Living in Gratitude: The Power of Simple Lists

  

 (On a nice day, Annabelle and Jace enjoy driving their Power Wheels' vehicles.)

In the busyness of everyday life, it can be easy to dwell on what we lack—missed opportunities, disappointments, or the one or two things that went wrong in an otherwise good day. But when we shift our focus from scarcity to abundance, something remarkable happens: our outlook changes, and so does the way we experience life.

For me, this shift often begins with a simple but intentional practice—keeping a gratitude journal. Several times a week, I write down lists of things I am thankful for. Sometimes these lists capture big moments, but more often they are about the small, ordinary blessings that shape my days: the sound of my children’s laughter, a shared meal with my wife, or a quiet evening together as a family.

This practice is not complicated, but it is powerful. Gratitude helps retrain the mind. Instead of endlessly scanning for what is broken, gratitude reminds us of what is whole. Instead of focusing on what we do not have, gratitude grounds us in the good that is already present. Over time, this rhythm creates a positive mindset and an overall appreciation for life as a gift.

Although journaling is a personal practice I engage in privately, I see it as something I will one day teach my children, Annabelle (age 5) and Jace (age 3). They may not yet be old enough to understand the habit or write lists themselves, but I believe they can still learn from my example. When I model a thankful heart and share moments of gratitude openly, they begin to see how important it is to notice blessings instead of burdens. In this way, gratitude becomes a gift I hope to pass on to them as they grow.

The truth is simple: life is good if you view it as good. Gratitude sharpens our vision. It opens our hearts to joy. It teaches us to find contentment in the present moment rather than constantly chasing after the next thing. And the best part? Anyone can start today. All it takes is setting aside a few minutes, grabbing a notebook, and beginning your own gratitude list.

In what follows, I want to share some of the lists I have written during my personal reflections. These lists may be personal to me, but I hope they inspire you to reflect on your own life and write down the things you are thankful for. 

Gratitude for My Wife, Lisa

1. Lisa’s nurturing care for our children as their mother.
2. Lisa’s never-ending support as my spouse.
3. Lisa’s kindness to strangers.
4. Lisa’s love for animals, which brought Tip, our beloved guinea pig, into our family.
5. Lisa’s amazing cooking skills.
6. The way Lisa scratches my back for a really long time.
7. When I feel down, Lisa always cheers me up with the right words.
8. Lisa’s light-hearted demeanor and her appreciation for the simple things in life.
9. Lisa’s responsible and thoughtful financial choices.
10. Lisa’s relationship with the Lord.

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Gratitude for My Daughter, Annabelle

1. Annabelle’s love for Bible study and prayer.
2. Annabelle’s hugs.
3. Annabelle’s playful sense of humor—like her pretend farts on Daddy.
4. The way Annabelle consoles her upset brother with a hug and a gentle, “Shhh, shhh, it’s going to be okay.”
5. Watching Annabelle learn to swim.
6. Celebrating Annabelle’s fifth birthday—and five years of wonderful memories.
7. Annabelle’s affection for her mother, Lisa.
8. Annabelle’s affection for my mom, CeeCee (her grandmother). She often asks, “When will CeeCee come to see us again?”
9. Annabelle’s giggles as I chase her around the house or outside. She has a distinct, memorable laugh.
10. Annabelle’s eagerness to help Lisa or me with chores, cooking, or putting things together.
11. Annabelle’s creativity and love for crafts.

