Taking the Challenge: 365 Days Gratitude Journal - Days 41 and 42

Day 41 - I'm thankful for Pinterest - seriously - for someone like me who is organizationally-challenged (especially when it comes to cutting, saving, filing recipes, travel dreams, fashion ideas, etc. from magazines). I love having ONE place to gather, sort, organize, and FIND what I was so excited to "clip" and save. It's been so nice knowing exactly where to go for that recipe I thought looked so yum, or that craft that looked like a perfect gift idea, or that piece of art I'll probably never own but enjoy looking at. And, at least for now - it's FREE :)

Day 42 - Today I'm thankful for people that are honest and take the faith-filled leap of exposing their weaknesses and fears because they understand we all fight many of the same battles; because they understand shared fears and weaknesses can become shared faith and strengths; because they know the One who has already won; and because they recognize the daily battle of giving the daily battle to Him. In particular, I'm thankful for Ann Voskamp writing these words: "Our greatest triumphs are always our most solitary ones — and every great triumph begins with the decision to get out of bed." and this - "When the problems before you seem to loom larger than the Power behind you, the purpose in living can fall right out from underneath of you." and this - " I’m mumbling how I can never get anything right, and how come I can never get caught up on all my lists, work, projects, and what in the world is wrong with me that is right with everyone else." and finally, pointing to the Answer - this "One foot in front of the other and one murmured thanks after another and underneath the everlasting arms will hold. " - and underneath the Everlasting arms will hold. Today - when the personal battle rages - I am thankful for those who preach and practice continual falling into those everlasting arms; who preach and practice grace and mercy to others, remembering their own very difficult battles; who preach and practice gratitude; and who preach and continually practice the art of never. giving. up.