Day 7

 

 

Why be ordinary when you (we) can be extraordinary!

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net | Day 7 {31 Extraordinary Days} It's Joy Day! - Intentionally Developing a Heart of Gratitude | Autumn Woods

 

What can make a day extraordinary?

 

One way… is to have a heart of gratitude.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net | Day 7 {31 Extraordinary Days} It's Joy Day! - Intentionally Developing a Heart of Gratitude | Fiery Maple Tree

 

Earlier this year I started counting gifts.  It was an intentional discipline on my part.  As I undertook the challenge my eyes opened to seeing both the good and the not-so-good occurrences in my life as gifts.  

 

There’s a verse in the Bible that I love…

You will live in joy and peace.
    The mountains and hills will burst into song,
    and the trees of the field will clap their hands!
Isaiah 55:12

 

As a nature lover I sometimes like to anthropomorphize nature.   Yet, here in scripture, the prophet Isaiah refers to the mountains and hills bursting into song and the trees clapping their hands.

God has created all of nature to praise him.  It’s beautiful.  The chorus is all around us if we just look and see.

I can join in that chorus at any time.  Like when I choose to be grateful for the shady maple tree in my back yard,  a gallon of cleansing white vinegar, or clean fresh water whenever I turn the tap.  Counting these as gifts turns my attitude to gratitude.  And overflows my heart.

Let’s be like the trees and clap our hands at the good things God has provided for us!

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net | Day 7 {31 Extraordinary Days} It's Joy Day! - Intentionally Developing a Heart of Gratitude | Maple Leaves

 

Joy and peace.  That’s what we get in return for the intentional practice of looking inwardly and outwardly to see God at work in our lives.  And that, my friend, is nothing short of extraordinary!

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net | Day 7 {31 Extraordinary Days} It's Joy Day! - Intentionally Developing a Heart of Gratitude | Joy Day

 

It’s Joy Day!

A day where we join together in community and count our blessings. 
I’ll start with just seven from my week….

  1. Saying “Yes” to the 31 day challenge.
  2. Exercising a latent creativity
  3. Laughter around the table
  4. Not one but BOTH of my laptops are restored and all the info retrieved!
  5. Rest
  6. Words of wisdom offered by a long distance friend.
  7. Grocery store mums

Now it’s your turn.   Scroll down to “Please Share Your Thoughts” below.  I can’t wait to see God’s extraordinary goodness in your life this past week.

 

Will you join me each day in October for…

AnExtraordinaryDay.net | 31 Extraordinary Days | October 2012

 

Wishing you a week filled with Extraordinary Joy!

Diane

This is the seventh post in a series, 31 Extraordinary Days.  Click here to see a list of all the posts, updated daily.  If you would like to receive these bits of inspiration in your email inbox, subscribe now.

 

Sharing at How Sweet the Sound Spiritual Sundays + Fresh Brewed Sundays +  A Rural Journal + A Holy Experience + The Wellspring + Seedlings in Stone (In and Around Mondays + Denise in Bloom + RDD + Beholding Glory

 

 

Comments

  1. your post is super awesome as are your photos.
    love your thoughtful, inspiring and glorious thoughts.
    thank you for brightening my day.

    • Diane says

      Betty, you are so kind. Thank you for taking the time to visit and leave your encouraging words.
      May your week be blessed beyond imagination!

  2. I love how trees raise their arms up to God! Every day. It’s how they grow. Sweet post; I understand it totally. 🙂

    • Diane says

      Your words got me thinking….how do we look? Heads down totally entranced by the screen in our hands or lap. Maybe that’s why we struggle to grow. Hmmm.
      Thanks Lisa! Hope your new week is Extraordinary!

  3. joy…..just so much joy:)
    grateful and grinning,
    Jennifer

    • Diane says

      What kind words….and from a joy-spreader, too!!
      Wishing you a joy-filled week Jennifer! 😀

  4. Pat says

    LOvely post!

    • Diane says

      Awww thanks, Pat!!
      May your week be overflowing with joy!

  5. There’s certainly joy all around us and I love the idea of the trees clapping their hands!

    • Diane says

      There sure is Betty!
      May your week be filled with extraordinary joys!

  6. Nancy says

    Can’t help but notice the reds in your images. Surely much to be thankful for this time of year!

    • Diane says

      And since it’s one of my favorite colors I’m sure that I’m naturally drawn to capture that stunning color. 😀 We are so blessed aren’t we by this wonderful creation all around us.
      Wishing you an extraordinary week!

  7. Laura says

    Lovely, Diana. Yes, gratitude makes the day extraordinary.

    • Diane says

      Thanks Laura!!
      May your day be overflowing with God’s goodness and joy!

  8. Marlo says

    love fall scenes!

    • Diane says

      Don’t they just make your heart sing?
      Happy Fall!

Trackbacks

  1. […] {Day 7} Joy Day! | Intentionally Developing a Heart of Gratitude […]

  2. […] How have you developed the heart of gratitude? […]

  3. […] of my favorite posts so far in our 31 day journey was this post titled “Joy Day“. It was all about being “intentionally grateful”. Ummm… yeah, I totally […]

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