my life. The list includes:
-- T's wet, cold nose touching my face as he wakes me each morning,
-- the delicious crunch of snow beneath my boots as we hike along our favorite trail,
-- the panoramic view of the city from the top of the ridge,
-- the random sightings of deer, coyote, rabbits and birds among the scrub oak groves,
-- the sun's warmth on our faces after nights of sub-zero temperatures,
-- the plates of simple and healthy food like spaghetti crowned by my famous roasted tomato, shallot and garlic marinara sauce, and
-- the quiet winter evenings spent watching TV with my husband - I knit with T lying at my feet, keeping them warm.
For these simple blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the simple things that fill my life. The list includes:
-- T's wet, cold nose touching my face as he wakes me each morning,
-- the delicious crunch of snow beneath my boots as we hike along our favorite trail,
-- the panoramic view of the city from the top of the ridge,
-- the random sightings of deer, coyote, rabbits and birds among the scrub oak groves,
-- the sun's warmth on our faces after nights of sub-zero temperatures,
-- the plates of simple and healthy food like spaghetti crowned by my famous roasted tomato, shallot and garlic marinara sauce, and
-- the quiet winter evenings spent watching TV with my husband - I knit with T lying at my feet, keeping them warm.
For these simple blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Saturday, December 25, 2004 - Christmas spirit
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the beautiful spirit embracing this Christmas Day and the opportunity to share my heart, remember those I love, and pray for peace on earth. And, amidst the joys of the season, I honor Jesus - his birth, life and teachings.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the beautiful spirit embracing this Christmas Day and the opportunity to share my heart, remember those I love, and pray for peace on earth. And, amidst the joys of the season, I honor Jesus - his birth, life and teachings.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Friday, December 24, 2004 - DF's cookies
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the cookies baked by our neighbor, DF, who is the best baker in the city. Yesterday, she gave us a large platter of Christmas cookies - each one a work of art so lovely to behold and delicious with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
My husband and I have been battling head and chest colds for over two weeks. As a result, I haven't baked a single Christmas cookie since neither of us craves anything except for the homemade chicken soup that I've been brewing by the potful. DF always remembers us when she bakes for her family. The doorbell rings. Surprise! H (the younger son) stands on the porch, ready to deliver a plate of her famous chocolate chip cookies.
For these yummy blessings, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the cookies baked by our neighbor, DF, who is the best baker in the city. Yesterday, she gave us a large platter of Christmas cookies - each one a work of art so lovely to behold and delicious with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
My husband and I have been battling head and chest colds for over two weeks. As a result, I haven't baked a single Christmas cookie since neither of us craves anything except for the homemade chicken soup that I've been brewing by the potful. DF always remembers us when she bakes for her family. The doorbell rings. Surprise! H (the younger son) stands on the porch, ready to deliver a plate of her famous chocolate chip cookies.
For these yummy blessings, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Thursday, December 23, 2004 - The basics of a decent life
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the basics of a decent life: food, clothing, shelter and friends. When I read stories in the local press about people who are truly destitute, I have to admit how lucky I am to own a warm house, eat healthy food, wear clean clothes, and have caring friends and neighbors. We also have health insurance (expensive but essential) and money in the bank.
My husband and I have endured our share of adversity while riding the high tech rollercoaster. I lost my last corporate job in the aftermath of 9/11 and, after failing to find a comparable position locally, began a new career as a writer and artist (so far it has yielded high personal satisfaction but little money). My husband was laid-off last June and started a market research company (he's off to a promising start - has one very steady anchor client). As I look back on the year, I am amazed that we made it through without having to dip into our savings. We're hoping for a better 2005 for everyone.
For these blessings, I am so grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the basics of a decent life: food, clothing, shelter and friends. When I read stories in the local press about people who are truly destitute, I have to admit how lucky I am to own a warm house, eat healthy food, wear clean clothes, and have caring friends and neighbors. We also have health insurance (expensive but essential) and money in the bank.
My husband and I have endured our share of adversity while riding the high tech rollercoaster. I lost my last corporate job in the aftermath of 9/11 and, after failing to find a comparable position locally, began a new career as a writer and artist (so far it has yielded high personal satisfaction but little money). My husband was laid-off last June and started a market research company (he's off to a promising start - has one very steady anchor client). As I look back on the year, I am amazed that we made it through without having to dip into our savings. We're hoping for a better 2005 for everyone.
For these blessings, I am so grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - An early white Christmas
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an early white Christmas. What a joy to awake to a snow covered world! As T and I walk along our favorite trail, he prances in delight, kicking up the 6 inches of fresh powder with each step.
We walk in a winter wonderland. I gaze in amazement at the groves of mature scub oak trees. Their rich coffee-colored branches provide a stark contrast to the delicate layer of white frosting. The powdery snow balances precariously on the gnarled and twisted wood. Although it is snowing, we detect no wind. I gently touch a small branch and frown as the snow flutters away. I realize that the slightest movement or merest breeze will send the snow falling from the trees. I am glad that we're walking very early this morning - before the winds rise to spoil the picture. We walk silently through the field and up the big hill. Every step of the way, I am awed by winter's beauty.
