A DAY TO REMEMBER

It was the day before my sister's wedding. My husband woke me up while I was still sleeping and he said can you do the pee-test? My answer was NO. I don't want to spoil my mood since I had done the pee-test several times before and it was negative. It was a happy atmosphere at home that day. My relatives had all arrived for my sister's wedding and I didn't want to be down and depressed.

My husband and I have been praying for a baby for a while now. But this time something was different. Even before we took the test, he kept telling congratulations the whole month. However, he forced me out of bed that morning. I unwillingly did the pee-test and didn't even bother looking at the result. I was looking out of the window and then I went back to throw the stick. But...wait a min... guess what...It had TWO LINES which means positive. I just couldn't believe my eyes! How could it be? My mind became blank! I went and called my husband and showed him and he started crying! We had been waiting for this for so long. We hugged each other. I told him until I get the blood test, let's wait. We quickly arrived at the clinic and they confirmed that indeed I was pregnant!

God has been so good to us in this painful journey! Solomon and I have cried a lot of times together. When everyone else around us had babies, we felt heartbroken. We prayed to God every night.  Needless to say, those were some really dark days. But looking back, something that could have torn us apart became our biggest strength. We clung together for strength and for understanding. We asked God for help and depended on Him like never before. God is a God who hears and answers our prayers. God indeed showed His mercy on us. I strongly believe that there is a purpose behind every pain.

God showed me a few reasons why we had to undergo this journey:

1. So that we depend on God and He gets the glory
2. So that we encourage and empathy others going through this journey
3. So that we value the child and not take this gift lightly
4. So that we get closer to Him and close to each other.
5. So that we testify His miracle-working power.

Every sequence of that day is fresh in our memories. Ever since that day till now whomever, we shared it with had rejoiced with us.

It is a day to remember all our lives!

I would like to encourage whoever reads this post. Whatever may be your problem, God is able to do the impossible. Keep praying, keep trusting, you will have a day to remember too!

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BLOWN AWAY BY GOD

Sometimes God just blows you away with surprises. It unimaginable and amazing how God plans the timeline of your life and how He fulfills your hearts desires and dreams.

One of my cousins asked me that what my dreams were and if they have been fulfilled. As I began to think about it, I was amazed at the timeline in which God has been fulfilling my dreams and wishlists.

Looking back, these were few of my dreams, desires, wishes and silent prayers:

THE SHIP
I always wanted to serve God onboard the ship, Logos Hope. God miraculously gave me an opportunity to live on the ship for 3 months and meet so many people around the world. I was blown away when my boss gave me leave for 3 months. Plus, I got godly friends as a bonus on the ship.

TRAVEL ABROAD
I love visiting different countries but I knew it was impossible. But God was so good to me that He blew me away by taking me to Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. I asked God for one country but He took me to 9 for which I’m so grateful.

LOVING HUSBAND
Like all girls dream about their future husband, I wanted to have a husband just like my dad. It unbelievable how many similarities Solomon and my dad have. I'm just blown away by the way they love me, take care of me and the similar way they react to my tantrums.

WRITE BOOK
My dream was to write books and encourage people through my stories. It was impossible since I always felt insecure about my writing skills. But last year God was gracious to me and helped me to release my first book for which I’m blown away.

DESIGNER
They say that everyone should love what they do. I’m passionate about designing (clothes, interiors, and web). I’m so happy that I work as a web designer. I’m blown away that what I studied is what I became and what I work. God gave me the exact job that I love.

HOME
Growing up, beautiful home interiors have fascinated me. When we renovated our house, I could implement a few designs that I have admired. Making my house a home of my dream was one of my cherished moment. I was blown away by God’s financial providence.

Not all these were fulfilled according to my timetable. Deep down in my heart, these were my dreams, desires, wishes and silent prayers. Although the waiting time was so hard, God’s timing was perfect. When I ponder on why God let me wait so long, I'm just blown away. He does all things beautiful in His time. His ways are just beyond PERFECT!

Are you waiting for God to do something in your life? Be ready to be blown away by His goodness!

