A Season of Thanksgiving

Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted here. My life has become very unsettled in the last few months and there hasn't been much time to spend writing or reflecting. We've had some really life-changing experiences this Fall with our daughter leaving home for college, Stephen losing his job and having to look for another one and now having to move back to Texas and try to sell a house in a depressed market. I must admit it's been a little overwhelming and I've been struggling to not be depressed. But today, following a wonderful few days celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to take time to count my blessings.

First, I'm thankful that my entire family was under the same roof for the first time since August! I thank God for my husband and my two beautiful girls!!! It was wonderful finally getting to walk by Ashley's room and see it occupied and it gave me such joy watching my girls talk and giggle together! Sitting around the dinner table together (or card table in our case, since we sold our dining tables recently) took on a whole new meaning. I've definitely taken that privilege for granted in the past. We had fun shopping, seeing movies and laughing and talking together. It was tough putting Ashley on the plane Sunday morning, but I'm thankful for her safe travel back to ACU and that that she has the opportunity to be there.

Next, I'm thankful for all my friends, our brothers and sisters in Christ, who have agreed to share the next 40 days with us praying for the sale of our house and our relocation back to Texas. I'd be lying if I said this wasn't a very stressful time in our lives, but knowing that I have a spiritual family willing to go before the throne of God on our behalf gives me such peace...well, I can't even put it into words. Just know that I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and am so thankful for your friendship and your prayers.

I'm also thankful for my husband's new job. Even though it has caused some big changes and some inconveniences for us, it is nothing compared to the problems of being unemployed! I'm also thankful that God has blessed Stephen with good health and safe travel and pray that He will continue to do so.

I'm thankful that Chelsea made the Varsity Basketball team. I'm so proud of her accomplishment and, in the midst of so much change, it's been a nice distraction and feeling of normalcy to be able to take her to and from practice and to go watch her play! Go Lady Jags! ; )

Last, but certainly not least, I'm thankful that my whole family knows and loves the LORD and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Even when I'm struggling with depression, uncertainty and doubt I know He cares about me and knows what's best for me and my family and allows me to have peace knowing that He is guiding our paths. I'm well aware that my problems are very small in the big scheme of things, but it's nice to know that God cares. I know he sees the future even though I can't and I'm thankful to be able to put that future in His hands and trust Him with it. I have faith that He will put us where we need to be! God is so good and there is so much to be thankful for!

Thank you for letting me share this with you. I hope that each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and that the Christmas season ahead will be full of blessings for you!