The gift of gratitude

Nothing in my own opinions would suggest that one should move house near the holidays.

The very idea seems rather like a bad joke.

However, life often has taught me my greatest lessons through things which seemed ridiculous.

God has truly used this time to show me just how much we are blessed.

It’s been like Christmas morning every time I unpack something!

Although, there’s still a lot to do and we probably won’t be settled for a while yet, it’s been an amazing season.

This Christmas God gave me a fresh perspective on all He has already given into our care.

I am humbled and deeply grateful.

Truly, gifts from God are treasure indeed.

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
Psalms 100:1‭-‬5 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word. Thank You for doing what You have in our lives. Lord, thank You for the many, many blessings. I truly can’t count them all. Lord, please continue to teach me how to have a grateful heart. Lord, I want to walk in Your will and rest in Your truth each and every day. Thank You for teaching me to let go of the things I used to think important. Thank You for teaching me I can be a good hostess no matter what. Lord, please continue to hone my heart and to value those things which You value. Lord, please continue to guide me in living with thankfulness daily. I love You, Jesus! Amen.

What can I say…

Well…I can say that God is so good.

Despite migraines for three days, God has provided medication which has caused me to be able to do all that is required of me.

I was so blessed to have Bell and her friend cover the booth for four hours so I could go to the doctor and get some rest at the hotel.

My heart was thrilled at the opportunities to chat with people and see some dear friends.

I’ve enjoyed getting to see our Bell more than normal since she lives here and we have moved.

It’s been a blessed couple of days.

So why am I awake at 3 am?

What’s robing me of the rest I need so desperately?

I’m sad.

Change is difficult.

Although I’m positive God has moved us and I’ve experienced the blessings of it all, coming back has been more difficult than I expected.

But it’s good.

If God had not put such love in my heart for so many people here, I wouldn’t feel this way.

It is God’s love which binds my heart to so many others.

And I don’t have to stop loving them just because I no longer live nearby.

Instead I’m praising God for the years I did have.

I’m thankful for how He has used these people in my life and I pray I’ve been a blessing in return.

My life belongs to Jesus.

I can rejoice in all He is doing and has done.

In each place He has brought me, I’ve been so blessed by wonderful lovely people.

I cherish these dear friends God has given.

What can I say…

God is so good!

Saying Goodbye

Where does one begin?

How do you even express it?

What bland and over used words to envelope such deep meaning.

Goodbye.

No matter how many times I have to say these words,

in this context,

I still haven’t gotten used to the feeling.

What context?

Oh,

I didn’t mention that part.

We are moving.

It has become obvious.

We need to move.

First, it was my health.

My asthma and allergies just wouldn’t allow me to live here anymore.

Then it was Anne.

Her asthma and allergies.

This home is the longest we’ve lived anywhere: seven years.

Our family has gone from children to adults and teens here.

Our lives have been intertwined with so many others here.

Our hearts have been glad to put down roots here.

We’ve moved many times during our twenty-two years of marriage.

(I know, my anniversary isn’t till October 3, but I’m rounding up.)

Saying Goodbye has never been easy.

And as much as I love my flowers and trees,

they are not the things which pull on my heart.

It’s the people.

Despite all the technology to keep us connected around the world,

it will never be the same as face to face,

heart to heart.

So as we pack and clean and look

for a new home

in a new community,

I’m praying.

I know God has guided us this far

and will continue to do so.

He is faithful.

His Word is truth.

As long as He holding me there is nothing we can not face.

Even if those words are

Saying Goodbye.