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100 BILLION X

This is my latest favorite song. I have been listening to it a hundred billion times. I'm in love with the lyrics. Hope it blesses you as it blessed me.

God of creation

There at the start

Before the beginning of time

With no point of reference

You spoke to the dark

And fleshed out the wonder of light

And as You speak

A hundred billion galaxies are born

In the vapor of Your breath, the planets form

If the stars were made to worship so will I

I can see Your heart in everything You’ve made

Every burning star

A signal fire of grace

If creation sings Your praises so will I

God of Your promise

You don’t speak in vain

No syllable empty or void

For once You have spoken

All nature and science

Follow the sound of Your voice

And as You speak

A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath

Evolving in pursuit of what You said

If it all reveals Your nature so will I

I can see Your heart in everything You say

Every painted sky

A canvas of Your grace

If creation still obeys You so will I

If the stars were made to worship so will I

If the mountains bow in reverence so will I

If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I

For if everything exists to lift You high so will I

If the wind goes where You send it so will I

If the rocks cry out in silence so will I

If the sum of all our praises still falls shy

Then we’ll sing again a hundred billion times

God of salvation

You chased down my heart

Through all of my failure and pride

On a hill You created

The light of the world

Abandoned in darkness to die

And as You speak

A hundred billion failures disappear

Where You lost Your life so I could find it here

If You left the grave behind You so will I

I can see Your heart in everything You’ve done

Every part designed in a work of art called love

If You gladly chose surrender so will I

I can see Your heart

Eight billion different ways

Every precious one

A child You died to save

If You gave Your life to love them so will I

Like You would again a hundred billion times

But what measure could amount to Your desire

You’re the One who never leaves the one behind

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THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR ME

I know it been a while since I posted anything. I have been so so so in awe of what God has been doing in my life. My heart is so full. My eyes are swelled with happy tears. I have no words to express how good God has been to me.

I have had many posts about God being silent, my failing health condition and when prayers are unanswered. But this post is going to be about God who actually answers prayers. Yes, I have never experienced God so real in my life. He actually hears every single prayer and He answers in His time and according to His will.

As some of you know that we have been praying for months together for my ill health. I had been to the hospital several times with bad reports but this time, the doctor said I'm perfectly fine! God miraculously answered my prayers. When God does it, He does so perfectly. To Him be all glory!

After I shared it with few of my family members and friends, they told me how much they prayed for my health condition.

Here is the list I made about a few people who told me they prayed for me:

- My dad and mom - Dad's every day constant prayer
- Solo - He kept congratulating me that my health was fine even before I got the health report
- Glory - She told me I will get a breakthrough before she gets married (it actually happened)
- My fil & mil - My fil was constantly praying for me and my mil too went for a retreat and prayed.
- Serah - She told me that she had a dream that my breakthrough will happen on 25th December
- Sushma Akka - She was more confident than I was that my prayers will be answered.
- Persis & Vittal - They called and prayed over the phone for me on the last day of fasting.
- Freeda & Charles - They told me they were praying for me in their family prayer
- Hannah - Was constantly praying for my health condition
- Bency - Was constantly praying for my health condition
- Ravi uncle & aunty - They said there were fervently praying for my health
- Sangee & aunty - They said there were fervently praying for me
- Rosy aunty - She said she was praying for my health
- Sukanya aunty - She said she was praying for my health
- Pinky Akka - She said she was praying for my health
- Dodamma (Mom's sister) - She said she was praying for my health
- Jeeva aunty - She said she was praying for my health
- Abi - He said he was praying for my health
-Many unnamed friends...
- And so many of my friends who said, "Grace, I really wish you get well." or "I have been praying for you"

I am so thankful that so many people prayed for me. Dedicating this wonderful song called "Somebody's Praying For Me"  by Don Moen!

