Levels of Gratitude and Thanksgiving

One of the biggest misconceptions is that everyone's gratitude will look the same. That is the biggest downfall of practicing gratitude: comparison. 

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak with a group of church ladies. When I arrived, I had no idea that they were studying: Lord, Change MY ATTITUDE by James McDonald & Barb Pell 

The chapter just happened to be about gratitude. 

I love how God works all things together for our good. He even works out the smallest of details and if we are present and conscious enough we won't miss them. 

I can vividly take myself back to that moment in the small church that so much resembled the little church I grew up in. Their smiles, their stories, their hearts opened up so much love in my own heart. I was so glad I took my oldest daughter with me. We were able to share our mission of #OperationLove with them and to sit with them during their study of McDonald's book.

My biggest takeaway was this: Our gratitude cannot be compared because we are all on a different level on any given day. 

When we look into a mirror we see our own reflection. We do not look exactly like anyone else. We do not think like anyone else. We do not THANK like anyone else. 

"Faith grows in the soil of gratitude." 

Earlier today on https://www.facebook.com/40daysofthankfulness I posted this photo: 

This level of thankfulness is what we all want to achieve but just like we cannot go from kindergarten to college we cannot easily be thankful for the bad. 

It's easy to be thankful for the good. To be thankful IN the bad, THAT is what we all need to strive for daily. 

Some of us are on the "kindergarten" level of thankfulness. We are thankful when the good stuff happens, when it's Thanksgiving Day/Week, when we are reminded by others to be thankful for what we have, but mostly the feeling just isn't always there and we fall into complaint more often than we'd like to admit. 

Others of us are on the "high school" level of thankfulness. We are thankful and can make the choice to be thankful. We also can always find something to be  thankful for, but in the bad times we are, typically, tripped up and fall back into the "why me?" state of mind. 

To experience pure joy, we have to reach the collegiate level of thankfulness. "To give thanks always for all things." That's the goal. To be able to be thankful even in the bad things, even in the things you wouldn't choose - that's where the joy is. 

I'm often told "This isn't as easy as I thought. How do I find gratitude now? I just can't be where you are. I just don't know how you are being thankful while cancer is changing your life."

BUT I AM. 

Granted, I've had lots of practice. 

If you took time to read the journals shown here and were able to weed through all of the "boy nonsense," you'd be able to see that I have always tried to see the good in the worst situations. I could look at my life as a journey filled with the worst, but doing that only makes my present worse. As my journals become more recent, my gratitude comes out in full force and is much more apparent. I began seeing what was REALLY important and that put me on a spiritual journey that I'm still growing in. 

It did not happen overnight. Nothing ever does. It's all about being consistent. If you aren't good with consistent healthy eating, working out, spending, or prayer, then you can bet your consistency with gratitude will also need some work. 

You didn't graduate from kindergarten and immediately graduate from high school. You had a lot of work, practice and consistent accountability first. The same thing has to happen with your gratitude. 

Leave a journal by YOUR bed, leave a sticky note pad, keep a stack of 3 x 5 cards and every night before bed write down ONE thing you're thankful for EVERY night. That alone will take you to a new level of gratitude and change your attitude. 

If someone were to be able to see your thoughts, would they mostly see negative, unappreciative, and petty frustrations? Or would they see you being full of praise even during illness, loss, or struggle? 

In every moment, ask yourself: AM I CHOOSING THANKFULNESS NOW?

Gratitude isn't something I've "achieved." Gratitude is something I have to consciously choose every second just like the next person. I just know from a lifetime of experience that gratitude will ground you so that even tragic life-changing events cannot tear you down. 

And on that note, from my family to yours, we wish you the happiest of Thanksgiving Days filled with joys, laughter, and love even if it's in the midst of loud kids, dirty dishes, or lots of travel. 

"The smallest things really are BIG things." 

Love & gratitude,

Operation Love

Jason and I are proud to introduce a new project we've been working on for a while. After being caregivers to #SuperJace the past few months as he went through intense chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), we realized there wasn't a lot of support for the caregivers (or siblings). After an amazing experience at Camp John Marc and several months of discussion with our clinic nurses, it was evident that caregivers NEED someone speaking love, life, and hope into their days. Especially into their days. The job is, frankly, more exhausting than you can even imagine. Just when you think you might get a break, typically, things just get more difficult or so it seems in the moment. 

