Just Ten Things (Everyday with God)

(And Book Giveaway!)



We're home from vacation, and I'm getting back to my usual morning routine.

I get up when my alarm clock, er, the dog, wakes me; Grab a cuppa and sit outside and soak in my vitamin D3 while my doggie does his stuff; pick up after said doggie (on a good day); and then, the best part?

Talk to God.

Most days I have my daily devotional with me and I read that first, and then talk to God (Some call this PRAYER. I try to keep the line open so it's a conversation.) One of my favorite ways to start that dialogue is by thanking God for at least ten things.

My journal is another vehicle for a good list of "just ten things" (to be thankful for). Have you tried thankfulness as a discipline in your life? It is such a good exercise for increasing your sense of well-being. If NOTHING else changes, no matter what you're going through, the exercise of gratitude in itself is a game-changer.

Below is my list of ten from this morning.(Some days I want to go on for 20 or more. It's amazing that when you choose to be grateful you begin to realize you have incredible blessings to be grateful for.) If you do this exercise often, you will slowly start to live with an attitude of gratitude. Take it from me: a reformed worrier.

Are you a pessimist? Counting your blessings should be a mandatory routine! Gratitude leads to praise, and the Bible tells us that "The Lord is present in the praises of His people." Think about that: the Lord is present in praise! (Psalm 22:3)

"Draw near to me," says God, "and I will draw near to you." (James 4:8)

Don't know about you, but I'll take that any day.

JUST TEN THINGS

1. This beautiful, not-too-hot morning, with a clear sky.

2. The yard work that's been done (yay). (The yard work that WILL get done, yet!)

3. My family, despite the work a family requires.

4. My puppy, Ruffles. (More work, but more joy.)

5. Our country, which is still a better place than so many other spots on the globe.

6. Our recent vacation to the Smokies, and the wonderful homes of dear friends.

7. Dear friends.

8. Our church and it's leadership; our small group.

9. The work the Lord continues to do in me.

10. Life, breath, and the honor and capacity to commune with my Creator God!

What's on your list, today?

Leave a comment and share your top two with me and I'll choose one commenter to win a free book. It'll be your choice of one of my books (autographed to you, if you like) or a different Christian fiction read of my choice that I'm sure you'll love.

Don't forget to leave your email in a form such as this: Linore (at) LinoreBurkard (dot) com, so I can get in touch with you if you win!

Comments accepted through August 7th!

18 comments:

Unknown said...

What I am Thankful For...

1. That I have an opportunity to win a free Book!!!

2. Waking up late AND being in a positive mind frame. (I'm not a morning person so this is huge for me

3. The cool morning. Fog was beautiful over our pond.

It was hard to choose the top two!!!


Have a wondrous day!
Kushka4paws@yahoo.com
Beth

Linore Rose Burkard, Novelist said...

Hi Beth!

Glad you stopped by. I love your top three. It CAN be hard when we consider how we are surrounded by mercies that are "new every morning".
You're in the drawing.:)
Warmest Blessings,

Linore

Pat Cochran said...

Things I'm Thankful For:

1. I woke up today. (Thank you,God!)
2. I got to see Honey before he left
(he usually leaves before I awaken)
3. My family, especially the grandsons
who are coming over today

Blessings to all!

Pat Cochran
p-cochran@juno.com

Linore Rose Burkard, Novelist said...

Thanks for sharing, Pat. No matter how much or little we have, PEOPLE really do matter most.
You're in the drawing!

Warmest Blessings,

Linore
PS: My brand new short, HER ONE TRUE SOLDIER, is now available on Kindle.
http://on.fb.me/N5NCY8 It's romantic suspense. :)

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

1. For the ability to drive to our Aunt's funeral
2. Seeing over 40 cousins and some of their spouses at said funeral
3. For my brother and his wife who love us enough to take Mom and me here.
4. Thank you for the awesome giveaway!

forgot to leave my email address so deleted former comment

marianneDOTwanhamATgmailDOTcom

Liz R said...

1. That I graduated nursing school today (I definitely couldn't have done that one without God!)

2. My family and friends that support me through everything.

3. My sweet little dog (he just puts a smile on my face).


God Bless!

ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

Jo said...

1. That I woke up this morning

2. That I have the wonderful husband that I have

3. That we came back from the long vacation that we went on.

4. For life and knowing that G-d loves me and watches over me.

Blessings,
Jo
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

Jo said...

1. That I woke up this morning

2. That I have the wonderful husband that I have

3. That we came back from the long vacation that we went on.

4. For life and knowing that G-d loves me and watches over me.

Blessings,
Jo
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

Linore Rose Burkard, Novelist said...

Hi Marianne,

So sorry about the loss of your Aunt. I love the way you found blessings in the midst of sorrow. Thanks for sharing, and you're in the giveaway!

Liz,
CONGRATULATIONS on finishing nursing school! That is awesome.And I have a sweet little doggie who puts a smile on my face, too.:) You're in the drawing.

Jo,
I share each one of your four reasons. God is go GOOD! You're in the drawing. Thanks for sharing, ladies.
Hugs,
Linore

Teddy said...

Thank you for your post, it was very refreshing to me this morning. Being in daily communion with God and letting Him cultivate a grateful spirit in us is SO important.

Thankful this morning for:
1. His Word that guides us and helps us to draw near.
2. God's guidance in a particular matter I'd been praying about. Praise that I know He'll take care of my every need as I act on His will.

bskaggs(at)zoominternet(dot)net

Kelly said...

1. Family and friends that are helping my family through a difficult time.

2. That God loves us enough to teach us and use us.

3. My little 3-year-old with his brand-new glasses that he did NOT put up a fight to wear!!

Love your books!!

kelly(dot)ropson(at)gmail(dot)com

Linore Rose Burkard, Novelist said...

Hi Teddy and Kelly,

Thanks for sharing! Teddy, I pray he'll continue to guide you in that matter; and Kelly--a three year-old in glasses--How cute!!! And thanks for being my reader. :)
You're both in the drawing.
Hugs,

Linore

karenk said...

HI Linore...

I enjoyed your posting...very much.
I'm thankful for summer sunshine...and being fortunate to enjoy it.

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Linore Rose Burkard, Novelist said...

Hi Karen,

Thank you.
In these sweltering days of summer we can forget that it is all a GIFT. Thanks for the reminder--and you're in the drawing!

Blessings, :)

Linore

rubynreba said...

1. I'm thankful that my husband's cancer is in remission and that he is going on the Honor Flight for Purple Heart Vets to Washington DC on Tuesday.
2. I am thankful that I get to see my church family tomorrow.
3. I'm thankful that we received some much needed rain today.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Linore Rose Burkard, Novelist said...

Hi rubynreba,

What a blessing your husband's cancer is in remission--and a Purple Heart Vet, too!
Thanks so much for sharing, and you're in the drawing!
Hugs,

Linore

Linore Rose Burkard, Novelist said...

And the winner is.....KELLY!
Congratulations!! I'll post this on the blog now. Click through and choose your book.

Thanks, everyone, for participating. Stay tuned for my next giveaway!