I was lost in a desert land 

So dry and thirsty 

But God was there where He’d always been 

Giving grace and mercy

So hard to sing and hard to pray 

Yet I knew His Word was true 

And then one day my faith returned 

And suddenly I knew

Somebody’s praying for me 

Somebody’s knocking on Heaven’s door 

Somebody’s praying for me 

Somebody’s lifting me up to the Lord 

I knew it had to be 

Somebody down on their knees 

Somebody praying for me

I’ve been spared by so many prayers 

How many times I could not say 

What a difference a prayer can make 

When it’s offered up in faith

God has always made a way 

When I didn’t know what to do 

Just when I needed a miracle 

That’s when your prayers broke through

Somebody’s praying for me 

Somebody’s knocking on Heaven’s door 

Somebody’s praying for me 

Somebody’s lifting me up to the Lord 

Well I knew it had to be 

Somebody down on their knees 

Somebody praying for me

Now I know that friend was you 

You were the gift God gave me 

’Cuz when you prayed His love broke through 

It was your prayer that saved me

Thank you for praying for me 

Thank you for knocking on Heaven’s door 

Thank you for praying for me 

Thank you for lifting me up to the Lord 

Now I can clearly see 

That you were the one on your knees 

So thank you for praying for me

Somebody’s praying for me 

Somebody’s knocking on Heaven’s door 

Somebody’s praying for me 

Somebody’s lifting me up to the Lord 

Well I knew it had to be 

Somebody down on their knees 

Somebody praying for me

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MIRACLES HAPPEN

I prayed for you

Yes I cried my lungs out

Nights after nights

Days after days

Weeks after weeks

Months after months

I was desperate for you

Persevered

Hoped when everything failed

Hung on to faith

Sank in tears

You were my only wish

I longed for you

As hungry as I was

Went through suffering

Shame and insult

When suddenly

God stepped in

Unexpected

You arrived

You finally did

When least expected

Should I cry

Should I dance

What should I do

I’m unable to react

What state of mind is this

No one thought me in school

I’m emotionless

Where did pain go

I had it so long

I feel light

It still can’t sink in

You are here

It’s real

Dreams come true

Miracles happen

- Grace Xavier

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SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN

What I used to be

Somewhere in between

What I am

Somewhere in between

What I want to be

Somewhere in between

What is past

Somewhere in between

What is present

Somewhere in between

What is the future

Somewhere in between

What is real

Somewhere in between

What is happening

Somewhere in between

What is a dream

Somewhere in between

- Grace Xavier

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PLEASE COME BACK

It’s past midnight

I suddenly wake up

My hands feel your pillow

It’s empty

You are not here

I grope in darkness

feel alone

Wind blows

It’s dark outside

An empty house

I can’t sleep

The sheets smell like you

I told you not to leave me

You promised you would stay

I need you

To hold me tight

Cuddle me to back sleep

In your arms

Is the place of peace

I’m waiting

Restless

Anxious

I miss you

Please come back

- Grace Xavier

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SILENCE

Two cute faces 

Two desperate hearts

One intimate kiss

Is it love or lust

Silence between them

told the story

- Grace Xavier

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THE LUCKY ONES

Recently I saw one of the most beautiful wonderful audition on Britain's Got Talent 2018. It was a cute father-and-son duo singing their original song, "The Lucky Ones". To be honest, I couldn't hold back tears when I heard the song, the lyrics and saw the love between the two. Here is the video of the full audition. Hope you enjoy it.

Lay your head on me, as I fall to sleep

Put your arms around mine. Stay here by my side

We’re the lucky ones. Only just begun

Others leave too young. We’re the lucky ones

’till your eyes can see, I’ll be all you need

Put your hands in mine. Stay here by my side

We’re the lucky ones. Only just begun

Others leave too young. We’re the lucky ones

Promise me no matter how the years change us

You’re perfectly and perfect, just how you were meant to be

And all through our lives, I’ll be yours

Say you will be mine

We’re the lucky ones. Only just begun

Others leave too young

But we are the lucky ones

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10 THINGS I LEARNT LIVING WITHOUT A CELL PHONE

Have you ever lost your phone? Well, recently I did lose mine and just couldn’t track it. I was a bit low as it was gifted by my husband for my birthday. Nevertheless, I applied for a duplicate sim but it took forever to actually get it to work. While waiting for a new phone and a sim I was without a phone for few days.

