God’s gifts surround us at every turn, but gratitude begins when we take notice.
September is an in-between kind of month. You know, the month that loosens its grip on summer with one arm and stretches to meet fall with the other.
Depending on where you live, it’s a toss-up deciding whether to stow away summer shorts or pull down the oversized, fluffy sweaters from the attic. This decision, however, requires no tossing on my part. {Oversized for the win!} Crisp breezes, bonfires, and sweater necks that crest my chin can’t come soon enough for me.
But in my rush to get to October, it’s easy to use September as a mere stepping stone.
I’m still learning how life is to be savored like a steamy cup of hot tea, and not guzzled down like a thirty-ounce Big Gulp from 7-11. Slowing down long enough to notice people, beauty, and the gifts God places in my life.
Gratitude begins when we take notice.
Those six words have greeted me most mornings over the past several weeks. With them in mind, I began taking the initiative to observe God’s gifts in the here-and-now rather than wait for a specific prayer time to consider my blessings.
Most nights before bedtime, I jot down one gift from God I noticed that day. This simple but intentional act heightens my awareness of God’s gifts and increases my gratefulness in unexpected ways:
- “Thank You, God” is whispered (and sometimes shouted) throughout the day.
- My appreciation for God’s love and care through creativity continues to increase. God could’ve chosen to give us a bland existence. Instead, He filled it with vivid colors, scents that breed nostalgia, and sounds that are sweet to our ears.
- I feel more content. Kind of a throwback to Cindy Morgan’s song in the early ’90s, “How Could I Ask for More?”
Intentionality dares complacency to get in the way of giving God glory.
With this same intentionality, I’ve been working for several weeks on the NEW Fall 2019 gift for subscribers, Spot God’s Gifts Every Day, based on James 1:17:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” [emphasis mine]
Spot God’s Gifts Every Day includes three individual weekday calendars with a daily gift to spot during this beautiful season, September-November. They’re pretty, easy to print (8-1/2″ x 11″), and perfect for the fridge or bedside table. Or tape it to the interior cabinet door that holds one of morning’s most precious gifts, the coffee mugs (which didn’t make the cut but is appreciated nonetheless.)
One of my favorites in this gift — FIREFLIES: God’s living glints of light buzz only a little longer during these final nights of summer.
I hope you enjoy this latest gift from The Tiny House on the Hill. Even more, I pray God will use it stir gratitude to the point of praise throughout our days.
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” G.K. Chesterton
{To assist in jotting down your own gift spotting, I’m giving away a set of two mini-pocket Moleskine journals. Simply leave a comment sharing one gift from God you’ve spotted today!}
When you subscribe to become a part of this *tiny* community, you’re simply saying, I believe God is putting the gospel on display through this ministry and I want to be a part of what He is doing here.
Members of The Tiny House on the Hill community receive 2-3 blog posts in their inbox each month, and a monthly letter that can include:
- Creative ideas for connecting with God and others.
- Exclusive download gifts to enjoy.
- Behind-the-scenes pictures/videos of the progress on the tiny house.
- First-to-know updates on my books, guest posts, and articles.
- A fun monthly giveaway and more!
What’s not to love? *smile*
It’s easy! Type your email address in the sidebar to claim your Spot God’s Gifts Every Day calendars, as well as access to other freebie resources as my way of saying thank you.
So, what’s one gift you’ve already spotted today?
You’re always coming up with the cleverest ideas that keep me coming back for more … and so beautifully described. Please don’t stop. 😀
You’re sweet and God is good! I meant to add to this post that current subscribers will receive a link to the new gift when their monthly letter is received tonight. If you have any issues, let me know. 🙂 Blessings, Sandra!
What a great idea. A gratefulness journal. As for my one gift I’ve been blessed to spot today? It’s wonderful Christian writing friends like you Ms. Cathy. Hey to Mr. Brian; and remind him of the importance of bonfires with just him and his sweater-clad sweetheart on a crisp fall evening.
Same here, J.D. You’re such an encourager! Brian and I were just talking yesterday about re-building our fire pit. (Great minds must think alike!) Ha! Thanks so much for stopping by. Tell your wife hello!
Love this Cathy! Feel like soulmates here in looking for extraordinary treasures which are disguised as “ordinary”. Right now I am burning a “fall” candle- gloomy and raining but the fragrance is one of my “65”. Blessings!
I almost added candles to the calendars because they’re one of my very favorite things (and they can certainly brighten our days!) Thank you for sharing, Marilyn! Blessings to you.
