Count Your Blessings!
Well, I'm not going to lie to you... this summer has not been easy. For a variety of reasons that I won't get into, this has been what I call 'the summer of stress'. And, it's not over. In fact, some additional trials and big stresses are just starting. But, I am reminded today of the hymn "Count Your Blessings". I will paste the words below:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest
tossed,When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,Count your many blessings,
name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath
done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,Count your blessings,
see what God hath done!Count your blessings, name them one by one,And it will
surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?Does the
cross seem heavy you are called to bear?Count your many blessings, every doubt
will fly,And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at
others with their lands and gold,Think that Christ has promised you His wealth
untold;Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buyYour reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,Do not be
disheartened, God is over all;Count your many blessings, angels will attend,Help
and comfort give you to your journey’s end.What a great reminder to look at our BLESSINGS when we are stressed and in the midst of trials! If we really examine our lives, we can see that God has probably blessed us in ways we haven't thought of yet. While I originally tried eating raw cookie dough last night to relieve stress, this did not work. It felt good while I was doing it, but when the "I can't believe I just ate that" mode set in, it wasn't helpful at all. But, what HAS worked is counting my blessings & reflecting on God's goodness in my life.
Here are some things that I'm thankful for this week:
1. A good husband (that I often take for granted... which is why this list is important)
2. A happy, healthy, and energetic son who is fun and sweet.
3. A healthy pregnancy-- a baby girl on the way!
4. First row parking at Babies R Us (I love the "Expectant Mother" spots!)
5. The ability (both physically and financially) to go to the YMCA 5x/week to exercise, even while pregnant
6. Despite the flames in my oven (cookie on fire, long story...), the flames did not spread and I did not have to stop, drop, or roll.
7. Parents who watch Keegan weekly while Nathan & I attend church Life Group
8. Friends who love and encourage me
9. Reliable cars that are paid for
10. Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal-- really this is the only food that has sounded good this pregnancy. I finally bought it in bulk... just for me.
11.Finding a dollar bill in Nathan's pocket while doing laundry (finder's keepers!)
12. Keegan touching and tasting many new foods... and the ability and patience (not always enough) to sit with him at the table for an hour each meal to do his food therapy.
13. My Birthday Club friends who are taking me out for my birthday this weekend.
14. Keegan sitting on the big-boy potty chair, *finally*, even though nothing came out. It's a start, anyway!
15. A little decorative birdie I found for $1.47 at Target on clearance today. It's a Smith & Hawkins.
15. Countless other blessings!
So, just a reminder to count your blessings this weekend and see what God has done(call me if you are tempted to eat that cookie dough instead!).
Have a great Friday!
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