Before this productivity experiment, my smartphone was like a leech, so interwoven into my life that I couldn’t dream of living without it. While cell phones are one of the best inventions, I’ve grabbed something different, amazing and interesting for you about my experience without a phone.

10 things I learnt living without a cell phone:

1. Time

Most often I am busy and often complain about not having enough time to do anything. A few minutes of playing a game and a few minutes checking the weather, news, social media or email adds up to several hours a week. Not having my phone gave me so much of time to tick off from my to-do list. You won’t believe how productive you could be at work too!

2. Self-control

Not having my phone made me realise that I don’t have to take a picture of every damn thing and upload on social media. I began to think that there should be some kind of limit or self-control from the social media addiction that I have especially from just swiping those zillion pictures on Instagram, Facebook or from my own gallery.

3. Peace

Generally I get so disturbed when I see some images and read some sad news on social media. It would make me so depressed and stressed. Not having my phone gave me so much of peace that I was indeed less stressed than I normally am.

4. Respect people

Not having a phone made me realise how disrespectful and ignorant it is to fiddle with your phone in company of people. When I noticed that while talking to some and they were fiddling with their phones, sadly I realised I have done that many times too.

5. Missed nothing

It's actually weird but I have to admit that I didn’t miss anything. The people who needed to reach me found a way. I don’t need to be available all the time on whats-app or emails. If I am offline on social media, the world wont come crashing down. After all I realised that I’m not that important :)

6. Relief

I used to worry about losing my expensive smartphone all the time. So I’d often check my pocket to see if it was still there. Now it wasn’t. Every time I acknowledged that, I felt a sense of freedom and relief. Definitely, one thing less to worry about.

7. Contentment

Sometimes it seems like people(not everyone) tend to show off a bit on social media. If someone has got something better than what I have and they upload a picture on social media. I see it and I tend to long for it and dream about it and eventually end up being discontent with what I have. Not being on social media made me content by not desiring things that I don't have.

8. Happy

It might sound weird that I was actually happy not to have a phone. It’s something like a big heavy weight had been taken off from me. I was definitely not worried at all about anything. The news, the media, the mails – nothing to worry about!

9. First things

First thing in the morning I tend to do after I wake up is to check my phone and the last thing I do before going to bed was the same. When I didn’t have my phone, I picked up the Bible as the first thing when I woke up. Phones can be a huge distraction while reading the Bible.

10. Sleep

Sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night, I tend to fiddle my phone and loose out on sleep. It used to give me a headache the next morning. To be honest, without my phone I was able to sleep better.

Conclusion:

No no no, I’m not saying everyone to stop using your phone but I invite you to conduct your own experiment. Hide your phone for a day and see what happens. The goal is not to get rid of your phone forever, but to see what you learn from not having one for a while.

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HIS PROMISE STILL STANDS

“Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed;
everyone was fulfilled”
-Joshua 21:45

Whattttttt? Reaaallllly? When I read this verse, something within me just lifted my spirit. Can you believe that every promise God made to Israel was fulfilled? I am so happy that there is a promise like this promise!

Every time I listen to the song- “Do it again” by Elevation Worship, one line in the song goes on to say, “Your promise still stands, great is your faithfulness…” I question myself, “Do you believe that God is faithful to bring about those promises in your life? Do you believe the promise still stands?”

And that’s when I realized, part of me had stopped believing and trusting in God’s faithfulness and promises in my life. The promises God had spoken over my life seemed impossible to me so I had conveniently tucked them away.

The past one month has been a journey where God has been pushing me to rejoice in His promise- to rejoice like one who finds a great treasure, to get excited for what he is going to do because he is a faithful God. I actually have been at rest after a very long time.

Like the psalmist says, “I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great treasure”- Psalms 119:162, I want to rejoice in the promises of God.

God has probably spoken something into your life and it may seem impossible when you look at it today. But remember, God is faithful and He is a God of the impossible.

Leaving behind this verse for you: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians1:20)

God’s promise still stands! Do you believe it?

