Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Being Thankful and Staying Positive......a learning process.

I know, this is not the first time I have wrote about this topic here. I guess the fact that learning to be thankful, in ALL things is an ongoing process, a process that isn't always easy. I am working really hard to be thankful for the blessings God has given me. There are so, so many things that are easy to take for granted. I don't really like saying, take for granted, because I really do appreciate all of those things. I guess, some days, the days that are not going the way I hoped or life has thrown a curve ball, it is just harder to stay focused on the "good" things.
I am determined to follow the words of Paul in Philippians 4:4 - 8. I have a long ways to go in this area. The negative thoughts, worries, etc, seem to creep into my head so quickly. I am learning however, to replace those feelings and thoughts. I am really in awe of what a difference it makes when I consciously make an effort to think on the positive side of life. I am working hard to replace the worrisome thoughts with positive thoughts and it is making a difference in me. I am so much more at peace, as I wrote about previously. God's comfort and the hope He gives me is amazing. I find myself praising him more and more each and every day. God is truly AWESOME!!

I have really been trying to spend time daily in my Bible. The more I read, the more I want to keep reading, and learning, and listening to what God is saying to me. I can feel His presence in my life so strongly right now and I want more! It seems I just can't get enough. It has been so long that I have just been "lukewarm" and just had a "whatever" outlook. I can feel feel God's hand at work in my life and it is wonderful! I want to shout is from the rooftops....My God is so good, He's SO GOOD to me.

I am not saying life in general is perfect, it isn't, but, as long as I stay focused on what is important, I will be OK. I have put my trust in the Lord and I know He will not forsake me. He will provide all of our needs. I am so thankful I have that hope and peace that only Christ can give.

Some things I am thankful for are:

Randy: I am so blessed to have a husband that loves me for who I am. I know I am not perfect, I have my little oddities, but he is OK with that. He accepts me just as I am and loves me unconditionally. He works so hard to take care of us and does all he can to provide all of our needs and more. He gives so much of himself to make us happy. We have been married for almost 15 years now and he still makes my heart skip a beat. Yes, we get aggravated with each other and may not always agree, but there is nothing that will tear us apart. Randy is my best friend, my soul mate, my rock. I love him more that words can possibly describe. I am thankful that God brought us together and gave us a marriage we can be proud of. In the world today, so many people view marriage as "just something you do". I am thankful I have a husband who takes it seriously and is committed to work to make our marriage all God has planned for it to be.

Aaron: WOW......I am really in awe of how he has grown. My first baby is no longer a baby, or even a child. Aaron is quickly changing into a wonderful young man. I am amazed daily over how he is growing, not only physically, but spiritually, mentally,and, emotionally. I am very proud of him and praise God for giving me such a wonderful son. He loves life and makes the best of every situation. He is always doing something to try to make someone smile. Aaron has a tender heart and shows love in so many ways. I am so very proud to say he is my son. I know God has special plans for him and I am blessed to be his mama.

Kristen: My baby girl! What an amazing thing to watch my life play out through my daughter. Kristen is so much like me. I look at her and see myself as a girl. Her actions, her thoughts, and yes....even her mood swings, are just like mine were at her age. Her caring ways are so special. She is always willing to lend a hand or help out and doesn't think twice when she is asked to do something. (Well, most of the time) She is going to be an amazing young lady and will make a beautiful wife and mother one day. I praise God for Kristen and the special love she brings to every day.

Morgan: My Momo Monkey! What can I say about Momo? There are so many special things about her. She is so unique, so determined, so independent, so strong. Morgan loves life and loves people. She gives me a new look on life in so many ways. She sets such a great example of how to live each day to the fullest. From the minute she wakes up, she is ready to take on the day and make the most of it. She is always looking for something to do, someone to play with or talk to, or just some way to have fun. She also has a soft spot and is always willing to share. Her uniqueness makes her so special and her smile is contagious. I can't wait to see what she becomes as she grows, I know she will accomplish whatever she sets her mind to. I am very blessed to be a part of God's plan in her life.

Ian: My baby. Still so young, but yet growing into a big boy so quickly. He is so much fun and has such a charming personality. He is so sweet and loves to be a helper. It is bittersweet to watch him growing since he is the last baby but I am amazed everyday as he learns new things. He brings fun and joy to every day. He is always willing to give hugs and kisses and high fives and nothing can brighten my spirits more than when out of the blue, he comes up and says, " I love you berry much Mama." He is what has gotten me through some of the hardest days of my life and I am so thankful that God gave him to us when we needed a ray of sunshine.

I am blessed and I thank God for giving me the family I always prayed for and allowing me the blessing of being able to stay home to care for them. My prayer is that I can always be the wife and mother He wants me to be. I pray I can help my family grow closer to the Lord by setting an example through my own life and actions. I pray that they will see Christ in me and will strive to live Christian lives, pleasing to God, in all that they do.

Of course, there are so many other things I have been blessed with. I could go on and on all day. I am thankful for the sunrise every morning. As I was driving this morning, watching the sunrise in the sky, I was thinking about how God is the source that lights the entire world!! I want to share His light with those around me, I want to be a light in the darkness for others, just as Christ is the light for me. I am thankful for the sunset at night. I love sitting outside as the sun goes down. The beauty can be overwhelming and I thank God for painting such a beautiful artwork for us to enjoy. I am thankful I can look up at the night sky and see the stars and the moon. I am thankful for the birds I hear singing that lift my spirits as I imagine they are singing praises to our Lord, our Creator. I am thankful for the wind that blows through my hair. I am thankful for the flowers that add color and joy to our world. I am thankful for friends. Over the past couple years, I have made some new friends that I know God has placed in my life. These are friends I know I can call on, just to talk, or for a laugh, and even when I need a shoulder to cry on, I know they will be there. The list is never ending and as I am learning to focus on these things, the list just grows and grows.

7 comments:

Alison said...

Ok girl..you need to stop stirring such emotions!!!

NANCY From the Shore said...

(((HUGS)))
You are SUCh a sweetheart,one of the most unique special people I have the pleasure of knowing,even though we dont know each other well.
Your blogs are SO inspiring & your family is so beautiful.I just wanted to say,how yes,God is in Control.Its so much easier to let go and Let GOD:)
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY!
SUPER DUPER HUGS..Miss you MUCH~:)
Ps,I'm looking into homeschooling.reasons,Middle school,drama,etc..N I know they woudl do better)
XOXOXO
nancy

Anonymous said...

Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palladium?
Help, please. All recommend this program to effectively advertise on the Internet, this is the best program!

Anonymous said...

Pharmacy accupril Side-effects levitra Discount daivonex 50mg hoodia Without prescription didronel ED ambien

Anonymous said...

[url=][/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://sexrolikov.net.ua/tags/%F8%EB%FE%F8%EA%E0/]шлюшка[/url] Online porno : [url=http://sexrolikov.net.ua/tags/%EF%E0%F5%F3%F7%F3%FE/]пахучую[/url] , это все Вы можете смотреть онлайн

Anonymous said...

Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any
issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up
losing months of hard work due to no
back up. Do you have any methods to prevent hackers?

Feel free to surf to my site; View my web page