Deo Gratias!

 "If the only prayer you ever say in your life is thank you, it will be enough." - Meister Eckhart

Colleen, from her inspiring blog Thoughts on Grace, hosts this wonderful meme each Wednesday. She says, "Deo Gratias is Latin for Thanks be to God. Remembering to give thanks for all of our blessings, big & small, helps us to find God in our everyday moments and gives us an attitude of gratitude!"

Each week, I join Colleen in remembering & sharing the many blessings in my life. This is such a great exercise for me, helping me to focus on the good that truly is happening in my life, no matter how many trials & stresses I may have.

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1) I've never been great at journaling, but decided to have journal time w/ the kids in the morning. So, after our morning prayers & read aloud, we sit at the kitchen table & write for at least 15 minutes. Hopefully, this will also give me some future blog posts, too! Deo Gratias! 

2) On Saturday, I attended our diocesan Catholic women's conference. There were three great speakers...Kimberly Hahn, Sr. Miriam James, & Rebecca Dussault. What a great day...faith-filled & inspiring!  Deo Gratias! 

3) It's only been two days now, but I've been making a more concentrated effort to rise earlier & spend more time in prayer. So far, so good! Deo Gratias! 

4) I often get tongue-tied when talking to other people, esp. if I'm tired or distracted. However, on Sunday, I was proud of myself for having numerous conversations that were coherent & meaningful! Deo Gratias! 

5) Today is my birthday! Matt couldn't wait to give me my gift when it arrived last week...a Kindle. He also paid for my admission to the conference. Yesterday, I received the following two gifts from two of my dear blessings. And this morning, for breakfast, The Archangel is making me pancakes. Deo Gratias!
 

The Saint drew this on his dry erase board...it is our church w/ our pastor at the altar, the painting of Jesus on the cross behind him, & the Saint & me sitting in the pews.

The Princess made this crucifix for me out of Bendaroos.