Give thanks

The month of November and Thanksgiving are a time for being thankful, but what about the other 11 months and 364 days in the year?

Due to unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances, I have been without my laptop, smart phone, and hair dryer. Being without these essential items I have been given the gift of time and reflection; what I have found is that I am selfish and not at all thankful for the things that I have: health, home, husband, children and a loving God and Savior. All I could seem to think and talk about was my current misfortune, I was miserable, rude and an all around killjoy. Then it occurred to me that my Savior Jesus Christ did without and not once did he question as to why; He was faithful and thankful for everything He had, even death, He was thankful to die on the cross for me and my sins. I need to be thankful. In my new found thankfulness, I am waking up each day and going to bed each night being thankful in my circumstances. I am rewiring myself to be thankful for something new each and every day, and I must say its working. My attitude and overall demeanor has drastically improved. I may be without worldly luxuries, but I am saved and forgiven and loved and that's more than enough for me. I am however looking forward to upgrading my luxuries soon, that's the bright side, through lemons you get lemonade.

What are you thankful for?

Just a Little Product Placement

Here is a list of a few things that I love, and some that I just can't live without:
1. Pinterest

follow me @ www.pinterest.com/ktitland

2. Starbucks

3. Jessica Simpson Collection

4. Amazon Kindle

5. Shoe Dazzle

6.Mary Kay
www.marykay.com/jennellfaulkner

7. Leap Frog (for the kiddos)

8. Cardigans

...What are some of your must have products?

12 Resolves for 2012

In honor of the new year, I am starting a Blog, for one, with the goal of posting at least once a week for the first 6 months. My other resolves are:
1) Faith - I am going to increase my faith by joining my church in reading the Bible in one year
2) Health - I had a baby in July and have yet to lose the last 15-20 pounds. I have already started on this goal prior to the new year, its never to soon to work towards being healthy!
3) $ - This is our year, our year to decrease debt and increase savings
4) Food - I will be cooking a lot more for my family in 2012, eating out is convenient but expensive. I have already begun working on this goal prior to the new year!
5) GRE - I am a recent college graduate and would like to go back and obtain my Masters degree, in 2012 I will take both the General GRE and the Psychology GRE
6) Cleaning - I really struggle with cleaning. I can clean like the best of them when I need to, but maintaining a clean and functional household is my issue.
7) Organize - and garage sale. I did a garage sale last year to de-clutter and it felt amazing! Plan to do this every year
8) Love - please see 1 Corinthians 13.
9) Blog - here is where blogging falls on my list, I tried a family blog previously but struggled to maintain it, mainly because most of our family lives relatively close and know about all of our happenings and events. New year, new blog!
10) Re-model - in 2011 we re-modeled/finished our basement, for 2012 we will re-model our kitchen
11) Relax - I will take at least two vacations in 2012, planning to visit Seattle (again) and go on a cruise with friends.
and finally 12) Happiness - being content with what I have and resolving to be happy every day!
*12.5) Buy more shoes :)

As the new year rolls on, I will be posting suggestions and strategies that I use to help me achieve my resolutions, I hope that you check back frequently and that through the year you are able to achieve your goals!

Happy New Year and God Bless