Tuesday, November 11, 2014

NOVEMBER 11, 2014 STORIES OF BLESSING

NOVEMBER 11, 2014 STORIES OF BLESSING

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HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY


Happy Veteran's Day to all who serve and have served.


Thank you, and your family, for your service.


We would not have the quality of life we do here in the United States of America if not for you. Thank you for protecting the freedoms most of us take for granted.


God bless you and the United States of America.


(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present 2008-2014.)


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THANKSGIVING AND END OF YEAR BLESSINGS COUNTED CHALLENGES

Are you taking part in either one of these challenges--where we are essentially trying to count 20 to 25 blessings each day between now and Thanksgiving and 10 per day between now and the end of the year? 

If so, let me know. Attach a comment at the end of any blog post. Let's hold each other accountable to this and talk about it--and share our stories of blessing. 

Now, I want to do a writing prompt for these challenges today:

BLESSINGS COUNTED PROMPT


Count at least five additional blessings today.

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THANKSGIVING AND END OF YEAR BLESSINGS COUNTED CHALLENGES

NOTE: This is in addition to the blessings you are counting already.

1. List 10 things you are grateful for in 2014. List whatever comes to mind, as it comes to mind, no matter how silly it may seem.

2. List 10 things you are grateful for in your life. List anything that comes to mind, when it comes to mind, no matter how silly or trivial it may seem. 

3. Wait 15 minutes or less, and repeat #1 then #2. It's okay if you repeat blessings in your blessings counted lists. Just make sure if it is a repeated blessing, to add one more to your total due and extend your list so you have at least ten new blessings listed. 

4. Do #3 as many times as you want between now and the end of the year. Preferably do this at least  couple times each day. 

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10 THINGS I'M GRATEFUL FOR IN 2014

Written 2014-11-08 14:25:06, Saturday

(Not necessarily in the correct order. Just listed whatever came to mind first.) 

1 Kara
2 An expanded vision of the future.
3 Dedicating myself once and for all to be a Blessings Counter.
4 Learning how much my faith has grown. 
5 Norfolk Botanical Gardens
6 How I've been using Penzu daily since July 12.
7 How B and I got rid of some furniture and downsized some.
8 Getting rid of books and being able to re-do my study. New organization. New look. Simplicity. Less cluttered.
9 Getting our blue dresser, which we use as a stand for Harry and his turtle tank. 
10 Driving to Roanoke with B. 
11 Seeing the Fall leaves along the Blue Ridge Parkway--roadtrip. with B.
12 Growing my hair out. 
13 Visit home to Colorado in February.
14 Trips to Historic Jamestowne. 
15 Stories of Blessing Blog.
16 Future outlook of Stories of Blessing.
17 Becoming a Blessings Counting Coach.
18 Getting new vehicle.
19 Realizing everything I have, and everyone I have, is more than enough.
20 Choosing not to have children. 

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2014 BLESSINGS COUNTED JOURNALING PROMPT

When I say 2014, and you think 2014, what do you think about? What blessings pop into your mind? List as many as you can, as fast as you can. 

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NANOWRIMO WRITING PROGRESS UPDATE




Written 2014-11-10 09:52:05, Monday

As far as NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month of November of every year), my writing progress has been behind schedule each and every day. After all, the first four days, I wrote two different books (or was it three)? Then, I switched to the BLESSINGS COUNTED: A BOOK OF GRATITUDE AND THANKSGIVING. It's not a novel at all and is a nonfictin book, It's these blog posts copied and pasted into a book. I will then edit it and add new material later. 
The word count due today is 16,670.  
I have 14,731 words written so far. This means I need to write 1,939 more words today. 
I am rather satisfied with what I've written overall.
But, I know it's rather disjointed, needs editing, and the writing can be smoothed and tightened up in order to make it the best read. However, this is a rough draft... a first draft. For what it is, I'm quite pleased--and blessed. 

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WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO WITH YOUR BLESSINGS COUNTED LIST?

