A to Z Blogging Challenge: "Gratitude Journal"

"Gratitude Journal"

(This article appeared in the January issue of the Nebraska Family Times.Even though the "official" day for resolutions--Jan. 1st--has passed, I challenge you to begin a Gratitude Journal. "Counting my blessings" every day helps me realize how truly blessed I am--and it will do the same for you. If you would like a FREE sample copy of the Nebraska Family Times, e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net. Please include the address to which you'd like the sample copy sent.) 

The Bible commands us to be thankful. Psalm 106:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1 repeats the command, as does Psalm 136:1.  And God truly is good. He gives us the greatest blessings in life—eternal life through the death of His son. He also gives us our faith, family, friends, homes, and on and on. 

The Bible also tells us we should be “always giving thanks…for everything” (Eph. 5:20) and we should “give thanks in all circumstances“(1 Thess. 5:18). Always” and “in all circumstances”—not just when we’re having a good day. 

Obviously the biggest benefit of giving thanks is obeying and honoring our Lord. But there are other benefits as well. 

Research has shown that people who made a list of three to five things they were grateful for every day were more optimistic about the future and felt better about their lives overall than people who recorded daily hassles or negative happenings. Listing things daily resulted in a greater increase in gratitude than only doing so weekly.  Some research shows that feelings of thankfulness can help reduce stress; stress is linked with many illnesses, including heart disease. 


Grateful people are usually more optimistic than others, and some researchers say that being optimistic helps boost the immune system. This means that people who are thankful may become ill less often. A thankful attitude has also been linked to quicker recovery after surgery or when sick An “attitude of gratitude” has been linked to better sleep, a decrease in anxiety and depression, kinder behavior toward others, higher satisfaction with life in general, and overall better health. When we focus on gratitude, even for small things, our thinking shifts to being more positive in general.  

One of my goals for 2012 is to list 5 things I’m thankful for, every day. Will you join me in starting a “Gratitude Journal”?  Choose a notebook or journal, big or small, fancy or plain, and take a few minutes every day to jot down 3-5 things you’re thankful for. You could also make your list on your calendar. Your list can be in phrases, complete sentences, or even paragraphs. But keep it simple so you’ll find it easy to do every day.


If you would like, share part of your journal with me. Every month in 2012 I’ll be listing some of the things I am thankful for, and/or contributions from readers. Just e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net with what you are grateful for—it can be one thing or several. 

Here's what I was thankful for yesterday, April 10th, 2012:

1. I got to talk to Cody several times; he needed information faxed to him so he could finish his taxes. It's always nice to hear his voice.
2. I got several hugs from Morgan; she's 18 and almost ready to graduate and sometimes hugs are rare!
3. It was a beautiful spring day and I got to spend some time outside; even the usual Nebraska wind wasn't blowing!
4. My refrigerator is full of plenty of food--and leftovers, so I didn't have to cook!
5. Our beagle, Jenny, who is always ready to cuddle when I'm feeling down. 

What are YOU thankful for today?

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I'm also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is. 

Check out the post today, titled

"Just say "NO"!"

Blogging A to Z Challenge "Whiney Israelites"

Whiney Israelites

God had gotten His people out of slavery in Egypt. He showed His power against Pharaoh through the plagues that, after a few, only affected the Egyptians, leaving the Israelites untouched. (You can read the narratives of the examples below in the book of Exodus, chapters 1-17.)

God led the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

He parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape again from the Egyptians. When the Egyptians followed them, the water closed over and killed them.

He made the bitter, undrinkable water sweet at Marah.

He sent manna from heaven, providing food for years.

He made water come from a rock.

The Israelites’ clothing did not wear out for 40 years.

Over and over again, time after time after time, the Lord showed His power and His love for His people, the Israelites, through guidance, miracles, and providing for them.

And over and over and over, they whine, complain, and grumble.

“We would be better off back in Egypt!”

“Why did you bring us here?”

“We’re tired of manna!”

“We’re thirsty!”

I see this pattern of ungratefulness in the Israelites and shake my head at them. How could they be so blind to God’s love for them?

But then…I remember my own gripes and whining.

“But Lord, I waaaannnnnttttt it! Why can’t I haaavveee it?”

“I’m so tired of dealing with this situation!”

“Why can’t my life be easier?”

(Many times I picture God rolling His eyes and shaking His head at me…”I’ve provided for her soooo many times, and she STILL doubts?”)