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Gratitude for My Son, Jace

1. When Jace says, “Pleeeaaasseee.” Even when he is upset, he sometimes says it in a terse, grunting way—angry yet still asking for help.
2. Jace’s hugs and cuddles while watching TV.
3. When Jace is upset, he asks for “Daddy” to console him. It feels good to be needed by this tiny human.
4. Jace wanting to go with me to the coffee shop just to be with me, even though it’s usually a place where I work alone (jobs to pay bills).
5. Jace’s affection for my father, JayJay (his grandfather). Just like Annabelle asks about CeeCee, Jace often asks, “Where is JayJay? When will I see him again?”
6. Jace’s surprising love for cold black coffee—I find it funny and ironic that any child would enjoy it. Sharing a few small sips together makes me smile.
7. Jace’s love for sports and being outdoors, which keeps us both active.
8. When Jace says, “I need a huggie,” before going to bed.
9. When Jace says, “Hold you,” meaning “Pick me up and hold me.”
10. Jace using sign language to communicate with me. He continues to learn basic signs at school, which he started practicing as a baby.
11. Celebrating Jace’s third birthday with his friend at Chuck E. Cheese.
12. Jace’s funny way of saying “Nooooopppe” instead of just “No.” Even though “nope” can be a frustrating favorite word of the day, it still sounds cute coming from him.

Gratitude lists remind me that life’s greatest blessings are often found in the everyday moments we share with those we love most. As I look back over these reflections, I am reminded once again of how much I have to be thankful for in my wife, Lisa, and in our children, Annabelle and Jace. To close, I am also sharing a few pictures from our most recent time together as a family—snapshots that capture the joy behind these words and the memories we continue to treasure. I hope these reflections encourage you to pause and consider your own list of gratitude. What small joys, simple blessings, or cherished relationships might you write down today?

(It’s really fun when I can watch the kids drive their vehicles outside. See the previous video at the beginning of this blog entry.)

(Annabelle and Jace were fascinated by this car display in the grocery store. They insisted on getting a picture. Jace looks cute, kissing his sister on the cheek.)

Annabelle and Jace ride the rhinoceroses’ statues at Zoo Knoxville. The zoo recently attained two new residents - Mylo and Ranger - two southern white rhinos.)

 

#GratitudeLists #CountYourBlessings #FamilyGratitude #EverydayJoy
#ChoosePositivity #LifeIsAGift #FaithAndGratitude #ThankfulLiving #MindfulMoments
#GratitudePractice #Family #DaddyDestinations #JamesCartee

 

Religiously: The One Who Prayed for Me, and I Lost Her

 

(You can listen to Bailey Zimmerman’s song, “Religiously,” through this music video. This blog entry focuses on many of the themes expressed in the lyrics.)

I once dated a woman I’ll call Rachel. She was everything I needed, even if I did not realize it at the time—faithful, grounded, hardworking, deeply kind, and rooted in her walk with Christ. Rachel did not just believe in me. She believed in the man I could become. She supported my dreams, prayed for me daily, and reminded me that God had a purpose for my life. But I was too distracted to see it. At the time, I had a fixed idea of what I thought love should look like, chasing a media-fueled image of beauty that had nothing to do with real substance or spiritual partnership. I was searching for blonde hair, blue eyes, and a show-stopping entrance instead of appreciating the quiet, enduring beauty already standing beside me.

And so, I walked away. I left behind someone who was truly wife material, someone who would have walked through life with me hand in hand. And I did it all in pursuit of an illusion I never actually found.

The Mayor’s Words

Months passed, and I found myself emotionally drained and spiritually unsettled. I had chased distractions, made poor decisions, and felt like I was going in circles. One day, I shared Rachel’s story with an older man people nicknamed “Mayor” for his wisdom. Mayor resided in the college town where I lived, and he developed a benevolent reputation for helping students in need. He had a way of listening that made individuals feel seen and a way of speaking that cut through to the heart.

“That kind of girl sounds like a keeper,” he said. “She’s one in a million.”

I nodded, the truth settling heavy in my chest. I had let go of someone irreplaceable.

With trembling hands and a heart full of regret, I showed up at Rachel’s workplace with flowers and an apology. I poured out everything I had held inside —how I had failed to see her value, how I had changed, how I wanted another chance.

But she had already moved on.

She told me with grace and calm assurance that she was in a different place now, and she wished me well. And just like that, the door was closed.