Love this, Cathy!! I long to be thankful in my moments. Thanks for your encouragement and leadership 🙂
I’m glad you like it, Leigh Ann! That is my longing as well. I miss you! 🙂
In October I am doing a presentation for our CWOC ladies. These are amazing ideas that I will borrow and put your link in the handout. Such a great reminder to develop a sense of humility and for all of to be more aware of every precious moment we have. Thank you for speaking to my heart.
I’m thankful you enjoyed the post, Linda, and I pray those attending your presentation will also be blessed. 🙂 Thank you for sharing them, as well as the link. Blessings!
Today’s gift: A smallish house wren sitting on the porch watching me through the glass door. She was soaked through from today’s rain, and yet, she was still singing her song.
What a lovely gift indeed! Thank you for taking the time to share this, Tammy. God bless!
It’s early (really early) here in East Tennessee – out in the country, I’m so thankful there wasn’t a possum on the porch or in the yard this morning when I went to take my dog out!
Love love love reading your post, Cathy! It’s so vivid, calming and fun. This is always a great way to start the day.
I almost spit coffee reading about the possum. That’s funny but not surprising now that I also live in the country. Now I’m watching for bears before I open the door! Ha! Thank you for the kind (encouraging) words. Reading your post this early was a great way to start my day too. 🙂
Hi Cathy, I noticed God gave us in TX a cooler temperature for today. Notice, I said “cooler” not “cool”. The high should top out at about 90 F. Considering the temp Monday was 101, it makes 90 look like a fall day.
Hi Diane! “Cooler” is definitely a gift from above. 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to share. You’re always welcome here! Blessings.
One gift I spotted today is my across-the-street neighbor doing what he does every morning. He’s almost 90 and not in the best physical health; his wife struggles even more. Every morning it isn’t raining, he slowly, painstakingly walks his wife outside and gets her settled in a lawn chair on the side porch. A bit unsteady on his feet, he toddled back in today and got a lap quilt and positioned it over her legs. Then, like every day, he toddled back in and then back out with a cup of coffee or tea for her. On his third trip, he came out with his own mug. They sit together, each holding hands with one hand, their mug in the other for at least 30 minutes. I’ve offered him privately to help, but he says it’s truly his morning pleasure.
I think that’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever read, Patti. It’s his pleasure to do that for her. Wow. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Love this, Cathy. It dovetails beautifully with my Pausing retreat coming up in a couple of weeks. I am so grateful for God’s provision of peace today as I prepare for follow up tests tomorrow.
Joining you in those prayers for peace tomorrow, Jeanne. Please keep us posted. I’m also praying for your retreat. It will be a blessing, no doubt. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Cathy,
I think the beauty of September is that we can savor a last fling of summer, and embrace the fall that’s coming… sometimes two days in a row. Perhaps it’s a gentle reminder to accept and enjoy the moment we’re in and to be present with our Father. Just “take it as it comes.”
Blessings,
Laurie Epps
I love the idea of savoring the moments, Laurie
Hi Jeanne,
Thank you! I have to remind myself too since I teach.
Blessings,
Laurie
Yes, Laurie! Beautifully said, my friend. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Cathy,
No problem! I can’t wait to see the finished project in person…. we’re overdue to catch up.
Blessings,
Laurie Epps
Yes indeed, Laurie! 🙂
Today I got back results from an MRI I had last night. Good news, it was completely unremarkable!
The best of news, Josie! Praise the Lord! Thanks so much for sharing this gift from above. Love ya!
I love receiving your emails Cathy! I feel like I’ve had a big comforting hug from a good friend and feel all glowing inside. Thank you so much for your creative and thoughtful blessings, it means a lot. Walking with my miniature poodle along the country lanes where I live in England I was delighted to see the hedgerows laden with juicy blackberries and damsons ripe for the picking! I enjoyed a delicious feast and time with the Lord. His blessings are new every morning, Great is your faithfulness oh lord!
Joanne, the walk with your pup sounds lovely (and delicious!). Thank you for taking the time to share your blessing and kind words. 🙂 Celebrating His blessings with you this morning!
Practicing mindfulness is a gift God gave me over the years I spent with a loved one who walked through dementia. I learned to spot gifts and share them with her. I miss her, but know she now gazes upon the Giver of all good gifts. One gift I spotted today was laughter in the midst of stress. I am amazed at God’s gift of joy 🙂
I knew you were a gifted spotter from the first time we “met” and it’s just one of many reasons I appreciate our friendship, Charla. 🙂 Have a blessed holiday weekend!
Bless you
I see His love and comfort and grace
Thank you
Teresa Kay Abert
Thank you for stopping by (and for the blessing), Teresa. Same to you!