2011 Gratitude Challenge - Karen's 1/06/2011

Bel Marshall has challenged everyone to write a hub everyday stating five thing you are thankful for in that day. I thought this was a very good challenge! As I go out into the world and meet people, I am so surprised at the negative comments that are made. Sometimes it just a negative comment about the weather: too hot, too cold, etc. Sometimes it is even Christians who make these statements. Christians, even though we do have problems too, should be more optimistic in their thinking. The Bible tells us to be content in every state we are in and then it tells us to count our blessings. I believe that taking this challenge will help me to overcome some of that pessimistic thinking that comes up every now and then. When we realize that there is good among the bad, things start to look so much better.

Bel's challenge was to write a hub everyday, but with my responsibilities here at home, I am not able to do it every day. My goal is to write at least once a week but hopefully I will get two in. Wouldn't you like to join us this year and start being grateful for all the thing in your life? If you are not a Hub page member, join here and start writing your own grateful hubs! Here is a link to Bel's original hub: http://hubpages.com/hub/Gratitude-A-Challenge-For-Hubbers-In-2011

Here is my first 5 things I am grateful for:

1. Health - I am grateful that no one in my family is sick today. My husband is well, my kids are well and so am I. No one in my immediate family has a terminal illness either.
2. Food - God has provided plenty of food for my family. I was able to give my kids cereal with milk for breakfast and I had my daily cup of coffee. One of my kids made a large pot of grits instead of cereal and I think each of the kids had some. I went to the store and bought two loaves of bread, two gallons of milk and a couple pounds of lunch meat for lunch. We also had crackers and Cheetos for a snack in the afternoon. I made my first pot of goulash for dinner. It was not as good as what my husband makes, but it was edible and nourished our bodies.
3. Shelter - It has been very cold and snowy here! I am so thankful we have a house that we can take shelter in. I cringe when I think abut the homeless who try to protect themselves with card board boxes.
4. Family - i am very proud of my seven children. They bring me such joy that words cannot describe. I am also thankful form y extended family. Both of my parents are still living, I have a sister and brother in law, two nieces and a nephew. My husband has two sisters and a brother too. I know that if I ever need help, I can call any of these family members to help me out.
5. Friends - Life would be so boring and lonely without friends! Friends are the "dessert" of life.

 When you have written your own gratitude hub, let me know and I will add your link to the one below.