Reading over the requests I was lifting up before the Lord 2 years ago and remembering how He answered those requests was such a blessing! I was even more encouraged when I looked at the "praise" pages. Each day I had listed at least 5 things that I specifically counted as blessings. Some of these blessings were what I considered "big"; others were small in comparison, yet I had to smile as I recalled each one. Here are a few examples of praises for one particular week:
~ The potty-training child stayed dry all day.
~ My husband watched the children so that I could have some free time.
~ A child did a great job setting the table.
~ Someone bought me a new bedspread.
~ I found dry-erase markers on sale.
~ I remembered to return library items on time.
~ We received an unexpected check in the mail.
~ I was able to spend some time baking cookies with the children.
~ A child read his first words.
What treasured memories! I have so very much to be grateful for! Do you see how keeping a praise notebook is a way of journalling God's love?
I continue to write in my blessings notebook which I've titled Hugs From God. I've found it especially beneficial as a pastor's wife to record the ways that God shows His love to Mr. C and me as we serve Him in the ministry. Sometimes we lose sight of all the many miracles the Lord constantly works on our behalf, and I'm sure that many years from now we'll enjoy reading over the ways we've seen God bless.
Do you record God's blessings in your life? If not, start by finding a notebook or journal. You may even have an unused one laying around the house. At the end of each day, list at least five ways that God showed His love to you that day. You may also want to list prayer requests in a section of your notebook so that you can have a record of how God answered your prayers. Save each notebook as you fill it up with blessings. Every once in a while, maybe on a day when you're feeling down, flip through the pages and recall all the hugs- big and little- that God has given you.