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I WANT TO DIE

"God, enough is enough!" Have you ever felt that way? When life hits hard some of us feel like giving up on living. Whether due to physical pain, disease, emotional struggles, or relational problems, it is easy to become frustrated with life and wish for something different. Sometimes when I tell my friends the experiences of my life, I tell them I was so depressed that I wanted to die and they say that they have also had that thought when faced with extremely painful situations. How do we deal with “what to die” situations?

We read some cases of Prophets in the Bible who also have had a desire to die.

1. JONAH

In Jonah 4:10-11, we read how Jonah sat outside the city to await God's judgement upon the people of Nineveh. When it did not happen, Jonah was upset and wanted to die. Not the best example to follow.

Jonah was so self centred on his situation that he did not think about the whole town returning to God. Sometimes when we are self-centred and not God-centred we might miss our focus. Nevertheless God was not angry with Him, in fact God spoke to Him.

Takeaway point: God can speak to you even when you are depressed!

2. JOB

Job was one person who went through the toughest time in his life. Although he was a good man, he had a terrible disease, his children were dead, his wife told him to curse God and his friends blamed him. In such time Job says, “What strength do I have, that I should still hope? I have nothing to live for. I don’t have strength to prolong my life.”(Job 6:11). In other words Job wanted to die.

Then Job said, “Though God slays me, I will trust Him. Blessed be His name. God, I am broken inside this doesn’t make any sense, I don’t have any other hope, but I am going to hope in you”. In the end of the story we see that God restored double of everything in Job’s life.

Takeaway point: Trust God when your current situation makes no sense!

3. ELIJAH

We read of how Elijah had done a big miracle and Jezebel wanted to kill him and he was running in the wilderness. He sat down and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”( 1 Kings 19:4)

God then sent an angel to provide him some cakes and water twice. Elijah was then strengthened by that food, and he continued his journey to the mountain of God.

Takeaway point: Even in the wilderness, God wants to strengthen you!

4.  MOSES

 When Moses was leading the people of Israel from Egypt to the promise land, the people started grumbling and complaining against Moses. Every family then started wailing at the entrance of their tents. Moses was troubled and told God, “If you are going to treat me like this, please kill me right now if I have found favour with you, and don't let me see my misery anymore.” (Numbers 11:15)

Later we read that Moses prayed, worshipped and kept going. Of course, God did many miracles and heard Moses’ plea on behalf of the people.

Takeaway point: When life hits hard, get up, dust off, worship God and keep going!

If you are in a dark phase of your life, I urge that you cry out to God saying, “God, this doesn’t make sense, I am hurt, I am broken, I don’t have another hope so I’m gonna hold on to you, I’m gonna trust you. Even though my heart is breaking, I believe your word for my current circumstance. I’m not moving from what You told You will do in my life. I’m holding on to Your promises. I know you are in control. I belong to you. Let Your will be done!". When you pray such prayers, God will give you peace in the midst of the storm.

I hope this blog encourages you. And if at all we have ever prayed, God let me die and He did hear our prayer, no one would be alive on earth!  Sometimes it’s better God doesn’t answer our silly prayers! :)

Pray when everything else fails

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GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU

Have you ever felt that God has forgotten you? I have. I can’t help but get discouraged when I don’t hear Him. I do get anxious when my prayers are far from being answered. Those times when God seems silent, I feel He has forgotten me may be.

I have been literally begging God to speak to me and reveal His purpose for my pain.  Or at least let me know why my prayers are not being answered. I wanted dreams and signs like we read in the Old Testament. I wanted a burning bush experience, or a count the stars in the sky experience or a rainbow experience, or a angel visitation experience. I longed and prayed for signs and wonders and miracles. But no, nothing happened. I felt really discouraged that I stopped reading the Bible. I was upset with myself thinking God had forgotten me.

While I was deep diving in my depression, I heard dad listening to a sermon. And the speaker said, God is saying, “Before you call I will answer; while you are still speaking I will hear.” I pondered in my mind, if God says this in His word why isn’t he speaking to me. I thought to myself God has indeed forgotten me. I justified myself from the scripture. It says when Rachel wanted to bear children, but could not, we read that “God remembered Rachel” (Gen. 30:22). I even prayed, God please remember me.