Jason and I have been so incredibly blessed to have so many people around us from work, church and the community to speak life and victory into our days, especially on the hardest of days. We know not everyone has that support and we want to pay it all forward. Our vision for now is to help those affected by childhood cancer, but this past week God revealed that so many caregivers need this. 

I was able to speak with a local Youth Leadership Team and a women's church group, recently. Both have graciously agreed to help us launch our project. We are SO thankful to them! Also, A big thank you to everyone who helped plan this project while we were still in the middle of intense treatment. And to Josh, who continues to help us with his graphical design talent. :)

We are calling it "Operation Love" 

Mission:

On the Wings of Gratitude’s  (www.onthewingsofgratitude.com) mission is to make life easier and more comfortable for families of childhood cancer, to love on families, & speak life, hope and love into their lives. After going through a leukemia diagnosis with our own son, Jace, we realized that their was very little support for the families and siblings during our journey. We also saw a need for continued support outside of the hospital and clinic. With the help of the community, school organizations, church groups, and individual donations, we can empower the families with hope, gratitude, and affirmation that they are not alone in their journey.  

What is it?

Chemo Care Kits and Gratitude Bags give people a tangible way to help families affected by childhood cancer and helps to bring awareness of a growing need to not only support the kids, but their families and siblings. The impact of families is much deeper than the cancer, chemo and hospital stays. Items do not have to be expensive to have a great impact.

Here is an example of the postcard we will put in the bags/baskets: 

How can YOU help?

Drop off locations will be created so items can be dropped off.

With the help of volunteers, items will be organized in a chemo care kit for families on both Dallas/Legacy Campuses of Children’s Medical Center.

Other items will be organized in smaller “Gratitude Bags” for the families who attend out-patient treatment on both Dallas/Legacy Campuses of Children’s Medical Center.

Item List (You can donate 1 single item or multiple items.)

*Please ensure items are new and packaged. Devices or other expensive items can be donated directly to Tisha or Jason for cleaning or safe keeping before delivery. )

1. Purple tissue paper (any shade) for bags
2. Purple gift bags (any size)
3. Clear or Brown gift bags (any size)
4. Rolls of quarters
5. Travel size laundry soap
6. Laundry bag
7. Travel size shampoo & conditioner
8. Travel size toothpaste, toothbrush, & mouthwash
9. Travel size deodorant
10. Chap stick
11. Socks for men or women ( or kids)
12. Men and/or women razors
13. Nail Clippers, nail file, nail polish remover
14. Q tips
15. Cotton balls
16. Ponytail holders
17. Socks or slippers
18. Blankets
19. Water bottles (small)
20. Granola bars
21. Fruit snacks
22. Chips
23. Popcorn
24. Candy
25. Hot chocolate packets with a mug
26. Instant items for microwave cooking
27. Travel speakers or headphones
28. Thank you cards & pens/markers
29. Envelopes & stamps
30. Packs of paper, stationary or construction paper
31. Scotch tape
32. Food gift cards, iTunes gift cards, VISA gift cards for gas/toll expenses/parking
33. Any extra used IPads/IPhone chargers
34. DVDs
35. Older iphone, ipad, or ipod devices that can be reset for patient/family use
    
    

When and Where? 

Current Drop Off Locations/Dates:

• December Drop Off - TBD
• January Drop Off - TBD
• Mailed-In Donations PO Box 6, Celina, Texas 75009

*1st target delivery date is December 5.

*Additional drop off locations will be announced when they become available.

**All advertising for this project needs to be pre-approved by Tisha & Jason Poncio.

For inquiry on advertising, kit contents, or speaking engagements, please contact onthewingsofgratitude@gmail.com.

"The smallest acts of kindness and love can have a giant impact."

Jason and I want to thank you all in advance for your donations. We know that many families will be blessed to know they are not alone and are thought of and prayed for even if they didn't realize it!

So, as you're stocking up on Thanksgiving items, food drive items, or even stocking stuffers, throw in a few of the items listed above and help us love on others!

Big love and gratitude,

When Your Kids Ask.....

When your kids ask to paint a pumpkin at 9 pm on a school night, say YES and do it WITH enthusiasm. 