Written 2014-11-10 09:48:46, Monday

Other than the obvious (of re-counting your blessings), what else can you do with your Blessings Counted List?
Let's stop for a moment. Looking back at the entirety of your Blessings Counted List, and particularly over the last thirty days, is one of the most beneficial things you can do. It reminds us of where we've come from and been blessed with, which we can forget over time. Also, as we count those blessings again, new blessings may come to mind we want to count and it might be a reminder of some old blessings we want to count again, and do so periodically, because they have made a difference in our lives. Therefore, re-reading our Blessings Counted List is really important. 
On bad days, challenging days, days we feel blah--or someone else does, it's important to pull out our Blessings Counted List and share some without ourselves or others. It's a reminder of what to be grateful for and how to appreciate what we have now. 
Another reason to count our blessings is because the Blessings Counted List becomes a Blessings Journal--or a form of a journal. It's where we can see our life in motion, where we have come from (where we were), where we are), where we are headed, and where we hope to go.
There is another reason to keep our Blessings Counted List, and what to use them for besides this, and that is to leave a legacy. It's a blessings legacy. It's a blessings legacy of our lives and of the lives of those around us. Can you imagine each year sharing with your loved ones the blessings you've counted of their lives and how they've been a blessing for you over the past year--and throughout their and your lives? Needless to say, make sure to count the blessings in their lives, not just in your own. This is particularly with those you don't think would ever keep a Blessings Counted List. Giving them the blessings you counted for them might be the biggest blessing they ever receive and get them to become a Blessings Counter as well. 
Also, another way to use your Blessings Counted List is for this... With every single blessing you ever write, you can expand it into a longer writing. You can share why it's a blessing today, how it's been a blessing in the past, and memories you have associated with such a blessing. This then becomes a Story of Blessing. 
Furthermore, it's really easy to write your memoir from your Blessings Counted List. 

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BLESSINGS QUOTES

A blessing is not something you wish for.
Rather, it is a gift given to you by the Blessings Giver that you don't deserve.
And, it's something you most often have to search for or you might miss it altogether. 

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Monday, November 10, 2014

NOVEMBER 10, 2014 STORIES OF BLESSING





NOVEMBER 10, 2014 STORIES OF BLESSING


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WHAT IF? (AND BLESSINGS) 

Written 2014-11-07 15:16:53, Friday

I wonder...
I wonder what would happen if every time I had a concern pop into my mind, if I countered it with counting at least three blessings in its place. 
I wonder what would happen if every time I grew worried or anxious about Kara, if I counted at least three blessings.
I wonder if with every storm or challenge, what would happen if I counted three blessings. 
I wonder if with every frustration, what would happen if I counted three blessings. 
I wonder if every time I felt stressed, what would happen if I counted three blessings. 
I wonder what would happen if when my husband and I had a misunderstanding, and I stopped and counted three blessings, what would happen. 
I wonder what would happen if I counted three blessings with every joyful and happy moment.
I wonder what would happen if I counted three blessings because of no reason at all, other than to appreciate how fortunate and blessed I really am. 

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THANKSGIVING AND END OF YEAR BLESSINGS COUNTED CHALLENGES

Are you taking part in either one of these challenges--where we are essentially trying to count 20 to 25 blessings each day between now and Thanksgiving and 10 per day between now and the end of the year? 

If so, let me know. Attach a comment at the end of any blog post. Let's hold each other accountable to this and talk about it--and share our stories of blessing. 

Now, I want to do a writing prompt for these challenges today:

BLESSINGS COUNTED PROMPT
Count at least five additional blessings today.

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CHRISTIAN BLESSINGS NOVEMBER 10, 2014

Written 2014-11-07 13:25:09, Friday

This verse is the cornerstone of why I give thanks. 

Philippians 4:6 Expanded Bible (EXB)

Do not ·worry [be anxious] about anything, but pray and ·ask God for everything you need [or make your requests known to God], always giving thanks.
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

ALWAYS give thanks. Period. End of story.
It's a command. 
I do not question it and am trying to live by it. I'm learning more how to each and every day. 