In Bailey Zimmerman’s song “Religiously,” there’s a moment when he sings about feeling like life has lost its meaning because he let go of the one person who believed in him. He describes sitting in the back of a church, praying—not out of peace or clarity, but out of heartbreak. That image resonates deeply. I prayed too, but not out of thanksgiving. I prayed because I realized I had lost something I could not get back.

We do this, don’t we? We beg God for guidance, for blessing, for love. And when those things come into our lives quietly and patiently, we fail to recognize them for what they are. We chase the flashy instead of the faithful. We ignore the substance while we chase the spark. And sometimes, by the time we realize what we have lost, it is too late to recover it.

Scripture warns us not to take God's blessings for granted. Proverbs 10:22 reminds us that “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” True blessings do not come through frantic striving. Instead, they are often steady, gentle, and deeply rooted in peace. Rachel was a gift I did not fully appreciate until it was too late.

Zimmerman reflects this in another line where he confesses that the woman in his life brought him closer to God, but he returned the favor by dragging her through heartache. That lyric hurts because it reflects a truth I lived. Rachel’s faith strengthened mine. Her prayers carried me in moments I did not even know I needed them. But my immaturity, selfishness, and inability to see what mattered most caused pain I could never undo.

Hebrews 12:15 offers a timely warning: “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” God’s grace is free and abundant, but it does not exempt us from the consequences of our carelessness, especially when it affects someone else’s heart.

The closing lines of Religiously carry the full weight of regret. The artist sings about realizing too late that he let go of the best thing he ever had. That line haunts me because it echoes a truth many of us have lived. We can lose God’s best, not because God withholds it, but because we fail to act when the opportunity is right in front of us.

But my story does not end there. God, in His mercy, brought healing to my heart and wisdom to my steps. And in time, He brought someone new into my life—my wife, Lisa. Lisa has been more than I ever prayed for. She’s wise, gracious, strong, and deeply faithful. She is my partner, my encourager, and the mother of our beautiful children. What I once missed in Rachel became a powerful lesson that shaped how I saw Lisa when she entered my life. This time, I was ready to recognize God’s blessing. I was no longer praying out of regret. With the advice of a loving mother, I was living in gratitude. Because my family and I grew to love Lisa, I eventually asked her to marry me.

You do not want to live with the kind of sorrow that only hindsight can heal. Look at your life today. Who is there that you might be overlooking? Are you so focused on chasing the wrong things that you are missing the right ones? Learn from my story. Act now, before regret becomes the loudest voice in your prayers.

Prayer of Significance:

Lord, thank You for the people and blessings You have placed in my life, even the ones I failed to recognize in the past. Forgive me for my shortsightedness, for the ways I chased the wrong things and hurt those who truly loved me. Open my eyes today to what You have given me. Help me to cherish it fully and live with gratitude instead of regret. I thank You especially for my wife, Lisa, and the family we now share, which serves as a reminder of Your grace and redemption in my life. Teach me to be faithful to the blessings in front of me and bold enough to hold on before it is too late. Amen.

 

#BaileyZimmerman #Religiously #CountryMusic #DontMissGodsBest #RedemptionStory #GodsGrace #MissedOpportunities #RelationshipWisdom #CherishTheOne #HopeAfterRegret #ChristianDevotional #LoveAndFaith #LessonsInLove

 

When We Stand Together: A Devotion Inspired by the Knoxville Ice Bears

  

(Our family posed at the Knoxville Ice Bears game. Annabelle proudly wore her new ball cap.)

This blog entry is meant to serve as a continuation from the previous narrative that speaks to how the Knoxville Ice Bears’ have become a family tradition. Prior to reading this text, I would encourage you to read the previous blog entry, titled Hockey Nights and Family Lights: How the Ice Bears Bring Us Together, One Game at a Time.

Scripture Focus:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who fails and has no one to help them up."

—Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NIV)

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At a Knoxville Ice Bears game, something special always unfolds—but sometimes the lessons we take home are more than just about hockey.

