counting your blessings

So I have been reading the book The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith, and it is really opening my eyes to see how much God deeply loves and cherishes his children.  Chapter three specifically stuck out to me because it talks about counting your blessings and being thankful for the things in life that God has provided.  This task is so challenging because I always think about the money I need to save to buy more items, or if I could just have what she has I would be happier.  These thoughts are not only sinful, but they create a sense of unhappiness inside of us.  God has given each and everyone of us something to cherish, we just have to begin to see the items in our life this way.  James Smith writes, "The life we are living is at times scary but is also a great deal of fun.  The key is to remember who is riding with us.  There is not a single situation you and I will face that we must face alone.  God is with us.  God is out for our good.  Even in the most painful circumstances God is able to redeem it, for 'we know that all things work together for good' (Romans 8:28) for those who trust in him.  The least we can do is enjoy the ride."  God knows that we have troubles and issues with jealousy and wanting more material things in this life, but he still loves us even with these flaws.  We have to try to change our mindset so that we can better God's kingdom, ourselves, and reach out to others with compassion.


The chapter mentioned making a list of blessings in your life..so I thought I would give it a shot :)

• family
• friends
• God's love
• laughter
• prayer
• sunrise/sunset
• beach
• music!!
• my car
• diet vanilla coke :)
• coffee
• cake
• cute clothes
• cell phone
• car
• apartment
• able to attend college
• porch swing
• mountains
• cats
• emotions
• rain
• air conditioning