THE THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE: PLEASE JOIN US IN THIS CHALLENGE
Written 2014-10-17 10:26:56, Friday
I want to issue you a challenge. Let's call it THE THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE.
What is this challenge? You might wonder. It's what you might think from the name of the challenge and from the name and purpose of this Stories of Blessing blog (and soon to be blog book).
My calculations say Thanksgiving is in 40 days. So...
Here's the Thanksgiving Challenge: See how many blessings you can count, and stories of blessing, you can write between now and Thanksgiving. Make it a minimum of three per day.
40 days x 3 blessings minimum per day = 120 total minimum blessings counted
I think this would be quite amazing, don't you?
What about asking it of everyone who you are close to and share it during Thanksgiving or the week after Thanksgiving with one another?
What about sharing at least one per day on this blog so this blog can be full of that many more blessings we can all share in and enjoy?
Are you up for it? Want to take this Thanksgiving Challenge?
If so, would you please attach a comment at the end of any blog post and let us know. And, we can also have a discussion, if you want, about blessings and counting our blessings. This blog is meant to be a community as well, to encourage, inspire, and build up one another.
Have a blessed day!
-- By Stacy Duplease of Virginia
#ThanksgivingChallenge #GratitudeChallenge #BlessingsChallenge #StoriesOfBlessingChallenge #CountYourBlessings
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BOOK PUBLISHING PLAN FOR THESE BLOG POSTS AND STORIES OF BLESSING
Every 400 pages of blog post material, I will turn these stories into a book. (I will publish these blog posts, in other words.)
My guess is every two and a half months or so at this point is how often the blog posts will be turned into a book. The material will be of any story of blessing anyone shares on the blog, plus the material I've written.
In time, I hope that themes will start to develop, so I can also turn these blog post stories of blessing into theme books (for example: Prayer, Faith, Life's Storms, etc.).
I will also do a "Best Stories of the Year" for 400 pages of the blog posts that got the most hits (people looking at it).
For now, I will make the title a fancy one (sarcasm), which all subsequent books will follow:
Working Title:
Stories of Blessing #1
(A Collection for Encouragement and Inspiration)
Of course, they can be read in any order. You won't need to start with book 1.
I will also do a paperback version as well as a e-book version of each book.
While I am editing the material, before I publish the books, I will have a free edition you can find online. Details will come soon.
So, stay tuned.
#Books #BookSeries #Publishing #PublishingPlan #Series #StoriesOfBlessing #StoriesOfBlessing#1
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THE BLESSING OF A OFFICEMATES
Written 2014-10-16 13:00:34, Thursday
The writing life can be a lonely one. It means working alone for hours on end, day in and day out.
I have had a faithful and loyal companion, who has been in my office or study, with me day in and day out since I became a full-time writer (June 2009) (a blessing). And, even before that. It's my elderly Beagle, Zack. He turns 15 in January 2015 (another blessing).
He is the most patient companion. I cannot tell you how many stories I've read to him--and he's listened to all of them. Or, at least I assume through the snores he heard it and was really enthralled and not bored out of his mind. He's always there.
My other cat, Sinan the Maine Coon and orange fluffball, has not been nearly as faithful or as patient--as far as my writing. He doesn't hang out with me too often as I write. He does from time to time, but not like Zack. Zack is with me ten hours a day or more as I peck at the keyboard.
I also have Shelly aquatic turtle in my study. She can be the most demanding for attention at times. Turtles are so social! She knows to splash if she wants my attention. She will splash until she gets it. I hear it, look up, and see water splashing OVER the sides of the tank. And, there's about fourteen inches of tank above the water. so, if the splashing goes over the sides, that should tell you how crazy she is when she wants affection.
Now that Kara is my study, I don't just have one officemate, I have three.
Now that I can keep the door open and Zack can come and go if he desires--and he usually does and follows me, Kara just stays on my desk. She's never ventured out of the study except once--and that was yesterday. Yesterday and today have been the first time I can keep the study door open, so I've been able to work in my study all day long--without having to divide my time between Zack and Sinan in the family room and Kara in the study. (A blessing.)
I am so thankful for my three new office companions. (Even though one, Kara girl, is rearranging my desk as we speak because she's pushing on stuff with her four paws. Evidently the stuff got in her way. Poor thing. Now, she's rubbing her face and scent marking my tablet and its stand--getting fur all over my keyboard. Precious.)
Animals are proof fancy words aren't needed most of the time. In fact, any kind of words aren't even needed. Rather, presence is so meaningful.
When my husband and I make our Historic Jamestowne run every month or more, we often don't say much. We don't need to. Just being together is the biggest blessing.
And, how many times have you gone through a hard time and someone, well-meaning, will say something stupid and it can be hurtful, infuriating, or disrespectful? If they would just say, "I have no idea what to say. But, I'm here. If you need anything, just ask." That would be far more beneficial.
Critters show this firsthand how helpful a mostly silent presence is--and how healing.
My officemates and companions do mean for writer's block at times, when I can't get something done because they want affection, need something, or because they are being so cute I have to stop what I'm doing and take a few photos.
