Reminders to Be Thankful!

When I was in high school I was on a quiz team - we memorized one book each year and then had monthly quiz matches with teams from other area churches. We also had area, regional and international competitions we could participate in . . . and move up in if we won. I loved being on the quiz team; back then I had a fairly decent memory . . . probably one reason I enjoyed being on the quiz team!

Over the years, my memory has not retained its "sharpness". I can blame it on part on the MS, as it definitely is not, "memory-friendly".  This is part of the reason I appreciate verses in the Bible like the following . . . 

37-41 God spoke to Moses: “Speak to the People of Israel. Tell them that from now on they are to make tassels on the corners of their garments and to mark each corner tassel with a blue thread. When you look at these tassels you’ll remember and keep all the commandments of God, and not get distracted by everything you feel or see that seduces you into infidelities. The tassels will signal remembrance and observance of all my commandments, to live a holy life to God. I am your God who rescued you from the land of Egypt to be your personal God. Yes, I am God, your God.” (MSG)

God knows people forget . . . whether they have MS or not. He told the people of Israel to wear tassels on their robes to remind them to obey God; so they would not be distracted by other things they feel or think. God wanted His people to remember He was their God and He loved them, so He gave them a tangible thing they could wear to remind them each day of this important truth.

I like the idea of having something tangible to remind me of things - and people - who are important to me. I wear one of three necklaces each day for this very reason. Two of the necklaces have pictures of my grandsons on them and the other is a silver, "grandma bell". When I see, or reach up and feel the photo necklaces or hear the little silver bell, "jingle", I remember God, His amazing blessings, how much I love my family and am encouraged to pray for them. Simple reminders which bring my thoughts to what I'm so very thankful for throughout each day.

So, this morning when I browsed Pinterest and found a link for, "Thankful Rocks", I had to take a closer look. They are from a story by Mercer Mayer - Being Thankful (Little Critter). In the story,  Little Critter is unthankful; he always wants more, newer and better. (Don't our grandchildren often struggle with this? Don't we?) Well, Little Critter visits his grandparents and learns an important lesson about being thankful . . . with the help  of, "Thankful Rocks". What is a, "Thankful Rock" , you ask? Well, it is a small, painted rock you can carry in your pocket to remind you to be thankful for the many blessings you already have.

Important message for all of us. So, back to Pinterest, I found a link for making your own, "Thankful Rocks" . . . wouldn't this be a great activity for our grandchildren - or even our whole family? Follow this link for more details, but it really is simple - gather small stones, paint, then paint the stones, let them dry and then put where you'll see them each day to remember to be thankful for the blessings you have!

Reminders. Something I appreciate!