As I prepare to celebrate another birthday this week, I wanted to take a moment with each of you to share some things I appreciate. I believe it’s important to recognize what you are grateful for.
I have learned to take moments to just pause and take in what I am grateful for. These things can vary obviously from family, provisions, and life. Although you may appreciate these things you may not acknowledge it enough and you can take these things for granted.
1 – FAMILY
I want to begin with my family because how important they are to me. The genuine love, support, encouragement, and prayers they have given me is completely priceless. I also love how sensitive they are to me. These are valuable gifts that really cannot be put into words. I so appreciate them greatly.
2 – PROVISIONS
I believe it is important to never take for granted your daily provisions, whether this means food, shelter, safety, guidance, support, encouragement and so much more. There have been times over my life where I can reflect on the fact when I had need and it was provided. Taking time to appreciate these things will cause you to become more grateful. It also helps when you face other needs as you recall when these past things were taken cared of. For example, I can remember when my family and I really needed toilet paper and other toiletries when we had no income and before the end of the day, we miraculously received at least 40 rolls of toilet paper and all the toiletries we needed and more. We had at least 3 individuals call and/or show up prompted to give us either toilet paper and/or toiletries. This took place shortly after we took time to pray and ask God to please provide as we were down to our last roll. I share this as one example out of the many I have experienced, and I really hope this will encourage you too. We should never take lightly as our needs are daily provided for.
3 – LIFE
In my opinion, each day is a gift. First, I have had some close calls to death in my life due to physical ailments and I have learned to appreciate my life even more. Life is short and I believe it is important to make the most of each day we are given. Secondly, I know life can be so hard, and there may be times we can feel the weight of it all but there is purpose for each of us. I believe life is meant to be lived and learn from. Sorrow and loss are very difficult to walk through. Rejection and denial are as well. But the other side of this are the moments of breakthrough, answered prayers, fulfillment, and accomplishments. Experience teaches you to let go of what you must and the things you cannot change. Learning to appreciate life will cause you to want to continue no matter where you find yourself currently. I have greatly appreciated when God has bought confirmation to where I am on to the place to where I am going. Being validated brings a level of great encouragement. I find it important to accept that you may not always be acknowledged, thanked, or welcomed but you do not have to allow that to change you in a negative way. Just keep moving on and remain thankful along the way for the right people you have surrounding you, who are still there and never leave. Set realistic goals and evaluate your accomplishments. Keep your words and maintain honesty.
I also think its important to appreciate your weaknesses and strengths. Be honest about each. Learn from your weaknesses and do not allow them to become stumbling blocks, hinderances or crutches. Recognize your strengths. Embrace them and build from them. Never allow the opinions of others to push you down to live out your full potential. No one deserves that much power over you.
I also want to mention that I have learned the importance of giving thanks to God daily and acknowledging that He is with me and for me. I can honestly say that I have experienced the difference it makes when I do so.
Thank you for taking moments with me as I celebrate my birthday this first week of June. Let me know some of the things you appreciate in your life. Share with me and bring encouragement to others too. Let’s continue to take moments together.
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I love this post Natalie! It’s so important to take time to appreciate things in life, the small and big things. After living away at university, I really appreciate the home-cooked meals my parents make me!
Thank you so much Caroline. Yummy, yes home-cooked meals are wonderful for sure. Thank you so much for taking moments with me to read and share your thoughts.
This is a wonderful post! It’s so important to practice gratitude even on one of the biggest days in your life.
Thank you so much Riyah. I really appreciate you taking moments with me to read and share your thoughts.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday! Those are beautiful things to be thankful for!
Thank you so much for the sincere birthday wishes. I appreciate you taking moments with me to read and share your thoughts.
I’ve had some moments close to death before when I was a kid and a few years ago. Making the most of each day is good.
Thank you for reading and sharing your story. It is so important to not take anything for granted. I’m glad you are well and able to share how you take one day at a time.