When your kids ask you to clean the pumpkin & make pumpkin seeds, say YES and do it with enthusiasm. 

Even if you're the only one to eat them, remember THESE are the MOMENTS they will remember for a lifetime. Super Jace has taught us to savor each moment, breathe in every second, and put your complaints aside. 

They might just be pumpkin seeds to you, but this year for us they are a symbol of family tradition, a reminder that our family is together and they really ARE yummy. :) 

Poncio Famly Pumpkin Seeds

*Every year our recipe changes, but this is usually the recipe we start off with. 

Bowl of freshly cleaned out pumpkin seeds

A cup of boiling hot water

Garlic Salt

Garlic Powder

Table Salt

Pepper

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1. After separating out the seeds from the pulp, place seeds in a bowl. 

2. Chances are you'll still have pulp, so pour the boiling water over the remaining seeds and pulp. Let sit a few minutes. Preheat oven to 400º 

3. Spread seeds on a cookie sheet. ( We use non-stick foil)

4. Drizzle EVOO and give seeds a little stir. 

5. Sprinkle the garlic powder and garlic salt over the seeds. Stir. 

6. Add a little table salt and black pepper. Stir once more to spread seasoning evenly. 

7. Cook for about 20-30 minutes or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them and stir occasionally.

These are a family favorite and we usually have to clean out several pumpkins for everyone to get their fill.  Some of us, (no names) just eat them whole because they taste so good. ;) 

Enjoy and savor the taste AND the time with your loved ones! 

Love & gratitude,

40 Days of Thankfulness Challenge 2013

We want to, personally, invite you to join us for our annual thankfulness challenge! 

We can tell you from our experiences this year that gratitude can't change your circumstances BUT it CAN change your attitude and teach you to find the light in a dark situation. 

You can join via Facebook here: www.facebook.com/40daysofthankfulness 

Check the events page or see details below! U can do a personal journal, tweets, Instagram, FB status, or whatever works for you. 

We'd love to hear from you about how gratitude has changed YOUR life! 

Love & gratitude, 

Tisha

• Anywhere: Facebook status, twitter, Instagram, personal journal, notes app, whiteboard, text, email, phone call - whatever works best for you!

• **Start October 8, End November 16 ** Every October we join together and challenge ourselves to post, write, or SHARE and DECLARE one gratitude per day. We are on our 6th year and challenge you to invite your entire friends list to join us! This year is especially a big year for us as #childhoodcancer has changed our family and now we know for sure that grabbing #gratitude can't change your circumstance, but it CAN change your attitude! (You can read about our journey or follow here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/jaceponcio  www.facebook.com/graceforjace) We will throw in some specific challenges to get you really thinking and will also share some testimonials from those who've seen their lives and perspectives change as they worked through their 40 Days.  40 Days is really about cleansing your mind & heart and detoxing from the negative, toxic thoughts, bitterness, unforgivness of others or ourselves, low self esteem, focusing on lack, or dwelling on mistakes. If you're ready to GROW to your next level, this will help you jump start! Be ready, be open, be EXPECTING it to change your outlook and your life.  #40DaysofThankfulnessChallenge  #40DaysofThankfulness (tag your posts, pictures or tweets with this)

10 Minute Hospital Workout

Living healthy is something I've always tried to strive for. Early on, I remember exercising and eating right being a part of my life. My dad use to buy crazy "health" food and I loved it.

 It wasn't always easy to be healthy and active because depending on the seasons of my life I would battle myself and my mindset. "I don't have time. I do have time. I can't do this. I can do this." Most of the time the only obstacle I had was myself. 

There was a point I was a size 6 (high school AND after baby #2) and there was a point when I was a size 16 (after baby #1). Today, I don't worry as much about what the scale says as much as I do about putting good things in my body and being active daily. 

But what if you're a caregiver? What if you find yourself in and out of hospitals? What if you're also juggling a full time job? What if most of your time and energy is given to caring for a sick child? 

Moms are busy no matter what, but I can tell you those of us affected by childhood cancer have a lot to juggle. 

So why workout? 

You KNOW this answer. 

You CAN'T take care of others if you don't take care of yourself. 

You WILL have more energy. 

Your mind set will be more positive. 

Your stress level will lower. 

