When I got my 2016 planner, it came with a gratitude journal. While I love the idea of journaling things I am grateful for, I have failed to get into the habit of sitting down and journaling on paper regularly. Since blogging is currently my preferred writing method of choice, I wanted to take a minute to stop and give thanks for some of my many blessings.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Summer Fun & Exiting my Comfort Zone.

We took a day trip to a local amusement park this month. My husband, Josh, and my Dad are usually the designated adults who ride the rides with the kids. But because of health issues with the family dog, Josh had to stay behind. So I rode more rides than I have in ages. While I was pretty nervous about this at first, it was a great time.

The Family Pet.

This is Garth. He is our thirteen year old beagle. We got him from an amazing beagle rescue when we lived in Virginia. Garth is getting up there in years and has had a rough couple weeks. He has a slipped disk in his back and has been having trouble walking. It is hard to watch those you love age and for us the family pet has been no exception. When you are going through a rough patch like this, it causes you to stop and reflect and be thankful for all the happy memories this pup has given us over the last eleven years.

Iowa’s Beauty.

A couple weekends ago, my hubby woke up and said, “Let’s go on a road trip.” Without having a real clear idea of where we were headed, we loaded up the kids and a picnic lunch and hit the road. It was amazing all of the beauty we found within our home state (without even having to try very hard). The picture above is one of the places we ended up. Pikes Peak State Park.

How you view the world is a choice. There will always be positive things happening. There will always be negative ones too. No matter what is going on in your life, there is beauty. There is love. There is something to be grateful for. Thank you for letting me share a few of mine with you today.

I’d love to hear what you are grateful for today in the comments.