What a great read, agree with a lot of this and can relate! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
After being born at 26-1/2 weeks and given less than an hour to live 65 years ago, I figure God must have a purpose for me! I appreciate each and every day and make sure I thank Him every morning for giving me another day! I just try to be a good person and go with the flow. I loved reading about the things you appreciate. Have a wonderful birthday celebration with your family! God loves you. ❤️
Thank you so much Carol for sharing your reading and sharing your incredible story too. God has a plan for each of our lives and you are truly a miracle. Continue to read and take moments with me.
I totally agree that family is one thing to be appreciative of! My family do everything for me I’d be lost without them! ❣️
Thank you so much for taking moments with me and sharing your comments.
I love these types of posts, they always bring a smile to my face and I can totally relate with everything you’ve written. I fell ill nearly 9 years ago and I quickly learnt how we should never take life for granted and appreciate everything around us, even the smaller more ‘insignificant’ things. This is such a great post lovely, thank you so much for sharing Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
I am sincerely sorry that you too are dealing with illness. I have learned how important it is to be content in life and never take anything for granted. Thank you so much for taking moments with me and sharing your thoughts.
Family and provisions shouldn’t be taken for granted. So right. I’m sorry to hear about your ailments i didn’t know that. I look forward to your birthday which I still don’t know when haha. I’ll tweet again. First week huh? Lots of love. Xx
Isa A. Blogger
Yes, I celebrate the first week of June Isa but the actual day I do not close for privacy protection. My family is so precious to make me feel celebrated throughout the entire month of June honestly. Thank you for your kind words and for taking moments with me.
Such a great reminder post of the importance of never taking anything for granted, and always being grateful for all your blessing. I love your story about how you prayed and that God provided. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I really appreciate you taking moments to read and share your comments. As I shared, I sincerely hoped others would be encouraged. God is faithful to provide our daily needs and I am so thankful for that.
There are so many provisions that we take for granted every day. Thank you for making me stop and pause and remember to be thankful for even the simplest of things like toilet paper. Thank you for sharing and happy birthday!
Thank you sincerely for reading and sharing your comments. Definitely it is the little things that we must remember to be grateful for and not take for granted. I appreciate your birthday wishes too. Continue to take moments with me.
Such a great post. Family is so appreciated
Yes, honestly I really appreciate my family and thank God for them everyday. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your comments.
Let me just say how much I appreciate your blogs and the encouragement you give every time. It’s good to be reminded to take time to appreciate the many blessings God has bestowed upon his children! Thank you Pastor Natalie for your generous time and your precious words.
Thank you so much for taking a moment to read and share your beautiful words of encouragement.
Totally appreciate this post. Everyone needs to take time to think about what they appreciate in life and what better time than birthdays.
I definitely like to take moments to reflect throughout the year; especially on my birthday, wedding anniversary and the end of the year. Thank you for taking moments with me to read and share your comments.
loved this post! such a positive reminder to think of our blessings [ big or small]. thanks for sharing!
Reflection on our blessings no matter what the size is so important. It keeps you thankful daily. Thank you so much for taking a moment to read and share your thoughts.
Love this! And I really appreciate these reflection posts around birthdays. It’s definitely a time to take stock of things and it’s so important to remember what we have to be grateful for. Wonderful post thanks for sharing 🙂
Yes, reflection is so important and helpful. I really appreciate you taking a moment with me to read and share your thoughts.
These are all such great things to appreciate! Thanks so much for sharing them
Thank you so much for taking moments with me to read and share your comments.
Such a lovely reminder on things to be grateful for.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your comments. Continue to take moments with me on my blog.
Love this! It can be so easy to forget to appreciate the little things in life, so this is a great reminder.
I totally agree, Natalie! I constantly need to work on not taking things for granted. Your story is truly amazing inspiring. Thank you for sharing! 😊
I’m so glad you got to celebrate another birthday. Yes, having God in one’s life can make a significant impact on how well someone lives. Like you, I’ve had some close calls with death and have learned the value of savoring every moment in life.
I’m glad you visited me. I’ll definitely be back to learn more about you.
Awww… I really appreciate your sincere comments. Thank you so much for taking a moment to read. Coming close to death definitely brings a greater appreciation to life and the ones you love. God is faithful. Looking forward to having you take a moment with me again.