"The Importance of Being Thankful"

 

With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, I started thinking more about the importance of being thankful. Especially during this time of year, I like to contemplate the things in my life for which I am truly grateful. 

One thing that I am feeling thankful for right now is that I'm finally getting to write this blog post! I'm running a bit late with my post since I've been working on a pet portrait which was due yesterday. Just in the nick of time, I finally finished it! It must have been okay, since the ones who commissioned the portrait seemed to love it! Happy! Thankful!

Pastel Portrait of Cute Dog

I even have a thankful journal that I write in at the end of every day. My journal entries range from simple things like being thankful for a beautiful, sunny day or being thankful that I am still able make some calculations using a pencil and paper (I can cypher like Jethro who often does cyphering on one of our favorite television shows, "The Beverly Hillbillies," a '60's American sitcom.) instead of using a calculator.

In my journal, I write about important things, too, like being thankful that the vet's less-than-positive diagnosis for one of our beloved cats has changed- We researched healing our cat. We even contacted a psychic who is a reiki master that did long-distance reiki on her. Greg, who is a natural healer, continues healing her periodically. In addition, we contacted the prayer group at Julie Green Ministries to pray for our fur baby. (FYI- www.jgminternational.org ) 

Doing all of the above seems to be working because she has made a remarkable recovery for which we are truly grateful! (The power of prayer, positive thinking and doing, and being thankful for her healing all worked together for a positive outcome.)

For a better life, author Eldon Taylor says to say, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." and to smile.

Being thankful is really important since it opens the door for even more wonderful things to come into our lives. In fact, you can be thankful in advance for things you hope to manifest in your life!

We have a pretty painting of a colorful arrangement of vegetables that my father, Bill Botts, did when he first started painting. It hangs in our kitchen, along with a plaque above it, with the word "thankful." These are colorful, everyday reminders for us to always be thankful for our blessings, not just one day a year, but all year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

For a positive memoir about living life in Southern Appalachia, check out Becky's book, "Down Memory Lane" which is on Amazon in both the Kindle and paperback versions. For more information, please see the widget above.

Positive thought: "Try to stay positive, and thankful, and believe that things will get better!" -Becky Arnott

Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, December 2, 2023, Becky

 

Our Middle Tennessee Weekend Adventure

Welcome!

A few weeks ago, the last weekend in April, Greg and I were invited for what we'd consider an adventure in Middle Tennessee, since most of the things we did were new to us. A couple of the things we did were even somewhat out of our comfort zone.

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."
-Neale Donald Walsch

On that Saturday, we got to attend a baseball game which is something that Greg and I never do, but our little nephew was playing, so we, of course, were eager to support him and his team.

Our team won! Yeah, team! Good job!

On Sunday of that weekend, we went to our little niece's confirmation.

It was a beautiful ceremony, and the church looked beautiful, as well, decorated with white flowers.

The Two Children (Greg's and My Niece and Nephew) with Their Grandparents

After the church ceremony and sermon, there was a delicious dinner at Bonnie and Doug's who are the proud parents of these two special children.

Visitors Sampling, Previewing the Dinner at Bonnie and Doug's

Most of us need to get out of our ruts, and to try to do something adventurous at least once a week. That doesn't mean that you necessarily have to go mountain-climbing or scuba-diving, unless you just want to! It could be something as simple as trying butterscotch swirl ice cream instead of vanilla. Try it, you just might like it! I personally don't like reruns all of the time on TV or in real life.

I'm so glad we got to go and take part in this fun, busy weekend. It was something different to add to my thankful journal in which I write daily. I try to fill up a whole page in my journal every day with all of the wonderful things that happened that day. That way I'm mostly focused on what's good rather than what's not so good in my life.

Here's wishing you a strawberry/chocolate marshmallow/tutti-frutti type of life! Go for it!

Positive thought: "Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell not stuff to show."-Unknown Author
Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, July 7, 2019, Becky

Last Positive Blog Post of 2014

Welcome!

Not only is this my last blog post of 2014, but it's also my last post until Sunday, February 8, 2015 because I have a lot of plans for the new year, and I'm going to have to slow down a bit to work in everything.  For now, I'm planning to have my regular posts around once a month with occasional mini blog post updates in between the regular ones whenever something interesting happens.

Some of my projects are, working more on my art, photography, and writing.  My writing includes two books on which I'm currently working, one paranormal and the other one on abuse (with a positive slant, of course!).  I'm currently thinking about some other project ideas, as well.  I even have plans for a website.

Since this is the end of the old year, I always like to look back on the year and evaluate it in terms of what I've learned and what good things happened during that time.

I have learned some valuable lessons in 2014:

-I learned to never give up on your dreams.

-Live life on your own terms, not according to what other people expect of you.

-Cultivate true, non-judgmental friends that are appreciative of who you really are.

I'm thankful for so much that has happened for Greg and me this year.  We have been truly blessed, as evidenced in my thankful journal that is overflowing with all the things I'm thankful for each and every day.  We're looking forward to even more blessings in the new year.

-One big thing for which I'm thankful is our changing ninety percent of the food we eat to organic.  It's making a big difference in our lives.

-I'm thankful for all of you: the readers of my blogs, those who have taken the time to email me with your kind comments, those who have been supportive of my book, "Photographic Encounters of the Spirit Kind," and those who have bought my coal jewelry, art work, and photographs.

-And, the list goes on!

I'm looking forward to many more exciting adventures in the new year, and I'm wishing for you the same.

"Cheers to the new year and another chance for us to get it right."
-Oprah Winfrey

A Toast to 2015!  (With sparkling organic grape juice, of course!)

May you have a positive New Year (2015) filled with happiness, good health, and good fortune!

Positive thought: "Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day."-Michael Josephson, www.whatwillmatter.com

Check out our latest photos on iStock!
http://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/rebecca-arnott#10f6e9a3

Thanks for visiting!  Until Sunday, February 8, 2015, Becky