"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." James 1:17

I began a gratitude journal in 1998 after reading Sarah Ban Breathnach's book, Simple Abundance, the inspiration for the title of this blog. Over the past ten years what began as a discipline has now become the air I breathe as my relationship with gratitude has grown. I am creating this blog as a place to live my gratitude OUT LOUD and invite you to join me. I promise it will change your life! G.B. Stern said, "Silent Gratitude isn't much use to anyone." If you aren't already enrolled in the school of praise and thanksgiving, I encourage you to look to my greatest teacher, gratitude, and begin your own list today. Here are a few of my gifts:

1. An blooming Ohio dogwood, reminding me of my Virginia roots.
2. A Starbucks Venti' white mocha with whip, calm and energy all in one. No one will ever convince me it's not worth almost 5 dollars.
3. The intoxicating baby smell as I kiss Danica's head over and over while I rock her.
4. A cup of coffee with two Splenda packets and the baby's bottle ready on the counter when I wake, thoughtful gestures from a man who cherishes me.
5. New freckles on my Delaney's nose, exposure to the sun and life, cinnamon and sugar on my sweet girl.
6. Date night rituals, always ending with a bottle of cabernet, dark chocolate and heart to hearts.
7. Daily phone calls from my sister, Rochelle, my first and forever friend.
8. Living so close to my mom I can hug her EVERYDAY!
9. Flip flops and freshly painted toes.
10. Comfy jammie pants.
11. Laney reading books to me before bed, the first stage in a life of literacy.
12. My Pottery Barn slipcovered sofa, bright white is only a wash away.
13. A yard full of dandelions, who decided they were weeds anyway?
14. Quilts and the hands that made them.
15. Quiet moments drinking at the well of sweet spiritual water, and I am satisfied.
16. Indoor voices.
17. Lying on Dan's chest at the end of a long day, always my happy place.
18. Sweet tea, just like grandma makes.
19. Old books, friends I can revisit over and over again.
20. New books, more word worlds to discover.
21. Mani/Pedis, proof I really am a princess.
22. Sleep, although it often eludes me, when it comes I bask in it's restorative power, and I give praise!
23. Bedtime routines and familiar lullabys, knowing my children will "Sleep Sound in Jesus."
24. A sensitive heart that has to FEEL things all the way all the time.
25. Two little bunnies who visit our yard at dusk each evening.