And then…I remember the words of Matthew 7:3, in which Jesus says, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”

It’s easy for me to see (and criticize) the speck in the eyes of the Israelites, and ignore the plank in my own eye. It is so easy for me to forget the countless answered prayers, the endless blessings, the ways God has so clearly shown that He is with me and loves me.

And I have so much more than the Israelites! I have the Bible at my fingertips and can read reassuring verses every day. I have study Bibles and aids to help me understand.

And instead of a hope of a Savior in the future, I have the narrative of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection right in front of me, available to me every single day.

Lord, You have given me so very much, and I have so much more than the Israelites. Please forgive my whining!   

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I'm also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is  

Today my entry is titled "Independent; Raising Your Kids to Be." 

Blogging A to Z Challenge "From the Heart"

"From the Heart"

I am in a funk today. After the excitement and joy of spending the weekend celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior, and time with family and a great meal, today is a letdown. Of course I know that every day is a celebration of Christ’s resurrection and our family will be together again in just a few weeks.

The occasion of our “get together” in a few weeks will be Morgan’s graduation from high-school. I’ve had a lot of bittersweet moments lately, thinking about how things will change so much at the end of summer when she goes off to college.

The next weeks will be filled with “lasts”—the last FFA Banquet is tonight. Her “last” Prom will be a week from Saturday. The “last” Honor’s Night will be shortly after that, and then the “last” day of school—her last day of high school ever!

To keep from bursting into the tears that are just below the surface, I’m going to count my blessings today, and to keep in the theme of the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I’m going to count the blessings that begin with the letter “H.”

1. FaitH (Yes, I know “faith” doesn’t start with “H” but it ends with “H” and is the most important thing in my life!)
2. Husband. J
3. Home—warm, secure, and in a beautiful spot in the country.
4. Health
5. Hungry—the leftovers in the refrigerator assure that I—and my family!—will not be hungry all week!
6. Hands—that type and write, allowing me to do the work I love!
7. Hugs. See number 2.
8. Hurts—that send me back to my Savior, and thankfulness that ALL of my hurts can be soothed through Him.
9. Children who bring Tim and I such joy—they are God’s greatest blessings!
10. Hope. I have the hope and knowledge that although there are many changes ahead, not just for me but also for my husband and kids, there is one thing, One Who will never, ever change. And I’m so very, very thankful for Him.

 “He makes all things beautiful in His time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

What are you thankful for today?

I’m also blogging on my other blog, Home is Where the Mom Is. Today I’m talking about “How to get Started Writing.” 

Blogging A to Z Challenge "Gravel Roads"

“Gravel Roads”

Gravel roads are a part of living in the country. They can be unpredictable, with washboards, unexpected dips, and areas of deep gravel. Any of these can pull a vehicle from side to side, spin it around, and even cause it to go off the road completely.

Many days as I travel on our gravel road to the highway, I’m all alone and more likely to see a deer, rabbit, wild turkey or pheasant than another vehicle.

The road grader periodically comes down our road, first smoothing one side and then coming back to smooth the other side of the road. If I go on the road before his second pass, there’s a big pile of dirt and gravel down the center of the road. Sometimes it’s too high to drive over, so I’m stuck on one side of the road until the barrier is lower.

One thing I know about driving on any gravel road—it always ends, either at the smooth, predictable paved highway, or at home, in my garage.

Life can be like a gravel road—with bumps, unexpected dips and barricades which make it difficult to get over to the other side. In life, situations can take us by surprise and pull from side to side, spin us around, or throw us completely off the road we were on.

However, because of our faith, we can be confident that we are not alone as we travel the “gravel roads” of our lives. God is ALWAYS with us—through the dips, deep places, and barriers, even when we spin out or go off the road. He is with us through trials, and right there beside us, ready to guide us back to where we should be.

Just as I know any gravel road will eventually lead to a smoother path or home, I know that the sometimes rough road of my life will always, eventually, lead to a smoother path…and at the very end of my last trip on a gravel road, I will arrive safely home, to my eternal home, in heaven.

Jesus said, “…small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” 

Matthew 7:14

“I will guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.”

Proverbs 4:11

“Make level paths for your feet and take only the ways that are firm. 

Do not swerve to the right or the left…” Proverbs 4:26-27

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I'm also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is. Check out the post today, which gives guidelines for and steps to setting "Goals" so you'll be able to have the satisfaction of reaching them! 

Blogging A to Z Challenge

“Good Friday?”

Good Friday? I think for most of the people there it was the worst Friday ever.

Mary lost her son.

Judas had already killed himself as a result of his involvement in the capture and death of Jesus.

Peter had denied Jesus—three times!—the night before.

The disciples were losing their leader.