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BLESSINGS COUNTED LIST NOVEMBER 08, 2014, SATURDAY

158 The Fall leaves are at their crescendo at the moment. Stunning.
159 Having a good workout with weights. With hubby (160). At the gym.
161 Felt really yucky this morning. I've been dealing with sinus stuff and felt much better after working out. Thank God. 
162 Kara hasn't had an upset stomach since Thursday. (Another Thank You, Lord! )
163 I love this time of year. Autumn. November. Weather and leaves (164). 
165 Kara has been eating well today.
166 Getting more of an image for what the future will look like or could possibly look like. 
167 I counted my blessings today in the middle of a trying time--and it worked. The moment I did, things seemed to have changed. 
168 Airing out the house again. Nice weather to support doing so (169). 
170 Sinan cat is enjoying sitting in open window. 
171 Zack is snuggling with B on the sofa while they do their guy thing.
172 Kara and Shelly are hanging out with me while we do our girl thing in the study. 
173 NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, which I am writing a nonfiction book instead, BLESSINGS COUNTED: A BOOK OF GRATITUDE AND THANKSGIVING) is going quite well.
{Side-Note: Today, 13,336 words minimum are due and I have 10,471 words written so far. So, I need to write 2,865 words.} 
174 Three years in a row, the most spectacular place for us to find Fall leaves and take pictures has been... WalMart parking lot. We went there today and I got some pretty pics. 
175 Sleeping cats
176 Lip balm
177 Lemonade
178 Soup on chilly days
179 Soup and sandwich
180 How Kara wanted hugs this morning when I woke her up.
181 How old vinyl tablecloths are wonderful to use as paint drop cloths.
182 Vinyl tablecloths--how cheery they are and bring color to a room. No, it's not for fancy dining, but for every day stuff, they are nice. Not an all-the-time thing, but off and on throughout the year.
183 It's getting closer to the time of year (because of weather/temp) to bring out the flannel sheets. LOVE them. 
184 How much Kara likes rotisserie chicken.
185 Sugar-free pumpkin spice lattes--homemade.
186 Pumpkin soup.
187 Pumpkin candles.
188 Owls. 
189 Possibilities.
190 The unknowns. 

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THANKSGIVING AND END OF YEAR BLESSINGS COUNTED CHALLENGE PROMPT

Answer each question and answer with a different answer for each. Be specific and include details in each response and say why you count is as a blessing:

What are you the most thankful for this year?
The last six months?
The last three months? 
The last month?
The last week?
Today? 

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THANKSGIVING AND END OF YEAR BLESSINGS COUNTED CHALLENGES

NOTE: This is in addition to the blessings you are counting already.

1. List 10 things you are grateful for in 2014. List whatever comes to mind, as it comes to mind, no matter how silly it may seem.

2. List 10 things you are grateful for in your life. List anything that comes to mind, when it comes to mind, no matter how silly or trivial it may seem. 

3. Wait 15 minutes or less, and repeat #1 then #2. It's okay if you repeat blessings in your blessings counted lists. Just make sure if it is a repeated blessing, to add one more to your total due and extend your list so you have at least ten new blessings listed. 

4. Do #3 as many times as you want between now and the end of the year. Preferably do this at least  couple times each day. 

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BLESSINGS COUNTED LIST FOR NOVEMBER 09, 2014

408 Zack snuggling with me on sofa.
409 Zack trying to fit his bigger body into Kara's little cat bed.
410 Kara hasn't hissed or growled Zack in a few days.
411 Kara hasn't hissed or growled at Sinan in a few days. 
412 Broncos 20 vs. Raiders 10 end of first half. (After Broncos were behind. Raiders haven't won any games this season.) 
413 When Zack uses my foot as a pillow as we snuggle on the couch.
414 Fiber One cereal. Yum!
415 Touchdown, Broncos.
416 I pulled out our flannel sheets from the closet and we will wash them and get them on the bed tomorrow. 
417 A new book I'm reading: "My One Word: Change Your Life With Just One Word" by Mike Ashcraft, Rachel Olsen. It's about picking one word for your year that you want to use to focus on and allow it to change and motivate you. I would also say to pick one for your life. 
418 My one word for 2014 is/was since January 01, has been: BLESSINGS. 

419  Psalm 89:15 Expanded Bible (EXB)
15 ·Happy [Blessed] are the people who know how to ·praise [shout to] you.
    Lord, let them ·live [L walk] in the light of your ·presence [L face].
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

420 9th game of five touchdown passes = Manning's new record. 
421 41 Broncos vs. 10 Raiders

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WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?: BLESSINGS COUNTED LIST PROMPT

Written 2014-11-10 08:18:18, Monday

List a minimum of ten things/items you are thankful for in your life. Then, answer that again with this past year. 
List a minimum of ten places you are grateful for for in your life. Then, answer that again with this past year. 
List at least ten situations you are thankful for in your life. Then, answer that again with this past year. 

