Intentional Thankfulness

Today's  #NHBPM prompt is to, "write about mental health." I've already talked about depression quite extensively on my other blogs, and my own current mental state concerning Thanksgiving recently, so today I would rather talk about intentional thanksgiving.

This month I've been trying to practice something I call "intentional thankfulness," meaning that I find something I don't feel remotely thankful about, and ask God to show me something to be thankful for in that situation (Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Like with my short hair I really am saddened by it because it is an ongoing reminder of countless stroke losses. So last week my husband and I talked about I can be thankful for short hair in this season of life because I can now wash it myself, something I would not be able to manage if it were longer. My husband's point was that as it slowly is growing out, my left hand is strengthen at about the same rate, so it is possible I will have the capability to care for longer locks as I get there.

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First Published Book: Hannah's Hope : Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Adoption Loss

Book-in-progress on drawing on the fruit of the Spirit in times of trial: Harvesting Hope from Heartache

Next book-in-progress: 6 strokes at age 39, Stroke of Grace

Future manuscript in the plans: Given Me a Thorn, the apostle Paul's story as applicable to living with chronic illness