Thankful

I started this post back during Thanksgiving but didn't get around to finishing it. However, I think it's still the season to be thankful - isn't every season of our life supposed to be this way?. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessaloninans 5:16-18

So Ava was looking through her latest Young Rider magazine and found this ad in the back. She thought it sounded like a lot of fun:

 

I responded with an "Ahem! Doesn't that sort of describe your life on an everyday basis?!?" I mean we're not an "official" working horse farm but we do have horses and we do work! There is never a shortage of chores to be done around here!

But it got me thinking...how many things (tangible or intangible) in my life do I have and either take for granted or don't even recognize? I have been convicted lately about enjoying life with my children instead of being so busy that I'm rushing right by them or spending entire days without really "talking" with them - can I hear an "Amen!"?? Certainly I'm not the only busy mother who feels this way (which by the way - I saw something on Pinterest or Facebook recently that said something to the effect of "I don't know why they call it 'stay-at-home-mom' because I'm never at home!")

So I thought I'd list some of the things I'm thankful for below, in no particular order:

1. My Haven

I call this my haven, for lack of a better word, because this is where I spend my most treasured time each morning. I get up usually around 4:30 (notice that those windows are DARK at this time of day) and here I spend a good 1 to 1 1/2 hours every morning for my quiet time (prayer, Bible reading, Bible study and maybe 5-10 minutes at the end for some Pinterest or Facebook time ;-) I have all my neccesities - iPad with Olive Tree installed, coffee, pen, paper, and candles. It is uninterrupted quiet time - no kids or distractions.

2. My Family

This gives you a sneak peek of what our Christmas cards will look like (that is, if I get them out in time, unlike last year). It was one of the last warm days before ICEMAGEDDON 2013 hit. I think of the 12385 pictures I snapped a few turned out ok ;-) Ava is now 11 (going on 18), Amelia is 6 and Audrey is 3. They are all full of life and keep us on our toes! One of my goals for the new year is to spend more quality time with them. That's such a cliche but I feel like I spend a lot of time with them doing busy stuff - not enough fun time or relaxing time. And of course Jason is included in my sentiments - he's just not in the picture!

3. Gorgeous sunrises

Okay, a little sappy perhaps but every morning when I see the sun coming up I am reminded of Lamentations 3:22 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

4. Jesus Christ and His sovereignty

While the ice storm that hit has delayed plans and caused some problems, my pastor was wise to remind us of God's sovereignty with this verse: Psalm 147:16-18 “He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. He casts forth His ice as fragments; who can stand before His cold? He sends forth His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow and the waters to flow.”

We were very fortunate that we did not lose power or have any pipes burst like last time such a strong cold front invaded North Texas in 2011. However, I am reminded that even if we did lose power or have other "terrible" or unexpected things happen that God is still sovereign, He is still in control, He has ordained every moment, circumstance and situation in my life and He is working it all for my good and His glory! How can I be anything but grateful and thankful for everything in my life (the perceived good and bad things) knowing that?

2 Corinthians 11:27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.