Just Ten Things-Book Giveaway II

More Autumn Blessings--Just Ten Things 

(and book giveaway!)

In an earlier post, I discussed the power of gratitude and how creating a simple habit of giving thanks each day for just ten things can dramatically alter our feelings and attitudes for the better. I did a book giveaway for those of you who left a comment to share something you're grateful for, and Kelly Ropson won a book.

Well,  I'm doing another giveaway. To be entered, leave a comment like last time, sharing your top three reasons for gratitude today. In this beautiful Autumn season there is so much to be grateful for. I'm starting us off with my list for today  (the illustrated version--with pictures!).

Here goes: 

1. We recently took a trip from Ohio to New Hampshire and Maine, and were fortunate enough to be visiting  at the height of the "colors"--that is, the fall, when the leaves change. I'm grateful, Lord, for your beautiful Creation!

2. Good friends became better friends as we shared four nights and five days together in their rustic retreat on a pristine Maine lake. Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of godly friends who share their blessings!

3. In New Hampshire, we renewed ties with relatives we hadn't seen in a decade. (And with their dogs, too! Below, meet Lila, Noah and Moses.) Thank You, Lord, for family, both far and near. 

4. We got to "ooh" and "ah" all along the way, both coming and going. Thank You, Lord, for leading us safely there and back. 

                                                 Every turn in the road was postcard-pretty.


5. Our friends were perfect tour guides, taking us from remote mountain views to off-the-beaten-path good eateries. Thank You, Lord, for hidden blessings that You bring forth in their time--and for those still in store for us during life's journey. 

            Here I am, with Pete and Sandi. I found out Sandi is an intrepid hiker who will leap tall boulders for a single photo! Me? Not so much.

6. The picture below was taken only three days after the similar one, above (3rd from top of post). Notice how much the maple on the left changed in so short a time. Thank You, Lord, for the fleeting beauty we glimpse on earth--just a taste of what awaits us in heaven. 

7.  Coming home has blessings all its own, like these marigolds which I never expected to last this far into the fall. Thank You, Lord, for unexpected, small pleasures.

8. In the front, my geraniums are proving hardier than expected, too!

9. We don't have mountains or a lake just steps from our back porch, but I'm grateful for our little woodsy spot in Ohio, anyway. 

10. For all the responsibilities of home and family, which make vacations so very special. Thank You, Lord, for appointed times of refreshment! 

                                          Above: Back at the lake. The view from our room. (Sigh.)

Now it's your turn. Leave a comment with your top three reasons to be grateful today, and I'll draw a winner (to win a free book of mine) from among the commenters. To choose a book, you can see what I've written  along the right side-bar of this blog, or you can click through to my website and see more about my books  here.  

Comments accepted for the drawing through  October 31st.  I look forward to hearing from you!

                                                            Saying goodbye is sad to do!

Autumn Blessings

(And a free gift for you!)

One of the simplest ways to stand apart from the world as believers is to acknowledge the God of Creation, and there is certainly no lack of reason to do so during Autumn.

I've been away a lot the past few months, but to inaugurate my "return to the blog" I'd like to give you a gift that is in keeping with this wonderful season. Stay Tuned--the download link is at the bottom of today's post.  

Recently as I walked my little doggie in the early morning it was raining leaves. They wafted around me and wisped about, only to fall to the ground in the end, silent as snowflakes, pretty as butterfly wings.   

Thank You, Lord, for the beauty of leaves! Even in death, they show forth Your Glory.

My neighbor's huge oak stood tall and majestic in the morning light, and that rare phenomenon, when  honey-yellow leaves begin glittering as though edged in actual gold-leaf, happened: I took a deep breath and inhaled the sight. 

Thank You, Lord, for Autumn blessings!

 

I had a light jacket over my jeans and sneakers, and enjoyed the sweet crisp air as well as the crunch and crackle of leaves underfoot. No mosquitoes, not even a stray spider-web obstructed my path.

Thank You, Lord, for the beauty and wisdom of changing seasons!

God has promised not to allow the change of seasons to cease; not until the end of time. Isn't that good to know? And how easy it is to thank Him for the beauty of the natural order He placed in our world. 

What Autumn blessing are you most thankful for, today? 

Share your thoughts and then go and download a free gift from my website: A collection of printable AUTUMN-themed goodies you'll enjoy! 

All you need is a color printer, scissors and glue, and card-stock--you'll have pretty Autumnal 

bookmarks

gift tags

post-it note holders

stationery

and clip-art graphics.

For the stationery, you don't need to do anything but PRINT. 

Pick up the download here:

http://www.linoreburkard.com/AutumnPrint-Outs.pdf

Enjoy!

PS: Are you new to my blog or mailing list? I have other downloadable resources for you, which you'll enjoy if you like historical and PICTORIAL fun. As an author of historical romance, I sometimes create free pdfs just for the sheer joy of it. Check them out (and help yourself!) here. 


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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!