As I write this, the snow continues to fall - big, fluffy flakes swirling, dancing, celebrating the season. We are glad to be inside, watching the festival from a warmer perch. I am glad to be alive.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an early white Christmas. What a joy to awake to a snow covered world! As T and I walk along our favorite trail, he prances in delight, kicking up the 6 inches of fresh powder with each step.
We walk in a winter wonderland. I gaze in amazement at the groves of mature scub oak trees. Their rich coffee-colored branches provide a stark contrast to the delicate layer of white frosting. The powdery snow balances precariously on the gnarled and twisted wood. Although it is snowing, we detect no wind. I gently touch a small branch and frown as the snow flutters away. I realize that the slightest movement or merest breeze will send the snow falling from the trees. I am glad that we're walking very early this morning - before the winds rise to spoil the picture. We walk silently through the field and up the big hill. Every step of the way, I am awed by winter's beauty.
As I write this, the snow continues to fall - big, fluffy flakes swirling, dancing, celebrating the season. We are glad to be inside, watching the festival from a warmer perch. I am glad to be alive.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - Our neighbors
Dear God:
Today, I am very thankful for our neighbors. During good and bad times, they have enriched our lives with unexpected gestures of kindness, generosity and encouragement.
For this blessing, I am so grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am very thankful for our neighbors. During good and bad times, they have enriched our lives with unexpected gestures of kindness, generosity and encouragement.
For this blessing, I am so grateful.
Amen.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Monday, December 20, 2004 - Our backyard fence
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for our backyard fence. Last night, the winds started blowing through our neighborhood. Since we live in the Rocky Mountain foothills, we experience exceptionally strong, even violent gusts. Our backyard abuts a greenbelt so, on blustery days, nothing on the western side helps absorb the wind's mighty force. During these fierce wind storms, I am amazed that, after enduring 18 years of Colorado weather, our cedar fence still stands, defiant and triumphant.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for our backyard fence. Last night, the winds started blowing through our neighborhood. Since we live in the Rocky Mountain foothills, we experience exceptionally strong, even violent gusts. Our backyard abuts a greenbelt so, on blustery days, nothing on the western side helps absorb the wind's mighty force. During these fierce wind storms, I am amazed that, after enduring 18 years of Colorado weather, our cedar fence still stands, defiant and triumphant.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Sunday, December 19, 2004 - the Internet
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the Internet. By shopping online, I found the organically-grown materials I needed to make Christmas gifts for family and friends. Yes, I still support locally-owned businesses and refuse to shop at the mall and Wal-Mart. But, the incredible selection of items offered by online sellers from around the world appeals to my bargain-hunting nature and creativity.
For this technological blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the Internet. By shopping online, I found the organically-grown materials I needed to make Christmas gifts for family and friends. Yes, I still support locally-owned businesses and refuse to shop at the mall and Wal-Mart. But, the incredible selection of items offered by online sellers from around the world appeals to my bargain-hunting nature and creativity.
For this technological blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Saturday, December 18, 2004 - T, our Chocolate Labrador Retriever
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for T, our Chocolate Labrador Retriever - we love him dearly. Although he turns 8 years old today, he retains a very lively puppy spirit. He is also, as you know, the best dog ever, enriching our lives with his energy, sense of humor, and affection. All the neighborhood girls love him. And, he can breakdance with the best.
Needless to say, we spoil him rotten. But, he deserves every walk, tennis ball, chewy toy, dog bone treat, tummy rub, hug and kiss we give him.
For this wonderful blessing, I am so grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for T, our Chocolate Labrador Retriever - we love him dearly. Although he turns 8 years old today, he retains a very lively puppy spirit. He is also, as you know, the best dog ever, enriching our lives with his energy, sense of humor, and affection. All the neighborhood girls love him. And, he can breakdance with the best.
Needless to say, we spoil him rotten. But, he deserves every walk, tennis ball, chewy toy, dog bone treat, tummy rub, hug and kiss we give him.
For this wonderful blessing, I am so grateful.
Amen.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Friday, December 17, 2004 - Frozen leftover turkey
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for frozen leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.
My husband, "S," caught a very bad cold on his last business trip to San Jose and came home with a horrific hacking cough and runny nose. Today, after living with his coughing for two days, I feel a bit "under the weather." So, I was relieved to open the freezer and find a bag of frozen turkey and a quart of frozen turkey stock. I put the turkey, stock and chicken broth in a large pot with sliced carrots, diced onions, two jalapeno peppers, spices, and wild rice. The concoction simmered for about an hour. Voila! We now have a delicious soup to eat as we convalesce. By the way, T (our Chocolate Lab), got to eat some soup even though he isn't sick. Yes, he is spoiled rotten.
For these yummy blessings, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for frozen leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.
