Gratitude Journal - May 23, 2021 - Rhubarb
Today, I am grateful for rhubarb. Rhubarb is such a wonderfully versatile plant. Rhubarb can be used as an ingredient in pies, crisps, and other wonderful recipes. For rhubarb, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - May 22, 2021
Being present and part of the lives of those we love is the single best way to show them that we love them. Being present is better than any gift money can buy. Your family won’t remember the toy or necklace you gave them, but they will remember the time you spent together.
“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
Scripture of the Day - May 22, 2021 - Romans 15:5
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, "
Gratitude Journal - May 22, 2021 - Old Pictures
Today, I am grateful for old pictures. This past week I celebrated my 48th birthday and I was able to revisit some old pictures from when I was young. It’s so fun to look at these pictures, remember the fun times we had, and see the faces of those long gone. For old pictures, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - May 21, 2021 - Day 53 of 365
Lying to yourself is easy. Being honest with where you are and where you can improve is hard. Do hard things. Be brave enough to be honest with yourself.
“The essence of bravery is being without self-deception.” Pema Chödrön
Scripture of the Day - May 21, 2021 - Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Gratitude Journal - May 21, 2021 - Being Able to Read
Today, I am grateful that I am able to read. Books open up whole new worlds and provide access to important information. WIthout being able to read all of this information would be locked away and unaccessable. For the ability to read, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - May 20, 2021 - Day 52 of 365
This quote struck me today. All you have is right now. Yesterday is gone and you can do nothing about what is done. Focus on the now.
“Now is the future that you promised yourself last year, last month, last week. Now is the only moment you’ll ever really have. Mindfulness is about waking up to this.” – Mark Williams
Scripture of the Day - May 20, 2021 - 2 Chronicles 7:14
It’s pretty simple really - be humble, pray, seek God, stop doing sinful things. God will fix it all.
“if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Gratitude Journal - May 20, 2021 - Playoff Hockey
Today, I am grateful for NHL Playoff Hockey. Go Minnesota Wild! For playoff hockey, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - May 19, 2021 - Day 51 of 365
I’m spending a bit of time digging into the practice of minduflenss and uncovering some wise words. Today, the words of Louis L’Amour hit home. It got me thinking a bit. How often do we really enjoy what we are doing in the moment we are doing it? Focus on now, let the past go and the future happen.
“Few of us ever live in the present. We are forever anticipating what is to come or remembering what has gone.” Louis L’Amour
Scripture of the Day - May 19, 2021 - Proverbs 12:20
“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”
Gratitude Journal - May 19, 2021 - Getting Things Done
Today, I am grateful for being able to check things off my to-do list consistently. Over the past year, I have developed consistency by using my checklist to ensure I get things done each day. I have lists for body, mind, and spirit, as well as work and other tasks. Each day I work my way through my critical tasks, get them accomplished, and move on to get more work completed. For getting things done, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - May 17, 2021 - Day 50 of 365
“Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” - Jon Kabat-Zinn
Scripture of the Day - May 18, 2021 - John 10:14-15
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Gratitude Journal - May 18, 2021 - To Be Alive
Today, my birthday, I am grateful to be alive. I spent the day with my family and had a wonderful day. I am 48 years old and, arguably, in the best shape of my life - at least the best shape I’ve been in 10 years. I feel stronger and better every day. Life is short, and I intend to savor every moment and not waste a single day. For being alive, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - May 17, 2021 - Day 49 of 365
“People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child—our own two eyes. All is a miracle.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation
Scripture of the Day - May 17, 2021 - 1 Corinthians 14:8
“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
Gratitude Journal - May 17, 2021 - Intellectual Conversation
Today, I am grateful for stimulating intellectual conversation. I truly enjoy an opportunity to listen to intelligent people discuss deep and meaningful topics. Not every conversation needs to be an argument to be of interest. The most interesting discussions are not arguments but authentic conversations based on mutual respect. For intellectual conversation, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - May 16, 2021 - Day 48 of 365
“The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.” ― Pema Chödrön, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