You'll be more likely to focus and tackle your day. 

Your body, mind and spirit will be more aligned. 

You're more likely to eat better when you workout. 

We have made it a priority to workout at least 3-5 times a week since Jace was diagnosed. We don't have extra money for expensive gym memberships and so we do things at home like DDP yoga or basketball or just walk the track for an hour. 

When we are really short  on time, we do this little ten minute workout. We call it our "Hospital Room Workout" because it's all things you can do while passing time at the hospital. We even do it on early clinic days. 

If you can, do it TWICE to get your heft pumping!!! :))) 

Hospital Room Workout

(for Caregivers) 

1 minute down dog

25 crunches

1 min plank or  30 second plank

25 high knees

10 push-ups (adv single leg) 

10 squats

15 burpees

1 minute  wall sit

30 second calf raises

1 min squat punches

Cat lift/cat arch or upward facing dog

Repeat depending on time. 20 min workout is ideal if short on time. 

Live healthy DESPITE your circumstances!!! 

Xoxo

Tisha 

Faces of #ChildhoodCancer

We promised to show you some amazing kids and if you've been following Grace for Jace, you've been seeing our kid spotlights every few days! 

As you know, life is super busy and to blog in two different places is truly a miracle. :P

We decided to post our kid spotlights along with their blurb and the place you can learn more about their story! 

This Ashley and Austin. They are both #heroes in our eyes and are symbols of #HOPE to us each day.

Ashley was diagnosed with (ALL) #Leukemia in Sept 2007 when she was 3 years old and completed treatment during kindergarten (2009.) 

Austin was diagnosed with (ALL) #Leukemia in July 2010 and finished treatment this month! 

This is Karly! She holds a special place in our hearts as we were there in the days cancer changed her family. At 14, she was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma. She's had two reoccurrences since her first treatment and endured several surgeries. Today, she is 19 and stable with 2 spots on her lungs that are not growing. Her phrase is "Keep Calm and Carry On" and that's exactly what she is doing!  www.caringbridge.org/visit/karly

Jace and Kieran have become "super" friends during their time at the clinic. Kieran is 2 and just one week ahead in the same treatment as Jace. He's one of the sweetest boys we've met and ALWAYS brightens our days. Here's Kieran's story!

Our family met Trent at Dallas Children's in June riding the halls just as you see here! 

Trenton was diagnosed on January 2, 2013 with Stage IV, high risk Neuroblastoma (n-mync amp) two weeks before his 1st birthday. Trenton had tumors in his adrenal gland, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and bones.

Trenton is now 20 months old and is NED (no evidence of disease). He's undergone 8 rounds of chemotherapy, 4 surgeries, bone marrow transplant, numerous hospital stays and 12 rounds of radiation.

He has scans the week of September 23rd. Trenton will begin antibody therapy/immunotherapy during October which will last for 6 months.

Please follow Trenton's story here:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-TRENT/524873370878641?ref=br_tf

Phoebe 
There's not enough days/weeks in September to spotlight all that are affected by childhood cancer.

Today, we ask for you to pray for a very special family with a very special girl. Phoebe's dad went to HS with Jason. 
You'll want to catch up on Phoebe's story here:
https://www.facebook.com/PrayForPhoebe



We ask that you "adopt" a family and a child every September and that you follow their story, get to know their family and continue to lift them up with love and prayer! 

As always.....

In gratitude,
Tisha

Where Do We Belong

If we aren't at home or at the clinic, we often feel left out, out of the loop, or just not part of a group. We feel the stares when we are out or feel that some just are more wrapped up in themselves than to even think about what we are dealing with daily. 

It's hard to explain, but it's more difficult as each day passes to feel worlds apart from those around us. 

Here are a few thoughts I had one day after going into Toys R Us with Jace, but it applies to many places we go daily:  

it's a lonely place from where i stand

your stares are silent yet drown out the rumble of laughter and noise

are you brave enough to say anything or will your eyes and thoughts be forced to something more joyful?

it's too sad for you,  yet it's my everyday. 

your presence is faded and your absence says more than you ever could.

I know we are not the only parents who feel this, whose lives have changed, and who are different people than the ones who started this journey. 

It's for that reason alone I write about our perspective. 

#childhoodcancerawareness