One evening in the Kid’s Zone at the ice rink, my two-year-old son Jace picked up a rubber hockey puck with wide eyes and a determined little grin. Surrounded by older kids, many of whom had to take multiple tries, Jace stepped up and—with a surprising burst of strength and coordination—hit the puck cleanly into the goal. Not once, but again and again, like a tiny professional. The older children stopped to watch in awe, cheering him on, amazed at what such a small child could do.

It was a proud dad moment, no doubt—but it was also a reminder of something deeper. God equips us at every age and stage, and sometimes He uses the smallest ones to show us the biggest truths.

As I watched Jace, I thought about the Ice Bears' season—a true underdog story. They barely made the playoffs, but once they were in, something changed. They fought for each other. They encouraged each other. And when someone on the opposing team made a dirty play, one of our players would rise to defend his teammate, even if it meant sitting in the penalty box for doing so. That kind of loyalty costs something—but it also speaks volumes.

They may not have been the most skilled team in the league, however, they became the most unified. They stood up, not just for the puck, but for each other.

This is how the Church is meant to function. The Apostle Paul writes about the body of Christ having many parts, each playing a role, working together (1 Corinthians 12). No one part is greater than another, but all are necessary. And sometimes, standing up for one another means taking hits, enduring penalties, or sacrificing personal gain to protect someone else.

When I saw my toddler hitting those pucks, unphased by who was watching, I was reminded that encouragement matters. The awe of the older children? That mattered. Their smiles? That mattered. Jace felt seen. He felt celebrated. And in that moment, I realized just how powerful it is when people come together to lift someone up.

That kind of support echoes what we saw on the ice this past season. The Knoxville Ice Bears did not make their championship run on talent alone—they made it because they played as one. They had each other’s backs. They cheered one another on. They stood together in adversity, even defending each other when things got rough—sometimes taking penalties to protect a teammate from a cheap shot. Their unity created momentum. Their teamwork sparked belief.

In the same way, when the Church builds each other up, we all become more courageous, more faithful, more full of joy. Like the Ice Bears, we face battles. But we are stronger when we move as one. We play better—together. And in the Kingdom of God, that kind of togetherness is what leads to real victory.

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Reflection Questions:

1. Who in your life might need you to “get in the box” for them—to defend, protect, or advocate even if it costs you?
2. Are there people you could encourage today, whether they’re hitting small goals or just trying their best?
3. How are you functioning as a teammate in the body of Christ?

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Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the gift of community and the strength that comes when we stand together. Help me to be an encourager. Help me to protect and lift up those around me, even when it requires sacrifice. Teach me to celebrate others, to support the body of Christ like a true teammate, and to always remember that victory in Your Kingdom looks like unity, not individual achievement. Amen.

(This was one of the first Star Wars theme nights that Lisa, Annabelle, and I attended at an Ice Bears’ game. This picture was taken before Jace was born.)

(Annabelle posed next to her favorite sports mascot, Chilly Bear.)

(Lisa, my wife, is a serious Star Wars Mandalorian fan! She insisted on getting this picture.)

 

(Lisa and I posed with Chill Bear after a hockey game.)

(Deadpool attends every Ice Bears’ game dressed up as the character. This is the Star Wars version of Deadpool, hence the Jedi robe and the lightsaber. The kids wanted to get a picture.)

(I posed with the Knox County mayor, Glen Jacobs. Prior to his community involvement, Jacobs was a professional wrestler named Kane. He was the star guest for the Ice Bears' Wrestling Night.)

(The kids love to take selfies with Daddy at the hockey games. I must admit these family selfies can be a lot of fun!)

(Jace wore this youth jersey to the Ice Bears’ hockey games. As you can tell, it is a little big on him.)

 

#Family #Cartees #FamilyTraditions #HockeyMemories #HockeyWithKids #KnoxvilleIceBears   #IceBearsHockey #SPHLHockey #PresidentCupFinals #HockeyInKnoxville #IceBearsNation