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MY BLESSINGS COUNTED LIST NOVEMBER 10, 2014, MONDAY

422 A new day
423 A new week
424 A blank slate
425 This new day and new week offer opportunity
426 This new to offer thanks 
427 B and I had a decent night of sleep last night.
428 Kara hasn't gotten sick. (A double praise.) 
429 Kara's little coo trill that makes her sound like a dove. It just touches me so whenever she makes the noise. Precious. 
430 The craft idea I've been given. I will write about it. (Writing Idea for later--see blessing #433). 
431 Fiber One Chocolate Cookie--awesome. Good snack. Good taste. Filling with coffee and water. 
432 Talking with hubby on phone. Always a bright spot. 

433 So, since I have no kiddos (other than the four-legged variety), I am behind in the times of kid stuff. Whenever I walk through the kiddo section in any store, I ooo and ahh and say, "Where was this when I was growing up?" Then, I debate on if I want to buy it and play with it now. Usually, I am able to resist. But, there are some things I just simply cannot ignore. The temptation is too great, along with the 'this-is-so-cool!' factor. So, I found one of those in looking on Pinterest last night. I went to my main page and just started to thumb through what others I followed were pinning and found clay tags! 
I put the exclamation point because immediately, I pictured "thanks," "blessings," "give thanks," "count your blessings," "thank you," "blessed," "thankful," etc. 
Imagine having these in different shapes, sizes, and colors that you can put everywhere in your house. You can even change them up with the seasons. 
Needless to say, I started to do research about how to make them. I tried salt dough before--and it simply didn't work for me. 
Then I saw something that said, "Air dry clay."
Me: "Huh! What's that?"
I did what I usually do when I want to buy something and did an Amazon.com search--and lo and behold, I found it! Look!:
Who knew?!? 
They have it in a 2.5 pound container and a five pounder. I wasn't sure which one to get. I decided for now less was more until I figure out if I am talented or smart enough to figure out how to use it and how much I would really need--through a little trial and error. 
I also discovered, they have a 2.5 pound in terra cotta color! I may have to get that as well. It, of course, is more expensive, but I love terra cotta. I can just picture those words, "thanks," "blessings," etc. stamped in the clay and then left to dry. 
I think I would make tags to have lying around, like painted rocks, and also make several ornaments, necklaces, bracelets, etc.--again, provided I can figure out how to use the stuff. 
What will this do for my blessings counting? I am sure having them around as a constant reminder will help me to count my blessings every time I see them. I am thrilled at the thought.
I ordered a set of wood stamps of the alphabet... Here is the link: 
I also found and bought another set of wood stamps that says, "Thankful" and has several pictures for harvest or Thanksgiving. A leaf, turkey, pilgrim, etc. Here's the link for it:
I got some black and white baker's twine in order to be able to hang them or use them as a necklace, bracelet, ornament, wall hanging, etc. 
I picture some clay tags with just the words and some with the words and a picture. 
Of course, I will take pictures. 
I also think I will send some to my Mom, Granny, and Aunt.
(Note to Mom, if you're reading this, pretend like you didn't see it. It's supposed to be a surprise.) 
I can even imagine sending it to the males in my family if I leave them plain. 
I want to share the counting of blessings with everyone, what can I say? I know what it's like to live days of counting my blessings and how much it's changed me and enriched my life and want to share it with others--and let them know they are one of the blessings I count each day. (Hopefully it would let them know I think of them.)

