All the Married Ladies

It's that month.  You know the one where everyone on your Facebook and Twitter feeds are sharing their "30 Days of Thanksgiving". November.  The one month out of the year where nearly everyone can find something for which to be thankful.  As a matter of fact, I've been counting some blessings myself.

This morning was difficult to see thankful things.  Boys sick, not sleeping well and mom just not wanting to rise early.  So I spent some time in God's Word, the holy scriptures.  Reflecting on His promises.  And then on to breakfast. Words ringing in my head, echoing of conversations past and desiring to be truly thankful.  As I break open the eggs, my thoughts seem to focus on the things for which I've been less thankful.  He walks into the room preceded by our youngest child and I see thanks in a whole new light.



After nearly 9 years of marriage, how often have I expressed my specific thanks to and for my husband? This morning was less about me and more about us, as I chose to let go of my way and accept his help - help not asked for or offered, just given.  And I wondered, how often have I counted my blessings?  Blessings, gifts. Why am I thankful for him at all?  If I say I'm thankful for him, for our marriage, then my reasons are not all general but more specific.

• I'm thankful for his help with breakfast.


• I'm thankful for his not allowing the boys to speak to me in an improper tone.


• I'm thankful for the way he holds me close.


• I'm thankful for his spontaneous, fun personality.

And the list goes on and on and on.  What about you?  Are you thankful for your spouse? If so, in what ways?  Do you see the good in them and encourage them?  Can you find at least one thing to be thankful, truly thankful for in them daily?  I dare you.  I dare you to let go of selfishness, pride, bad advice, putting children ahead of your spouse and see the things, the gifts, given to you by your spouse.  Write them down, name them one by one.  One day, the children will grow up and move out, there will be changes in jobs and in the end it will just be the two of you.  Will you choose joy in your marriage - I dare you!

 

 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving

Thankfulness.  Thanksgiving.  Thanks.  I don't know about you, but I am prone to complain, often missing the blessing of thankfulness.  Many times over in scripture we are encouraged to be thankful.  Paul says to be thankful in all circumstances. In every situation, be thankful.

¹⁸ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The psalmist wrote an entire psalm of thankfulness. Psalm 136 finds the psalmist giving thanks to God for everything from the food we eat to God's own goodness.



Over the past week or so, I've found myself starting something new.  Rachel over at Finding Joy had posted about her 2 Minute Grateful List back in August.  As I read her post, I decided that I was going to make a 2 minute grateful list part of my morning "routine".  So for the last couple of weeks, minus a day or two, I've included this list in my mornings.  Can I tell you that it so makes a difference when I am intentional about being thankful.  My day may go to pot but my attitude does not.

Today, I'm thankful for...

• a little gap-toothed grin


• ponytail holders


• beautiful fall weather


• wonderful brothers & sisters at New Life Fellowship


• pecans falling off the trees

• papaw's tractor


• my thoughtful husband


• fluffy pillows


• nail polish (though not on my nails right now!)

So, I wonder, have you given thanks today?  If not, take a minute - or 2 - to jot down what you are thankful for!

Thankfulness...the beginning

In my little corner of the world, the sun rose before sun up this morning...as it does most mornings. He cried out for "Mom" over the baby monitor at five minutes after three. His sweet, sleepy smile and his out of control curls made me smile. And for him, I am incredibly thankful. He's aggressive, silly and loves to be outside. His words are no where near plain but I understand him...he's mine. His hands are always full...trucks, cups or whatever he can find to throw. He's all boy. And for him, I am immeasurably thankful.

His alarm clock wailed at 3:30 AM, as he slowly rolled out of bed, careful to not disturb my sleep. Little did he know I was already awake. He gently whispered he loved me and kissed me softly. His dedication to and love for me and our boys are evident. And for him, I am forever thankful. His compassion and thoughtfulness are not overlooked. Though often I fail at telling and showing him how truly thankful I am for him.

As I'm falling back asleep, I hear the sound of my baby sucking on his hand. His soft cry tells me he's hungry. So once again I open my eyes, prepare a bottle and hold my sweet baby as he takes his bottle. For his precious life, I am thankful. He refuses to close his eyes as I try time and time again to put him in his crib. I gently cradle him in my arms and place his pacifier in his mouth. I hold him close until I hear the gentle sound of a snore coming from his tiny person. Oh how thankful I am for this unexpected, unplanned bundle of baby.

As I held the baby in a state of half wakefulness, I heard a noise. My clock showed 5:24 AM, as the door to his room opened and closed. I thought surely he's not awake. The house fell quiet once again. The door of my room creaked open ever so slightly. I saw the top of his little bed head peeking in. Oh how thankful I am for that little Momma's boy. I called him to come in quietly. As I gently laid the baby in his crib, I heard him say, "Why is everybody still asleep, momma?" He crawled into bed and laid on his daddy's pillows as we turned on Disney Junior. His sweet spirit warms my heart as we watch television, even before the sun rises. Oh how thankful I am for him.

Through all the watches of the night He was there. As I slept and as I rose, His presence was there. I fail to remember He's up that early most days...but then I'm aware He never sleeps. In the silence, I'm thankful for Him. Where I fail, He lifts me up. In the harsh reality of morning light, His joy sustains me. Only because of His grace extended to me, do I have the strength to extend grace to others. For Him I am eternally thankful...and this is just the beginning!

What Words Cannot Express

It's been almost three months since we left a city and a church family we love dearly to follow Christ and His call. A decision we will never regret. However, there are so many people and so very much I miss.

I miss the wonderful weather this time of year brings to the Birmingham area. The changing of the leaves, the crispness in the air and the general beauty that is Birmingham. I miss the wonderful, Godly family we have in the fellowship at FBC Birmingham. The smiles, laughter and warmness that radiated when we were all gathered together.

I know that where we are is where we are supposed to be. Our Lord has given us confirmation in so many ways. He provided financially for Anthony's tuition to be covered for this semester. We've had help with the kids, that I didn't even know I was going to need, provided - Thanks Nana and Pawpaw! We're supported both financially and prayerfully by family both physical and spiritual. And we've joined with a wonderful new church family, Hillcrest Baptist, to serve in the meantime while we wait for our Lord's call back into full-time ministry.

Words can never express the thankfulness in my heart for our church family at FBC Birmingham. They have been and will continue to be very dear to me and to our family. As a matter of fact, even Drew prays for "our church" in Birmingham.