The next day, while scrolling on Instagram, I read a post saying, “God has not forgotten about you. Whatever it is you have been believing for, it has not been ignored or forgotten about. As if He could forget about something He knitted together, breathed into, and gave purpose. There’s no way!” I read it again and again till in sank in my heart. 

Couple of days later, I clicked on a sermon link on the internet and the very first line the speaker spoke was, God is saying, “Before you call I will answer; while you are still speaking I will hear.” I paused the video. I cried. This is all I wanted to hear. I knew it was God speaking to me. Indeed God remembered me.

If anyone reading this post feels the same way, I want to encourage you that God is still working even in the silence. He never forgets His child. He's paid His price for you. You have come too far to give up now. Hold on coz God has not forgotten you. 

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EVEN NOW FAITH

Have you ever heard of “EVEN NOW FAITH”? Sounds interesting right? We all face situations that looks like they’ll never work out.

Martha faces such odds. Her brother Lazarus was sick and they informed Jesus. But Jesus came after 4 days by then Lazarus was dead. Martha, his sister says to Jesus in John 11:21-22 “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that EVEN NOW God will give you whatever you ask.”

Martha had an EVEN NOW FAITH. Later we read that Jesus brings the dead man back to life. Martha had no concept of Jesus speaking life back into his cold corpse. So what did she mean when she said, “even now”? In spite of the fact that everything hasn’t worked out the way she had hoped, she still trusted Jesus!

Are you in such a dead situation right now? Your health may be failing, your finances may be dead, and your relationship might be dead or anything else that has no life in it. That’s when you need to have an EVEN NOW FAITH.

Whatever you may be facing today, God can make the impossible possible. He can breathe life to your dead situation. The dead things in your life can come back to life.

Do we have the EVEN NOW FAITH? Do you still love Him when He doesn’t do things your way? Do you trust Him enough to believe that He knows best? Remember your faith is stronger than your feelings!

He’s an EVEN NOW God but you have to have EVEN NOW FAITH.

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RESOLUTION 2018

Christmas is over, relatives have backpedaled home, decorations are slowing falling off, the presents are not any more under the tree, the festival has arrived at an end and here I am reflecting how the year has passed by. Goodness, what a year 2017 has been!

All I can say is "Thank you God that I survived one of the hardest year!" 

Well, it’s already the first week of a spic and span year. I have been asking God for the past few weeks to give me something to dwell on this year or rather focus on a word or a phase like I have been doing in the past.

If I remember right, as far back as Thanksgiving, I have been reminded time and time again to BE THANKFUL. Indeed, even for our family thanksgiving we named the theme as “GIVE THANKS”. So we had everyone share what they are thankful for the current year. It was really a time of refreshing and venting away emotions.

Each time I sing the song “Thank you Lord” it’s like a confirmation that I need to be thankful for blessings that I cannot see. I pulled out a list from my life for 100 things that I am thankful for and I was amazed how thankfulness can actually make you really happy. It can wipe away discouragement. Occasionally I scribble down things that I am thankful for in my “Thankfulness journal” and my "Thankfulness page". It just lifts my soul up.

On Sunday the 31st of December, guess what the sermon was about, “THANKFULNESS”. I nearly cried. It was only the confirmation I needed that God needs me to be thankful this year. I have made up my mind to be thankful in every circumstance - good or bad. Somebody stated, “Gratitude prompts Miracles and Miracles originates from Obedience”. Regardless of whether receive my miracle or not, I choose to be thankful because God has a purpose behind every plan. Steven Furtick says “The thing that hurt you most might be the thing that produces the greatest power in your life” I say AMEN to that.

Besides making a resolution to be more thankful, I have few more of them that I pursue to resolve:

What I pursue to resolve in 2018

Save more & spend less

Eat enough & waste less

Trust more & doubt less

Pray more & worry less

Write more & postpone less

Give more & expect less

Smile more & frown less

Thank more & complain less

Love more & hurt less

- My version inspired by Angie

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100 THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more.

