Value of Gratefulness

My husband gave me this little tidbit today. It was a little snippet he cut off the back of a potato chip bag and printed on paper. The chips were called Uncle Ray's Potato Chips. This man turned his family owned business into a ministry. He apparently wrote over 30 chapters of his life's memoirs titled "The Life and Times of Uncle Ray" and puts a chapter on the back of each bag. You can read his testimony HERE. This was chapter 32 titled the Value of Gratefulness.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, I am grateful that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, I am grateful, that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, I am grateful, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud, I am grateful, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, I am grateful, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous, I am grateful, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day, I am grateful, for life!

When was the last time you were grateful for the air you breathe? What about the sunshine, are you thankful for it?

It is a constant struggle to be grateful everyday. On my website, there are examples of how gratefulness has benefited me in my life and in my business. Also, check out the useful tips to help you remember how to always be thankful. www.unclerays.com (Still under construction)

Gratefulness
"Making known to others in what ways they have benefited my life."

Here are simple things to remember to help you demonstrate gratefulness in every day life.

I will:
*Show others that I appreciate them.
*Write thank you notes.
*Take care of my things.
*Be content with what I have.
*Count my benefits rather than my burdens.

I thought this was great. I can only imagine how many people this man might reach by being a willing servant to put messages like this on his products. As I read the 'I wills', I thought of the bible principles to go with each.

*Being thankful
*Being good stewards of what He has given us
*Being content in whatsoever state I am
*Counting our blessings as they are all a gift from God
*Honoring all men as scripture speaks of

I'm sure there are more but what a reminder this was to all as well as a testimony of how God can even use a potato chip bag.

The more we realise how indebted we are to God and deserving of nothing but eternal punishment, the more grateful we will be for the many ways He and others benefit us.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Monday, November 9th

Outside my window... mostly overcast with little breaks of blue sky revealing themselves, trees without leaves, cornstalks blowing in the breeze, a freshly cut backyard by my hard working son Charles.

I am thinking...a gamut of things as usual. What to make for supper, how to help dh find new work, how much I love my family.

I am thankful for...a husband willing to work hard for us, a piano that plays beautifully for my children to sing with...they're singing Amazing Grace right now.

From the learning rooms...finished for the day...now it's working with Dad since he's home early.

From the kitchen...haven't a clue for dinner yet. Leftovers from Rebecca's birthday dinner was lunch today. Chicken Lasagna, Chili, cornbread, and wheat bread.

I am wearing...my jammies (at the time I started this)...I haven't been feeling real good today. :/

I am creating...a blog post? LOL! Haven't worked on Mikey's scarf lately...I should do that. He's now put in a request for a camo hat too.

I am going...to shower...plan dinner and try to look alive for the rest of the day. :)

I am reading...my bible...the book of John.

I am hoping...to get some odd jobs caught up today.

I am hearing...baby fussing to be held...guess I should finish here.

Around the house...it's picked up just need to fine tune a bit and organize the basement pantry area after our grocery shopping runs this weekend.

One of my favorite things...as much as I hate it getting dark early, I love the feeling of a cozy, well lit kitchen, warm from cooking supper and all the family gathered around the table while being dark outside.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hmm...need to finish getting the yard ready for winter, fall decorating, and preparing for Brittany's birthday party this Friday (or whatever night she can make it out here). She's chosen biscuits and gravy, eggs and sausage for dinner. That sounds heavenly on a cold fall night in a WARM kitchen.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...