A Grateful Heart

"Thou that has given so much to me,
Give one thing more -- a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleases me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days;
But such a heart, whose pulse may be
Thy praise."

- George Herbert

A Spark Of God

"...I agree with her in this way: we are all made to be spiritual creatures. Whether we choose to believe so or not. But her thoughts ended there. Mine went further.

More than merely spiritual, we are special. Part earth, yes. Also part divine. Blessed with a spark of God that we may either kindle into a burning inferno or a tiny ember. Put here so that we may know and love Him, that we may know and love others, and that we may be good stewards of his world."

- An excerpt from So Much More by Billy Coffey (What I Learned Today), guest blogger on Bridget Chumbley's blog One Word At A Time

Choose Better, Not Bitter

"This Thanksgiving when the food is on the table and plates are passed around I know I'll feel full before we ever take the first bite--overflowing with thankfulness for a woman who made a choice long ago that still nourishes our family today.

Thank you, Nana, for choosing better."

- A quote from Choice of the Heart by Holley on the blog (In)Courage

[Editor's Note: Be sure to go and read the whole amazing story.]

Taking The Good Days With The Bad

"...if I were only looking forward to these bright days and everything else was horrible and I gave myself over to negativity and darkness, I would despair quickly. Changed circumstances are great, but how many give up because it didn’t turn out the way they imagined?"

- A quote from Why it's a Good Day by Jason on his blog Connecting to Impact

Allowing Our Children To Be Who God Made Them To Be

"Why do I want my child to be like everyone else? Why am I so uncomfortable with imperfection? And comfortable with conformity?

At the same time, I want her to be herself. As she grows, to stand firm in truth, to withstand the strong current of worldliness that will fight to whisk her away.

One day, I will marvel at her strength and will when she makes a good decision and leads rather than follows.

How can I want both?

God forgive me for wanting to squeeze her into a box. She doesn't fit. Help me to embrace her strong will as a strength, not a weakness.

You created her in your image.

And she is mine."

- An excerpt from Embracing the Strong-Will of My Child by Kristen on her blog We Are THAT Family