Thankful Thursday

God has taught me a lot about thankfulness and contentment this year...much more than I could put in this post. I've been through rough times in my life before; lots of hard, dark roads walked through with the Lord by my side has taught me to be faithful and grateful in many different circumstances. Contentment, however; rejoicing in any and all circumstances of life-that's been a bit harder. I'm still working on it, most definitely, but this past year has taught (and is teaching!) me much about being content and joyful in ALL circumstances. Nothing major has happened; no catastrophes, no disasters. Although our second pregnancy came as another surprise right in the middle of (another) huge life change, it was smooth, God used it to work miracles in my body, and our baby girl is here, happy, and healthy. We have a place to live, food to eat, and family to help us out. The stress has come from little things; Adam still not being able to find a job (and the guy has applied EVERYWHERE), trying to adjust to living with my very gracious parents after having our own home for 3 1/2 years, where things were done the way we wanted without a second thought; adjusting to Adam being back in school, trusting what God has told us when things look so different than we expected them to...lots of little things. We don't always understand why things are this way; we knew God told us to come here and start Adam's schooling, and just thought the rest would fall into place. It's been a bit of a desert time for me, a wilderness...but God creates pathways in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. I hold to that promise, and am beginning to see it in my heart, if not in our circumstances. With that in mind- there is so very much I am continually thankful for today....
...a God who is ALWAYS faithful.
...a husband who is a strong leader for our family, friend of my heart, adored father, and constantly thoughtful.
...healthy, happy children.
...gracious parents who give us a place to live, love, and support.
...breakthroughs in my heart.
...a little girl who slept 6 HOURS last night (just can't get over it!!)
...my cousin coming to visit for 10 days next week! we may be 19 years apart in age, but God knit our hearts together when i was a teenager, and I am so very thankful for her.
...God's continual, out-of-the-blue provision in our live. He is so faithful!
...my boy's joyful spirit...and his ability to go on the potty! Bu-bye, diapers! (at least for the big 'un :)
...that I am starting to feel like "myself" again. Excited for the vision God is giving me!