Finding Peace

This past month has been a whirlwind of sorts. Funny though, because even in the midst of busyness, I have found peace.

The reason this peace catches be my surprise so much is that I don't do well with stress and hurried schedules. When I look at everything going on and things that need to be done, I should be feeling completely overwhelmed. I just thank God that He can come in and completely sweep me over with a peace and strength I can't possess on my own.

The Lord is taking me on another new journey and I keep thinking about how the traveling I've done over the past year or so, has prepared me for the place He is leading me to now. I am really excited and hopeful. I know that God's time-table is His alone, and I can fully believe Him to perfectly orchestrate every single detail. One of the most significant lessons I've learned in walking with the Lord is to embrace and enjoy every part of what He brings and where He takes me. I'll be honest though and say that it took me a long time to learn and accept this. A lot of surrendering, tears, and wrestling with God happened way before I could rest in and embrace where I was.

Truths I have believed before are finding their place in my heart once again as well as the new ones. The lesson that my faith requires action is what motivates me to cling tightly to Jesus knowing that I can trust Him with everything. What I have learned about God and His character in the past is the foundation for which can carry me through now.

So, with the coming of celebrating the Savior's birth, I will delight and rest in His peace.  I will let go of to-do lists and focus on the priorities. This Christmas will be about joy, simplicity, love, and the anticipation of all things to come.

Happy Thanksgiving

I sit here tonight full of excitement knowing that this time tomorrow, I will be with the ones I love celebrating Thanksgiving.

This Thanksgiving is a little different from years past. This year, loved ones are coming to our house to gather and feast. I have busied myself today making all the side dishes. It's nothing fancy, just all  the traditional favorites like green bean casserole, corn souffle, sweet potato casserole, and creamy mashed potatoes. My aunt is coming with cranberry sauce in hand, and of course the dinner wouldn't be complete without my mother-in-law's dressing. I will wake up tomorrow morning and make the turtle trifle, cranberry bog pie, and roast the turkey.

The table is set and ready for all of us to come together and give thanks. I loved every minute of setting the table because for the first time, I am using the china and silver that belonged to my aunt. There is going to be plenty of laughter, great conversation, delicious food and I can't wait.

I've been thinking a lot this week about all that I am thankful for. Really, it's been something that I have been trying to be more purposeful in throughout this last year - having a heart of thanks. Isn't it so easy to get caught up in the busyness and mundane activities of life and forget or tire of being thankful. I began looking around, at everything, and realizing that the little and ordinary things as well as the huge and significant can ignite a thankful heart.

So, with the approach of Thanksgiving tomorrow, I wanted to simply record just some of the things in which I am thankful.

The gift of salvation.

A house in which memories are made and grace is displayed. A house where fun happens, friends and family gather, and love is shared. A house where forgiveness and encouragement is given. A house that reflects His love. A house that we call home.

Laughter.

My husband and true soulmate. We couldn't be any different in personalities and things that make us tick. We have gone through so much and the one constant theme in our marriage is that we know very well how faithful God is. 

Friendships. 

The truth that God knows our future and we can trust in Him completely.

Simple things like slippers, music, cozy quilts, and good books.

I am thankful that my children are walking in the truth.

A car that in spite of requiring major work this summer and costing us way too much, still runs and gets us where we need to go. 

My parents and in-laws who have given us a heritage of faith. There is no one who loves and supports us more than they do and I am so grateful.

That my mornings began with a phone call to my sister. I am also thankful for the precious, little voice of my niece who brightens my day just by saying, "hi".

Our church.

My new job.

Having the time and opportunity to pursue hobbies I love- riding horses, cooking, photography, reading, journaling and sewing. 

A transformed and revived heart.

That three wonderful children call me Mom. 

Happy Thanksgiving.