Thank God for office mates and critter companions--and for those we can be quiet with--and just hang and enjoy one another's presence. Life would sure be ugly and dull if not for them.
-- By Stacy Duplease of Virginia
#Animals #Cats #Companions #Critters #Dogs #StoriesOfBlessing #Turtles
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BLESSINGS LIST BY ELLEN OF DENVER
Taking a much needed shower thanking the good Lord that I have hot water and getting out of shower, Molly (my cat) is sitting on floor making sure that I was OK, then realizing I was out.
When we don't have what is needed and making do with what we have.
While applying for a job and getting one response after responding to many.
Afternoon Blessings:
Trying to take a nap and my Molly lays down next to me on sofa. It doesn't last long but it was those few moments that I cherish.
Looking around my home and thanking mom for giving me this roof over head so I need not worry about where I'd live.
Looking out window with sunshine pouring in. What a beautiful afternoon.
Waiting until 4:15 to get mail. Not only mine, but my dear neighbor C's, whom I help because she is unable to do. Bringing her, her mail loving her beautiful smile and just hearing her say, thank you.
-- By Ellen of Denver
#Cats #Home #Job #Mothers #StoriesOfBlessing
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THE BLESSING OF COUNTING MY BLESSINGS
Written 2014-10-16 14:10:35, Thursday and 2014-10-17 07:54:24, Friday
A year ago, when God closed the door on something in B's and my life, I started to learn the value of counting my blessings. This is even more true regarding the times I don't feel like it. Counting My blessings gets the focus off of me, and my challenges or storms, and redirects my thoughts to the reality of the situation. The reality is, though this time might be rocky for whatever reason, life overall, when I look past the immediate bumps, is full of blessing.
Counting my blessings has changed me and my life. I have not had the same perspective on anything since I started this practice. How could I?
I've also learned it's okay to be a thief. If I see the blessings in someone else's life, I count it as a blessing, for I was able to see the blessing. A blessing doesn't have to directly impact me. A blessing is a blessing. And, a blessing is special favor we don't deserve, but we are given it anyway.
I've also learned how in every moment, there are several blessings, no matter the moment. All we need to do is look for them.
Another lesson about blessings I've learned is to count my blessings in each moment, but also in hindsight for the same moment. It amazes me how later I find even more blessings in that moment.
A blessing is anything or anyone we can be grateful and thankful for in every moment.
Life has storms and challenges. Sure. But, within those, blessings abound. All we need to do is open our eyes, look for them, and count them.
Life is full of blessings.
-- By Stacy Duplease of Virginia
#Blessings #Gratitude #Perspective #StoriesOfBlessing #Thanksgiving
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TURNING NOT-FEELING-IT TO BLESSINGS COUNTED
Written 2014-10-17 09:26:51, Friday
I got another poor night's sleep last night, the forth or fifth in a row, so I am tired, cranky, and have quite the tired headache. Also, I've been dealing with back pain and fighting a cold for days now as well. So, I will not lie. I do not feel like counting my blessings, thank you very much.
As a matter of fact, when I see the blog title of, Stories of Blessing, I want to stick my tongue out. I'm just not feeling it.
But, this is where I'm glad for maturity and wisdom. Just like on the days I don't want to work out, I know when I do, it's usually the best workout I have in a long time. It's the same way with counting my blessings. Experience has proven this true more times than I can think. I know today of all days, since I'm just not feeling it, it's even more imperative for me to do.
I might not write 1,000 word stories of my blessings, or I just might when I get started, but I will still see how many blessings in my life I can indeed count.
As a matter of fact, if I make a list of every blessing I can think of, it will give me an outline of bullet points I can expand into a longer story of blessing. So, this is how I will start today.
It's a blessing to be older, wiser, and have some experience under my belt. Today, of all days, I just want to do pretty much anything else than count my blessings or workout, but today, I will do both. Today will be one gigantic dynamic of blessing then. I just need to do it and wait and see.
Counting my blessings is really the wisest thing for me to do when I feel so yucky and crabby. Hence, I shall.
-- By Stacy Duplease of Virginia
#Blessings #CountingMyBlessings #Crabbiness #Crankiness #StoriesOfBlessing
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Counting My Blessings By Ellen of Denver
Due to lack of sleep had worse pain shooting down my shoulder and arm, don't know why so on this Friday I ask...
We take too much for granted, but they are blessings.
Such as: morning coffee savoring every sip. Breakfast, whatever we eat it feels so good to have a full tummy. Going to work, we have wheels to get us where we need to go. Leave earlier so we don't need to rush.
I say these things because it's those little things that are my blessings.
Walking down hall to kitchen turning on coffee maker.
Molly, my kitty, so excited the alarm going off and following me everywhere as she wants love. I give her love and feeling her contentment I smile with such fulfillment on what just took place. Blessing indeed!
Getting ready for my job interview and knowing there's nothing more I can do to prepare. I give it to God. He knows what's best for me.
I feel so blessed!
