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Marble Jar

 In November, my grandkids and I walked across the street from our church to First Presbyterian. We went just after the Children's Story, with other youth and our FBC Youth leader. Sean's co-leader of our wonderful 4 church Youth Collective was offering the sermon, shortly before she left our community to serve a congregation in Arizona.  

Oh, Kate will be missed!! 

In her message, Kate shared a wonderful story from Brené Brown, on how the idea for using a Marble Jar came to her. Kate dropped marbles in a canning jar, as she spoke,  and after the service, we each chose a marble from baskets held by the Ushers. 

Kate's message, A Good Laugh, starts at 40 minutes (and It was so fun to hear their bell choir! I play with ours, and it's a challenge! But rewarding!)

Marble jars ○ crocheted and felted marbles

For our Moms group gift exchange in December, I used tissue paper on small jars to make little holders for my 6 friends. I included a small bag of marbles from Hopscotch, our Indi toy store, in each, plus a a pair of handmade marbles. 

While Brené used the marbles with her daughter for Building trust, I suggested my friends drop  marbles in their jar as a Gratitude practice. I've used a small vase for mine. 

Marble Vase and Vinny

Inspired to make your own? Pour a cuppa, gather some supplies - small jar or vase, tissue paper and glue, medium or mod podge, markers, or any other decorations, and some marbles. 

Craft your own ritual for holding a marble, counting blessings, then dropping it in the jar. When I shared the practice with the father of older youth, he commented they used the image of pennies in a jar with shelter guests, saying "It's a lot easier to negotiate, and give a little ground, when you start with a full jar!"

Do you have a Gratitude practice?

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Comments

  1. TamaraJanuary 30, 2026 at 6:40 AM

    I love your marbles, don't you ever lose them ;-)))
    My gratitude practice is simple: before falling asleep, I reflect on the day and ask myself: What went well, what didn't, and what am I grateful for?
    Happy Weekend, Nadya!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heart Song DreamsJanuary 30, 2026 at 9:58 AM

      Hee hee - right?
      That's a lovely gratitude practice!

      ᎤᏬᏢᏗ ᏏᏓᏁᎸ ᎨᏎᏍᏗ (U-wo-tlu-di si-da-ne-lv ge-ses-di)
      fun/let it be/ with the family

      Delete
  2. Kimberly WintersJanuary 30, 2026 at 7:24 AM

    I love the idea of a a marble jar, I have a gratitude practice that is woven into my meditation practice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heart Song DreamsJanuary 30, 2026 at 9:59 AM

      Isn't it a sweet idea?
      Love that you weave gratitude into your meditation practice 🙏
      Nadya

      Delete
  3. MarthaJanuary 30, 2026 at 5:05 PM

    I love the marble jar idea! For my gratitude, every night I sit in my upstairs quite corner and reflect on the day, read from my daily devotional "Jesus Listens" and wrote a short note about what went good that day. I put them all in a basket and pull them out occasionally are read over them. I'm going to see about working on a marble jar!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heart Song DreamsJanuary 30, 2026 at 11:53 PM

      That sounds like a beautiful and fulfilling practice, Martha!
      My friend Gloria has been writing little nightly gratitude notes for over a decade - it's gotten her through some pretty hard times!

      Delete

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