434 My favorite light turquoise coffee mug.
435 My Dickey's Barbecue Pit yellow plastic glass I like to use. It reminds me of my hubby, dad, and Colorado. It also forces me to drink more water. (Blessing 436.)
437 How expressive cats are with their tails. It's their tell-tail--telltale. It tells all. Happy. Content. Annoyed. Playful. Angry. Bored. Sleepy. Want attention. Etc. 
438 Cell phones. 
439 The sound of a purr of a cat.
440 Sunshine
441 Seeing the constellation of Orion at 2:00 this morning (when old man beagle needed to go). Orion has always been one of my favorites. 
442 Thinking of making clay tablets for Christmas stuff as well.
443 Thinking of making clay tags for Scripture as well.
444 Thinking of making clay tags for my one-word for 2014, 2015 (Blessing 445), and my life one-word (Blessing 446). 
447 When I feel cat eyes on me--and I look and see Kara looking at me with an "I adore you look." It reminds me of how I am supposed to look at the Blessings Giver (Blessing 448). 
449 For 448 blessings counted.
450 B (my husband) picked up more anti-dementia medicine for Zack, our beagle. 
451 The sound of a helicopter whenever beagle shakes his head.
452 The sound of mini-helicopters when the cats shake their heads.
453 Stew meat and low calorie homemade Alfredo sauce.
454 Oatmeal
455 Hot tea
456 I am already excited for the holidays this year. I've got more holiday spirit than I've had in a long time. And, it's still a little early. (Yay!)
457 Waking up last night and counting my blessings.
458 Listening to Kara purr as she tried to catnap.
459 I am very grateful for my printer--Kara's cat perch.
460 My husband being home today for the most part.
461 Tomorrow for Veteran's Day. For the Veteran's past and present. 
462 The sound of Shelly kicking rocks around in her tank for fun as she swims. 

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Sunday, November 9, 2014

NOVEMBER 09, 2014 STORIES OF BLESSING





NOVEMBER 09, 2014 STORIES OF BLESSING

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BLESSINGS COUNTED LIST AND JOURNALING  PROMPT

What is your biggest blessing today? Why?

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BIBLE AND CHRISTIANS BLESSINGS COUNTED LIST

Written 2014-11-09 12:17:26, Sunday

Every blessing is favor, and a gift, given to us by God, not because we deserve it, but because He is God and will receive glory. God shows Himself to us (everyone in the world, not just Christians) through our blessings. 
Therefore, our Blessings Counted List is all about searching for God and the blessings in our lives. It's where we search for Him and His work. Our Blessings counted List is where we give glory to God and see our lives through His eyes and vision, not our own. 
Every Bible verse you read is a blessing. So, make sure to count all of them. After all, the Bible is the Word of God. It's how He communicates with us and is the one guarantee we have in this life. God is faithful.
Every time we pray, it's a blessing. after all, we pray it with confidence, knowing God hears us and will beyond a doubt answer our prayers.
Every prayer answered is a blessing, needless to say. It doesn't matter if it's a yes, wait, or no, it's still a blessing.
Every time we praise God, it's thanking Him for who He is and is a blessing.
Count the blessings He's given you in your life. It's a command (See 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; Phil. 4:6-7, etc.).  

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BIBLE AND CHRISTIAN BLESSINGS COUNTED 1 THESSALONIANS 5:17-18

Written 2014-11-09 12:14:23, Sunday

Giving thanks for our blessings is a command. It is not something optional in the life of a Christian.
Do you want to know how to live the best life possible as a Christian? Learn to be thankful. How do you learn this? It is through counting your blessings and keeping a Blessings Counted List.
What should you thank God for? Read these verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Expanded Bible (EXB)

17 Pray ·continually [without ceasing]
18 and give thanks ·whatever happens [in all circumstances; in everything]. That is ·what God wants [God’s will] for you in Christ Jesus.
Expanded Bible (EXB)
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Give thanks all the time, no matter what.
Any questions?
Let's get counting.
Count four blessings at least right now. Go! 

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BLESSINGS COUNTED LIST NOV. 09, 2014