If you concentrate on what you don't have,

you will never, ever have enough."

Oprah Winfrey

This week, I've been writing a great deal about gratitude and it's no surprise that this has inspired me to think about all of the things I am thankful for. Every once and awhile I pull out my thankfulness list (click the link to read more about it) and I add things to it. Yesterday, as I was thinking about gratitude, I realized that this list is somewhat like a gratitude journal. I'm really both happy and thankful for all of these things in my life. All of the things that make me so happy are things that I'm also grateful for! As tempting as it is to share all of those with you, I'll sum it up with my top 100...

1. God. Everything I do is to Him and everything I have is from Him.
2. Life. How cool is that I'm actually here, in this world, living?
3. Family. There is no way I could survive without them. Love you guys!
4. Friends. Even if we don’t see them every day. They add colors to my life.
5. Love. It's completely magical and amazing, isn't it?
6. Words. They are literally my life line. I would not be me without them.
7. Choice. I love that every day I can choose to be happy. Fabulous!
8. Music. It's one of those things that literally lifts my spirit up.
9. Color. As you can probably tell from my site, I'm obsessed with it!
10. Miracles. Every day we experience it. I believe in miracles!
11. Art. To quote Ani Difranco, "Art is why I get up in the morning."
12. Health. I have my ups and downs but I'm so, so, so happy that I can breathe.
13. Seasons. Spring, summer, rainy, winter, fall -- love 'em all!
14. Stars. It says God placed the stars in the sky and he named them all. How cool is that!
15. Acceptance. I'm so thankful to those who accept me for who I am.
16. Rainbows. It reminds me of the Gods convent to man. It’s like God painting on the sky!
17. Blogs. I love writing mine and I love all the blogs I read on a regular basis.
18. Laughter. The biggest medicine of all. I love to laugh till I get tears in my eyes.
19. Holidays. There's something incredibly exciting about them (especially Christmas!!!).
20. Sunshine. On a cold winter day there’s nothing like a warm sunshine.
21. Books. There's never a time when I'm not thankful for the words of another.
22. Organization. It might seem boring to some, but I'm really glad I'm organized.
23. Generosity. One of those things that's just as great to give as it is to get.
24. Encouragement. So many people have supported me in my life and I'm so blessed to have them.
25. Accountability. I'm so glad I've finally realized that I'm accountable for myself and my life.
26. Smiles. I love giving them and getting them. As Buddy the Elf says, "Smiling's my favorite!"
27. Change. It scares the shit out of me sometimes, but it can be a wonderful thing.
28. Fun. Who doesn't love a little bit (or a lot!) of fun in their lives?
29. Home. This is something I usually take for granted, but I love my beautiful house!
30. Comfort. Comfort food, comfy jumpsuit, a comfortable relationship...comfort rocks!
31. Hope. Sometimes it's hard to find, but it's always there, waiting to lift me up.
32. Handwriting. It's so cool how we're all have our very own font style.
33. Glitter. C'mon now, you know glitter is just about the awesomest thing ever.
34. Patience. I don't have very much of it yet, but I'm getting better at it every day! 
35. Photographs. There is nothing quite like a brilliant image to capture a moment.
36. Travel. I love to travel particularly to cold regions. A winter trip is my favorite of all.
37. Honesty. It really is the best policy.
38. Surprises. As long as they're good, I lovvvvvve them.
39. October. Best month ever, hands down.
40. Anchor. I can't help but get exited every time I see them.
41. Passion. One of the best things: seeing someone passionate about what they do or who they love.
42. Mangoes. If only they were non-seasonal. I would eat them every day.
43. Dreams. Both the daytime or nighttime variety are pretty cool.
44. Films. A movie that leaves you feeling moved or happy-- priceless!
45. Positivity. Look for the good in everything and you will find it.
46. Knowledge. Gaining and possessing knowledge is one of the best things in life.
47. Quality Time. When you get to spend really quality time with someone, it's sooo fantastic.
48. Fishes. How different and colorful they are! Fascinating!
49. Kindness. Even the smallest act or word can change a day around. Seriously.
