what is and what is not

Romans 1:21 ESV / 

   

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

    Author Ann Voskamp writes in her book 1000 Gifts about her journey of discovering God through journaling her  thankfulness. Although I read the book quite some time ago, it's message still reverberates along with other discussions and readings. As I attempt to move beyond my Eeyorish tendency's it is my hope to posture with a thankful heart but how do I do that.  Is the glass half empty or half full. Are Gods' Promises good sometimes or always, will I focus on what is not or what is. Over and over again  I am being reminded to focus on what is. I am not looking for a formula or a to do list or a "pollyanna" like attitude but a true daily transformation of my futile thoughts.  Looking back at some of my journals I was "reminded to remember." And with remembering came thankfulness. This process of writing whether for the public or just to journal is a step in the direction of remembering and sharing and therefore honoring God . I re-discovered a list I made not too long ago titled"A Remembering..."(Oh this great brain of mine had already forgotten it!!). Written down were many a memorial to God's sweet and loving responses to a need ,a want, a prayer, a healing etc. So is the art of thankfulness just simply remembering the truth of what is (or rather  that He is) ?

            Psalm 105:1

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples!"

Isaiah 12:4-5

                         
4              And you will say in that day:

“Give thanks to the Lord,
    call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
    proclaim that his name is exalted.

5 “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
    let this be made known[a] in all the earth.