My husband, "S," caught a very bad cold on his last business trip to San Jose and came home with a horrific hacking cough and runny nose. Today, after living with his coughing for two days, I feel a bit "under the weather." So, I was relieved to open the freezer and find a bag of frozen turkey and a quart of frozen turkey stock. I put the turkey, stock and chicken broth in a large pot with sliced carrots, diced onions, two jalapeno peppers, spices, and wild rice. The concoction simmered for about an hour. Voila! We now have a delicious soup to eat as we convalesce. By the way, T (our Chocolate Lab), got to eat some soup even though he isn't sick. Yes, he is spoiled rotten.
For these yummy blessings, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Thursday, December 16, 2004 - Snow
Dear God:
Today, I thank you for snow. This morning we awoke to a thick white powdery blanket spread over our yard and vehicles. We told our dog, T, that his snowbuddies visited him last night - T happily romped with them during our morning walk. The sun is warm and strong, so the snow won't last. Lucky for me, the xeriscape garden I planted late last summer to replace the sod in our front yard will love the moisture. And, we are ever hopeful for a white Christmas this year.
For all these blessings, I am truly grateful.
Amen.
Today, I thank you for snow. This morning we awoke to a thick white powdery blanket spread over our yard and vehicles. We told our dog, T, that his snowbuddies visited him last night - T happily romped with them during our morning walk. The sun is warm and strong, so the snow won't last. Lucky for me, the xeriscape garden I planted late last summer to replace the sod in our front yard will love the moisture. And, we are ever hopeful for a white Christmas this year.
For all these blessings, I am truly grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - The worn dirt trail
Dear God:
Today, I thank you for the worn dirt trail upon which I trod as I take our dog, "T", on his twice-a-day jaunts from our doorstep into the Rocky Mountain foothills. This morning, we saw a mule deer buck - a familiar fellow who roams our neighborhood. He stared at us for a few seconds before bounding into the dense scrub oak groves that line our path. We quickly lost sight of him. T, however, caught his scent further down the trail.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I thank you for the worn dirt trail upon which I trod as I take our dog, "T", on his twice-a-day jaunts from our doorstep into the Rocky Mountain foothills. This morning, we saw a mule deer buck - a familiar fellow who roams our neighborhood. He stared at us for a few seconds before bounding into the dense scrub oak groves that line our path. We quickly lost sight of him. T, however, caught his scent further down the trail.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - My husband
Dear God:
Today, on our 18th wedding anniversary, I thank you for my loving husband.
For this blessing, I am most grateful.
Amen.
Today, on our 18th wedding anniversary, I thank you for my loving husband.
For this blessing, I am most grateful.
Amen.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Monday, December 13, 2004 - Good health
Dear God:
Today, I thank you for the most wonderful blessing of good health.
For this I am most grateful.
Amen.
Today, I thank you for the most wonderful blessing of good health.
For this I am most grateful.
Amen.
About My Grateful Journal
Dear Reader:
Give us thankful hearts ... Let us seize the day and the opportunity and strive for that Greatness of spirit that measures life not by its disappointments but by its possibilities, and let us ever remember that true gratitude and appreciation shows itself neither in independence nor satisfaction but passes the gift joyfully on in larger and better form. ~ W.E.B. DuBois
A few months ago, I read that high school students who keep grateful journals are happier and less prone to depression when they make daily entries (as opposed to writing less often). What a great idea, I thought. I could ward off my own depression and develop a daily writing habit that would help me fulfill my dream of writing a human interest column and publishing a book of personal essays.
My format is simple: I write to God daily and tell Him about one thing for which I am grateful and why that "thing" is important to me.
I chose "gosei_girl" for my username because I am a fifth generation Japanese-American woman. I've also modified some names to protect the innocent. "S" is my husband and "T," our chocolate Labrador Retriever. Although S and I are native Californians, we have lived in Colorado since 1987.
Thanks for visiting me each day.
Best regards,
gosei_girl
Give us thankful hearts ... Let us seize the day and the opportunity and strive for that Greatness of spirit that measures life not by its disappointments but by its possibilities, and let us ever remember that true gratitude and appreciation shows itself neither in independence nor satisfaction but passes the gift joyfully on in larger and better form. ~ W.E.B. DuBois
A few months ago, I read that high school students who keep grateful journals are happier and less prone to depression when they make daily entries (as opposed to writing less often). What a great idea, I thought. I could ward off my own depression and develop a daily writing habit that would help me fulfill my dream of writing a human interest column and publishing a book of personal essays.
My format is simple: I write to God daily and tell Him about one thing for which I am grateful and why that "thing" is important to me.
I chose "gosei_girl" for my username because I am a fifth generation Japanese-American woman. I've also modified some names to protect the innocent. "S" is my husband and "T," our chocolate Labrador Retriever. Although S and I are native Californians, we have lived in Colorado since 1987.
Thanks for visiting me each day.
Best regards,
gosei_girl
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