50. Sleep. There's nothing like a soft pillow and a warm blanket after a long, hard day.
51. Dancing. I can't say I'm good at it, but I love to do it especially a Zumba class!
52. Safe Landings. Gotta love those after a turbulence-filled international flights! Scary!
53. Food. It's a major part of life, but I often forget to be thankful for it.
54. Challenges. They may suck at the time, but they always make me a better person. 
55. Imagination. I don't know where (or who!) I would be without it...
56. Compliments. Yeah, you know you're thankful for 'em too.
57. Facebook. It's awesome connecting with people on there and a great resource for new info.
58. Education. So happy to be able to read and write and gain knowledge.
59. Freedom. Another thing I often take for granted, but am so blessed to have.
60. Plans. I love knowing that fun things are coming up. Putting plans in place is great!
61. Church. Seriously, it has changed my life in so many amazing ways.
62. Riding. My bike, the road, the people, the traffic... no comments! 
63. Inspiration. There's nothing quite like coming across something that inspires you.
64. Peace. I'm not always at peace with myself and the world, but I'm working on it.
65. Productivity. It feels so great to strike off something from your “to-do” list.
66. Emotions. Sometimes it's scary to feel things deeply, but it's also very wonderful.
67. Creativity. It's such a great feeling to make something and know it came from your heart.
68. Good News. We all know there's a lot of bad news out there, so it's great to hear the good stuff.
69. Clothes. Even though I'm a grown-up, I still loveeeeeeeeee playing dress up.
70. Apologies. It feels great to hear them and even better to say them.
71. Forgiveness. This is also pretty great if you're in the wrong...
72. Weekends. Ahh, to be work-free for a few days. Love it!
73. Speakers: Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, John Gray, Steven Furtick... I heart you.
74. Now. It's awesome to live in the moment. The only time we have is NOW!
75. Respect. One of the best things we can do is respect others -- and ourselves.
76. Shoes. Considering I have about 15 of them, I'd say I'm pretty grateful for 'em.
77. Joy. It's something that is all around us -- we just have to look for it.
78. New Places. They can be scary sometimes, but the excitement is part of the fun!
79. Kisses. There are all sorts of kisses, but all of them are so awesome.
80. Memories. I don't like to dwell too much on the past, but it's awesome to look back sometimes.
81. Excitement. I've had a fair amount of it in my life lately and I love it!
82. Coziness. It feels so good to cuddle up and be cozy with a person you love.
83. Thoughts. I have a lot of them (a lot, a lot!) and I'm thankful for every single one.
84. Internet. Oh, what in the world would I do without you, World Wide Web??
85. Compassion. It feels wonderful to be compassionate to others.
86. Journals. All of those blank, beautiful pages!! I cannot get enough of them!
87. Christmas. Hands down! The most wonderful time of the year! Always!
88. Water. Another one of those things I tend to take for granted, but it's super important.
89. Energy. Sometimes I lack this but when I have them I’m super happy! Yippee!
90. Questions. When I question things and when others question me, I learn. Love that! 
91. Time. I've already spent a pretty good amount of time being me, and I'm thankful for that.
92. Hugs. Hugs are one of the reasons God gave us arms. A good hug can brighten any day.
93. Earth. This place is pretty cool, if you ask me. Thanks for letting me live here, Earth!
94. Safety. More often than not, I feel very safe to have that privilege.
95. Strength. I'm not that physically strong, but I have a lot of internal strength that I need to be thankful for.
96. Independence. It's great to be free, but it's also important to be independent.
97. Gifts. I adore buying gifts for others (and don't mind receiving them myself! ha!).
98. Enthusiasm. Life's too short to sit around being bored so get into it! 
99. Gratitude. Without it, I don't think I would be nearly as happy as I am right now.
100. YOU. Thank you, thank you, thank you for reading and support this blog. You. Are. Awesome.

Please feel free to share with me in the comments section one of the things that you're grateful for today. I'd love to hear about the things that inspire you to have an attitude of gratitude!

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