-- By Ellen of Denver
#Animals #Blessings Counted # Breakfast #Cat #Coffee #Critters #Food #Gratitude #Pets #StoriesOfBlessing #Thanksgiving #Work
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PERSONAL BLESSINGS COUNTED LIST ON OCTOBER 17, 2014
Written 2014-10-17 10:51:37, Friday
This is also my start of the Thanksgiving Challenge.
Thank God it's Friday.
I'm excited for this Thanksgiving Challenge. I want to see how many blessings I can count each day between now and then. Even if it's just a bullet list, like this one. It's from the bullet lists that I will expand each into a Story of Blessing. This will give me a good outline to work from and this is rather exciting to think. I will try to think of blessings from my past, present, and future to count each day. (What a blessing this will be.)
Getting greeted by my critters first thing in the morning.
The first sip of coffee each morning.
How much I've grown over the past year to even know to be even more conscious about counting my blessings when I don't feel like it.
The decision B and I made on Monday. It was not one we ever expected we would make.
The sound of the water filter of Shelly aquatic turtle's tank. It's so relaxing. And, watching her swim is so serene. (Hah! Two blessings in one! Score!)
Watching Kara sleep on my desk in front of me. The beauty of God's creation just staggers me.
The fresh air coming in the window to my left. It's slightly crisp, smells good, and feels good as it hits my left side.
Sinan just got up in said window to smell. He's such a gorgeous cat.
Last night, B and I spun out mattress and, thankfully, I think I've discovered the source of my back pain. I feel a great deal better today. Whew. (Two blessings in one again.)
I had a headache earlier from a lack of sleep and took some children's chewable aspirin. I also took a shower. One or both relieved the headache, thankfully.
The sun is out in full force and is stunning.
It's not too warm of a day.
I hear a helicopter flying. It's of the military variety. What a blessing to hear. The sound of freedom is a major blessing--as well as those in the military and the ones in the helicopter. I am grateful for what they do--and have done.
Again, we have not heard of a new case of Ebola diagnosed here in the USA. This is most certainly a blessing.
Adding chocolate syrup to coffee to give it an extra kick (for me, the sugar free variety).
It's Fall. This is by far my most favorite season.
Sinan has been in the study with Kara on my desk, for over five minutes, and neither cat has hissed. This is a blessing.
The weekend starts tomorrow.
A nice shampoo and conditioner to make my hair soft and silky. Healthy. Manageable.
The sound of a purring cat.
A door to shut when one cat gets too upset. (I think that's the best word to use here.)
Learning from how my dog, cats, and turtles look at me--that's how I would look at the Lord.
Penzu--for keeping all of my blessings permanently. It's my online journaling and is where I save everything that has meaning or value in my life. It's truly God-sent and is a major, major, blessing. (I also like how if I ever chose to go back to the free version, it would still have all of my journaling. It would also keep all of my tabs.)
I'm excited to see what happens in the next year with B and me. We know that B will retire from his first job of almost three decades. Then, he will start phase 2 in our lives--where he has another job. Doing the same thing. Just in another capacity. Also, I will then start to volunteer at the hospice and nursing home and help collect the Stories of Blessing in the lives of those people. I will listen to their stories and write them down for them and their family and friends. Focusing on times of blessing will help their quality of life. Also, what a huge honor it would be to hear their stories. For those who want their legacy of blessing shared, I will add them to this blog, so we can learn from their wisdom.
What I just shared will be a new beginning. It will be a time of transformation and transion, but quite the blessing.
B and I will move to another city or state to do so and we are excited to see where we end up--it will be where the job takes us.
B and I will buy our first house together. Oh, how exciting!
The wag of a dog's tail.
The irregular beat of a cat's tail.
Freedom. What a major blessing.
The United States of America is another blessing.
Elections, just around the corner, are a blessing.
My mom.
My dad.
My Granny.
My aunts, uncles, and cousins.
My friends.
My faith.
My salvation.
Being able to count my blessings.
Email.
Leftover roasted chicken.
A good book.
I could go on. And will later.
#Blessings #BlessingsChallenge #BlessingsCounted #CountingOfBlessings #GratitudeChallenge #Healing #ThanksgivingChallenge
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GIVE THANKS IN EVERYTHING AND FOR EVERYTHING: A BIBLICAL THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE
Written 2014-10-17 11:43:22, Friday
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 and in Philippians 4:4-7, we learn that we are to give thanks for everything, in everything, and at all times, every single day and night. This is the original Thanksgiving Challenge.
The question is: Do we do this?
If we do not give thanks day and night, for and in all things, we can learn to do so. This blog will help with that and doing the Thanksgiving Challenge will help. In fact, taking the Thanksgiving Challenge for every day for the rest of your life will bring these verses to fulfillment in your life.
Just a thought and a reminder.
The more we count our blessings, the more thankful we will be, and the more blessings we will find to be thankful for. What a blessed cycle.
#Bible #Blessings #BiblicalBlessings #ChristianBlessings #Gratitude #Thanks #Thanksgiving #ThanksgivingChallenge
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*** Updated last on Oct. 17, 2014 at 12:03 p.m. ***