376 The unknowns about the future, while a little nerve wracking, are major blessings because they are full of possibility and opportunity. 
377 Planning for the future.
378 The Denver Broncos play the Oakland Raiders today! 
379 We're supposed to have a cold snap coming through here in a couple of days.
380 Looking at real estate online and dreaming of our one day retirement house to buy, decorate, fix-up, etc. 
381 Today is a run day. Our goal is a minimum of a 5k. 
382 I replaced a burned-out light bulb in my study. I can see! 
383 Zack seems to be having a good day with little to no dementia. 
383 The more I'm counting my blessings, and being intentional about it, the better I'm feeling. The truth is, my husband and I are dealing with a lot right now, including lots of uncertainty. It's stressful when I don't count my blessings. But, when I do, I again a fresh perspective, built with hope. I am better equipped to handle these storms because I'm counting my blessings.
384 I'm also seeing several additional uses for my Blessings Counted List. This makes me quite excited to see how many additional things I can do with it. For instance, the Blessings Counted List also serves as a journal. 
385 Hubby is going to grocery store. We need a couple of odds and ends. This is a blessing. 
386 We went to our favorite diner earlier and hung out there and talked and just hung out with one another. Blessed time. Quite special and meaningful. 
387 Today is the Lord's Day.
388 Every day is the Lord's day.
389 I cannot wait to see what the future brings.
390 Kara hasn't been getting sick, but hasn't been eating much this morning or last night. Sigh.
391 How B and I have exercise equipment at the house so we don't have to go to the gym for every workout. It's rather nice and convenient. 
392 B and I both got a good night's sleep last night.
393 Zack had a decent night's sleep as well. 
394 B and I have similar tastes (thinking of a house). This helps so much. Less arguing. More compromise. Works well. 
395 Watching a cat or dog sleep.
396 When Zack wags his tail in his sleep.
397 When Zack wags his tail at Kara, trying to make friends.
398 How Sinan loves to play.
399 How Sinan is a big, fluffy cat with a tiny little high-pitched voice.
400 Sinan's pretty tail.
401 Grocery stores
402 Groceries
403 Corelle dishes
404 Plastic glasses that remind me of Granny, Pa, and my childhood.
405 When Shelly starts swimming really fast when I make eye contact with her.
406 Pork chops and eggs for breakfast.
407 The realization how time is a resource.

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NANOWRIMO WRITING PROGRESS

Written 2014-11-09 12:38:41, Sunday

Participant-2014-Web-Banner.jpg

As far as NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month) and my blog post series, which I will turn into a book, and my writing progress...
Words due today: 15,003 minimum
Words done so far: 12,530
= 2,473 words to go
I should be able to catch up in no time. 
Why am I so behind? It is because I have been making sure to count as many blessings in my own life as possible. After all, I want to make sure I do it , because it is the right thing to do. But, it is also because I learn more about what to do, what not to do, and tips and hints I can offer you.
So far, I am thrilled with what I have written. I cannot wait to edit it and add more material to it later on so I can publish it in a book format. 

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HOW CAN YOU COUNT MORE BLESSINGS? SHOULD YOU? WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO DO SO?:
BLESSINGS COUNTED HINTS AND TIPS

Written 2014-11-09 13:14:24, Sunday

I do not think I could ever count enough blessings. After all, is it ever possible to be too thankful? I do not think so. Needless to say, I love to see how many blessings I can count each day. 
I have also learned that the more blessings I count, the better I am to cope with life. If a challenge arises, I am far more able to handle it and it does not hit me so hard. Counting my blessings equips me to handle anything. And, in the moments of joy, if I have, and am, counting my blessings, it makes the joy I experience even deeper and long-lasting. 
So, yes. We can and should count as many blessings as possible and do so every day and all day long. Now, the question is how?
The secret I've learned is: Carry around something with you everywhere you go where you can record your blessings on the page. Ideas to carry with you:
1 A notebook/journal
2 Cell phone
3 Tablet
4 All of the above
My favorite way to count my blessings is with my tablet (Amazon Kindle Fire 8.9-inch HDX Tablet). But, sometimes, it's inconvenient. The one thing I carry with me everywhere, including in the restroom (I know--too much information, but you know what I mean) is my cell. So, I quickly make a list I email to myself if something comes to mind.
That's the key is availability. Whatever you carry with you, you have to have a way to record your Blessings counted List 24/7/365. In the middle of the night, I'm known to write some on my tablet if I can't sleep, if counting my blessings instead of sheep in my mind hasn't worked--thanks to the movie WHITE CHRISTMAS and Bing Crosby). 
I make sure to jot down blessings, even when busy, at least in the morning, at lunch, afternoon, and evening. It's a habit. 
I also count my blessings on my cell via audio recorder if I am driving somewhere. then, I transcribe them when I get home. I also do this if I am working out/running. 
I also try to use reminders to get me to count my blessings, if I don't get them down on the page. I count my blessings when I take a sip of fluid or a bite of food, when stopped at a red light, when waiting (on phone or in a line), etc. 
I also issue myself silly challenges, like: How many blessings can I come up with that red? Or, for the decade of when I was in my 20s. 
Find what works for you. Just make it convenient and constant. And, count as many blessings as possible, all day and night, all year long, without stopping, for and in all things. 

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(Top image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2014.)