Filled with Gratitude

Thanksgiving is just two weeks away but you would hardly know it if you walked into a retail store. Immediately following Halloween, stores are stocking the shelves with Christmas decor, wrapping paper, treats and stocking stuffers!  Last year I searched the aisles trying to find Thanksgiving themed paper plates and napkins with no success.  Finally after visiting 3 different stores I found one very small section that offered what I was looking for.  Don't get me wrong I love Christmas!  I get excited when I am able to put thought into and purchase the perfect gift, display my Christmas decorations, indulge in Christmas treats, movies and music, but in our intentions of being prepared for celebrating Christmas we have nearly forgotten that Thanksgiving is a meaningful holiday all on it's own.  We live in a culture where "busyness" is the new normal and in the midst of our "to do" lists we sometimes forget to take a moment and be filled with gratitude for the many blessings that we have right before us.

In honor of Thanksgiving I would like to extend to you, my friends, the opportunity to nominate someone you are thankful for to receive a free session with Jacqueline Photography in 2014.  Take a moment to submit your nomination through a private message on the Jacqueline Photography facebook page or by emailing pics@jacquelinebergrenphotography.com.  Include the nominee's name, how you know them and a brief paragraph about what they mean to you.  The person you nominate must live in the Butte area or be willing to travel. All submissions must be made by December 15, 2013.  The winner will be announced December 24th.

And to take "Filled With Gratitude" a step further I invite you to sit down and reflect about the people in your life and how they have deeply blessed you.  Write a note sharing with them how special they are to you and how much you appreciate them.  A handwritten note of appreciation and gratitude can go a long way!

3 reasons I have to be filled with gratitude, my precious children Micah, Tirzah and Isaiah