Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Attitude of Gratitude



Dear Fellow Artists and Friends,
We are entering the holiday season. Commercials bombard us with images of the perfect family (healthy and happy). These images can misdirect our hearts and minds and leave us with feelings of sorrow. We are not in a perfect world and no family is left untouched by sorrow, grief, pain, illness… I am no different.
This last year has been filled with its “Highs & Lows”. I am blessed with an art career that is successful (teaching, shows, publications…), a new granddaughter, a new kitchen, wonderful friends, a loving husband and family. I also have had my lows. My son Daniel was diagnosed with Hodkin’s Lymphoma, my Dad and Step-Dad both had cancer this year, my tiny grandson was hospitalized, and I am still struggling with a disc problem in my neck. I can be thankful that Daniel has a good chance of beating cancer, both my Dads are in remission, and grandson has recovered.

Before we get lost in the busy-ness of the season I want to share a quote with you. It is hanging in my studio. It is a wonderful reminder that there is very little in life we have any control over except our attitude. I choose to have an Attitude of Gratitude...and pray!

ATTITUDE   
by, Charles Swindoll
 “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.
We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.” 

Happy Thanksgiving!
Brenda
at

20 comments:

  1. DorothyNovember 20, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    What a keeper this is!!! Thank you Brenda for sharing this invaluable piece of advice!!!!!
    Words worth remembering!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Susan BronsakNovember 20, 2012 at 1:16 PM

    I love your watercolor illustration and absolutely love the write-up on Attitude!

    ReplyDelete
  3. SusanNovember 20, 2012 at 1:53 PM

    Wonderful post!!! My youngest son at 19 was diagnosed with Hodgkins, stage 3B. He just turned 40 and has 3 lovely children (something we were assured would never happen). Prayers for your son as he goes through his treatment and wishes for a speedy remission.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brenda SwensonNovember 20, 2012 at 7:31 PM

      Susan, Thank you for the encouraging words! Most days I feel strongly that Daniel will beat cancer...but a mother's heart does fear. Blessings to you!

      Delete
  4. Cindy BNovember 20, 2012 at 1:59 PM

    Well said! I'm also glad that your family is doing well. "If God brings you to it, he will get you through it" I don't know who said that, but I love it.
    Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 20, 2012 at 2:16 PM

    I love you Mom-in-love! This was such a good reminder :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lorraine BrownNovember 20, 2012 at 3:09 PM

    A nice post Brenda providing me with words to remember

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ardy Lane November 20, 2012 at 3:46 PM

    Thanks for the reminder, Brenda. Attitude is everything! None of us know what the future holds...we have to remain strong.

    ReplyDelete
  8. jill polsbyNovember 20, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    2012 has not been a good year for a lot of people and my statement continues to be: "This too shall pass". We've all sent prayers and thanksgiving to so many of our dear friends this year, most of which we know through you and through our art. So, thank you Brenda for all your giving, thank you for all your cheerleading, thank you for wonderful paintings, thank you for encouraging all of us in our friendships....Your son will recover, your neck will get better. "All of this shall pass"!! Happy Thanksgiving.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brenda SwensonNovember 20, 2012 at 7:38 PM

      Thank you for encouraging words! My hopes and prayers are that 2013 will be a year of blessings and God's grace upon us. I have much to learn in this life and I pray I'll learn quickly...some of the lessons are just darn painful!

      Delete
  9. Sherry SchmidtNovember 20, 2012 at 5:46 PM

    Thank you for such a perfect quote to remember.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jeanette, Mistress of LongearsNovember 20, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    Your wisdom is a gift to all of us...thank you for helping me remember a principle for living well!

    ReplyDelete
  11. SharonNovember 20, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Love your Painting and your quote. Perfect!
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  12. SuzieNovember 20, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    Brenda, thank you for this post. Love the quote by Chuck Swindoll. How appropriate for Thanksgiving.
    Thankful with you!
    Suzie

    ReplyDelete
  13. Brenda SwensonNovember 21, 2012 at 11:01 AM

    Thank you for the wonderful responses to my post.
    Happy thanksgiving and blessings to you all!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Karen WernerNovember 21, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Thanks, Brenda. Love Swindoll. I've read lots of his books, but this reminder came just at the right time. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Cameron VSJDecember 21, 2012 at 5:40 AM

    Hi Brenda,

    I have a quick question about your blog, would you mind emailing me when you get a chance?

    Thanks,

    Cameron

    ReplyDelete