Deanna Beaver
As I start my journey in 2024, I admit it’s daunting. The past several weeks celebrating Christmas were exciting and familiar. Then, the new year rings in many adventures and experiences I will soon discover.
I pondered if I should choose a word of the year. For those of you who know me personally, I’m not a person of few words. Therefore, I decided to revise the “Happy New Year” slogan.
In my world, it will be, “Have a Joyful Grateful Year.” Just saying.
I want to wake up daily and reflect on every person, thing, and place in my life. I am grateful for God, family, health, opportunities, experiences, etc. I want to be cognizant of the simple things that occur that I take for granted.
I want to show gratitude for the people God places in my life at any given moment—like that nice man I met in the bank before Christmas. Waiting in line would have been so dull if I hadn’t engaged in friendly conversation.
I want to be grateful for the opportunity to serve my family and others when needed. I want to be aware that I am very fortunate in many ways. I have a dependable car. I have a choice of stores to shop for groceries and other goods. I can make phone calls all over the United States at no extra charge—I get charged enough for having a line. I have lights, electricity, and gas. These are just a few of the first-world luxuries that I enjoy.
Waking up and thanking God for His blessings in my life is natural. But do I thank him for that one phone call or text that someone took the time to send? It’s the little things that become the important things in life.
I am grateful to those of you who read my blog and share it with others. I hope you can resonate with some of my random thoughts and memories.
I encourage you to have a Joyful and Grateful New Year! Just saying…
** Please leave a comment about something or someone you’re grateful for in your life. I really am interested.
Your blog alert always makes me smile. Reading your new post feels like a flashback to our days of working together when we would meet (around 7 am) to discuss our day and I was amazed by your ability to pull out a song, book, poem, etc. to enhance our daily lesson. I will be forever grateful and joyful for our friendship.
Sarah, Thank you. I feel the same way. We had some good times and great lessons for sure. I should have listened to you back then and started a blog. Lol
From the moment I started reading your work, I could feel your joy radiating from every word. It is evident that you possess a deep love for Jesus, life, and others and this shines through in your writing.
Claire, Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you commenting.
It is the little things that matter! Enjoy your joyous and grateful New Year!
Patty, thank you. Let’s continue to celebrate those little things.
Yes we will!
This is such a healthy way to live. It is easy to get depressed when we focus on the bad, but it is just as easy to focus on the good and always be thankful. I try my best to do this and without fail God blesses me and gives me appreciation for things I would have otherwise missed.
Timothy, sometimes it seems easier to notice the difficuties in life. I believe we have to look for the good, whether it be big or small.”In All Things Give Thanks.” I see you are fllowing that message as well. Thank you for commenting.
Always love reading your blog! I didn’t choose a word of the year either but instead decided on the phrase to “love more”! Love Jesus more, my family more, friends more, and anyone I encounter to simply love more! May God bless you and yours this year!
Vicki, I guess great minds think alike. I love your phrase, “Love More.” There are so many ways to show love. Thank you.
Deanna, I love your cheery post. I think when we notice our blessings and thank God for them, He develops a heart of gratitude in us. I’m grateful for you and this post.
Jeannie, Thank you for your kind words. I am glad my post put a smile on your face today. I agree with you that we need to notice our blessings. I am grateful for you.
Thank you for the beautiful reminder, Deanna.
Cindy, Thank you for commenting. I’m glad you resonated with my post.