Day 2
As a writer of historical fiction I do a lot of research. I want each book to come alive with the history of the times and while I do make mistakes, I do my best to share history and events as accurately as possible. I read a lot diaries and journals from people who lived through the time period that I’m writing about and so often I’m amazed at the heart of gratitude and thanksgiving even when the author was faced with tragedy and trials. These men and women give amazing examples of looking beyond their bleakest moments to see the hope of something better–to be thankful for the blessings God has given. I think back over my own life and see how often God brought me through my own ordeals, not by focusing on the problem, but rather looking to Him and the good things that had come my way.
The bad is always out there and troubles are always with us. It’s so easy to pick up the newspaper or turn on the tv and hear the negative. People are angry, hurting and striking out against each other. I can’t help but believe that such negativity breeds even more negativity and that creates a cloud of darkness that engulfs everything and everyone. However, I think that we can change that with a heart of thanksgiving. All it takes is one person facing adversity and ugliness with thankfulness instead of hate and despair. You might think that’s not true. One person can’t do anything. But they can! One tiny candle lit, can put off a lot off light in a pitch black room. One tiny act of gratitude can influence the hearts of countless people.
Instead of dwelling on the negative, I challenge you to keep a list of blessings for one month – for these 31 days of thanksgiving. Write down anything and everything that comes to mind. Dwell on the positive–the beauty–the blessings. You’ll be amazed at how it changes your heart.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
To read more of our 31 days of Thanksgiving posts, you can visit here.
About the Author:
Tracie Peterson gave her life to Jesus at the age of six. Tracie knew at an early age that God was calling her to ministry, and writing for Him has allowed her to offer the Gospel message and encourage people to hope in the Lord. Her motto in writing, as well as all other aspects of life is, Soli Deo Gloria – For God Alone the Glory.
Often called the “Queen of Historical Christian fiction”, Tracie Peterson is an ECPA, CBA and USA Today best-selling author of over 110 books, most of those historical. Her work in historical fiction earned her the Best Western Romance Author of 2013 by True West Magazine and USA “Best Books 2011” Award for best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love. She was given the Life Time Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers in 2011 and the Career Achievement Award in 2007 from Romantic Times, as well as multiple best book awards.
Tracie received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. Eventually, Tracie also managed Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents book line – overseeing the production of 52 books a year.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers/Baker Publishing Group. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell, Kimberley Woodhouse and her daughter Jennifer.
Tracie, a Kansas native, now makes her home with husband Jim in the mountains of Montana.
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