Pilate had washed his hands (literally!) of the whole thing, knowing that Jesus did not deserve to die.

Two thieves were also being crucified.

A multitude of people were mourning Jesus’ crucifixion.

And Jesus…Jesus had been betrayed, beaten, tortured, mocked, crucified, and felt His Father, his God, had forsaken Him.

On that day, the only person who would count it a “good” day would be the thief to whom Jesus promised, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Today we can call it Good Friday because we know the rest of the story. We know that the sadness of that Friday on earth, the sorrow turned to happiness on Sunday, when Jesus rose from the dead, means unending joy in paradise for all who believe in Him.

During the last few years, even the last few months, I have known many people who have died. Young and old, sick and healthy, expected and unexpected deaths…for their loved ones and family members, these deaths marked a very bad day.

But again, we know the rest of the story, and along with mourning the “bad” day, we have that hope, that knowledge, of the rest of the story. We know that because Jesus endured that terrible, terrible day, our sorrow at the death of a loved one will one day, on the most joyous day, the “good” day of all “good” days, we will be reunited with our loved ones in heaven.

We can call “Good” Friday good, knowing that in just a few short days we will again celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Because He endured that “bad” day, we believers will have the joy of spending eternity with Him in heaven.

Happy Good Friday.


Thank You, Lord, for the rest of the story.

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Jump over to my other blog, Home is Where the Mom Is , where it’s FREEBIE FRIDAY! Leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win one of three autographed copies of Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home. 

Blogging A to Z Challenge

“God’s Ears”

“Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my king and my God, for to You do I cry.” Psalm 5:1-2

Every mother is affected by the sound of a baby—particularly her own baby—crying. The sound immediately wakes a mother from the deepest of sleeps or pulls her from whatever task she is doing to her baby’s side.

In this Psalm David is asking the Lord to give attention to his cry, to listen to him, to give consideration to what he, David, is asking.

And God heard David’s cry, just as a mother hears the cry of her baby. God pays attention when a child of His cries out. He turns His attention to us whenever we ask.

God hears us even when we do not have words to describe what we are going through or what we need. The Spirit hears us when all we can do is groan in sorrow or discouragement or pain; “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26

We are so blessed to be able to go to the Lord in prayer with the confidence that He will hear us, and that He will give us attention, even if we don’t have the words.

Thank You, Lord, for turning Your attention to me when I cry to You. Thank you for hearing my groaning. Thank you for hearing my prayer, and hearing Your Spirit when I can’t find the words to express what I need. Amen.

The Nebraska Family Times is a pro-life, pro-family monthly newspaper, with a mission to “inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk.” Would you like to receive this positive newspaper in your mailbox every month? Check the sidebar to order           your subscription today!

I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is. Today’s entry is titled 

“Expectations—Revising Unrealistic Ones.” 

Blogging A to Z Challenge

“Spiritual Discernment”

To be “discerning” means to be discriminating, critical, knowledgeable. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, said, “This is my prayer: That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ...” Phil. 1:9-10

King Solomon asked God for wisdom and discernment, and God granted it to him; “’Now O Lord my God…give your servant a discerning heart…to distinguish between right and wrong…’ The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, ‘…I will give you a wise and discerning heart…’” 1 Kings 9-12 (excerpted)

Be discerning in your spiritual life. Even well-known authors and Christian speakers can be led astray and lead you away from what the Bible really says and means. In this election year, candidates often speak of their religious beliefs. Do they really know what they’re talking about?

How can you be discerning?

• Know, for yourself, what the Bible says. Read it and study it. Paul told Timothy, “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16. The words of the Bible are God’s words, and He has given them to us so that we can teach, correct, and be competent and equipped to share His Word. (Go to The Bible Tells Me So! for tips on Bible study.) Ask your pastor or religious leader to suggest reference books that will help you better understand the Bible—but remember, use the Bible itself as your primary source.
• Question what you read and hear, from “regular” people as well as from well-known leaders. Test what they say and write against what the Bible says and the theology of your denomination.  
• Ask God for wisdom and discernment—and believe that he will give it to you. James writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…” James 1:5-6

The book of Proverbs (which is believed to be mostly written by King Solomon, after he asked God for wisdom and discernment) speaks of discernment several times, including the following:

“The discerning heart seeks knowledge…” Proverbs 15:14

“The wise in heart are called discerning…” Proverbs 16:21

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge…” Proverbs 18:15

Use your discerning heart to acquire  the Truth, God’s Truth, as you grow spiritually.

(I’m also blogging for the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is . Today the topic is “Distractions”.)