Day 216 - Relaxation Monday

Usually Mondays are crazy.

Trying to corral a room full of 5 and 6 year old kids after the freedom of the weekend is tough.

There are lots of questions like "why do we have to (do this thing that we do every single day)?" or "can't we just (do this thing that we are never allowed to do)?"... and even though I love them and am so glad that I get to be a guiding part of their lives... it's difficult!

But today I'm at home.

It's Martin Luther King Jr. day and we don't have school!

So I will rest up and enjoy the silence while I can. I hope your day (holiday even?) is filled with whatever you enjoy the most!

I am thankful that I get to spend the day at home making food for the next week.

I am thankful that my husband works from home. Even though he doesn't have the day off, I still get to see him!

I am thankful that this next week will be a short one.

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Day 215 - Super Short Sunday

I am thankful that the glass bulb that EXPLODED today didn't hurt anyone.

I am thankful that tomorrow is a school holiday.

I am thankful that we finally got the Christmas tree put away!

- Victoria

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Day 214 - Progress

Today has been a great day of progress. 

Being able to look at the time we are putting into this new effort and see that even though it it difficult it is totally worthwhile.

I am thankful that God has bolstered us against temptation.

I am thankful that though it won't be all smooth sailing, He will continue to help us.

- Victoria 

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Day 213 - Encouragement {Five Minute Friday}

More often than not encouragement comes from others.

A kind word. A nod of approval over a project... and so on.

But where do you find encouragement for those struggles that you don't share with anyone?

How to you get over the hump of frustration, fear, or uncertainty?

I know that during my darkest time dealing with childlessness I just let myself wallow in that fear and frustration. I didn't tell anyone that I was struggling.

I don't even think I fully realized that was going on.

But there was One who knew the whole time.

My Heavenly Father.

He saw my heart, my pain. He reached out His hand and I swatted it down.

It wasn't until I was completely broken that I turned my face to Him, looking for that hand.

When I took hold of it, I found not only encouragement that He would get me through anything; but I also found hope, courage, comfort, and peace.

In a world that fosters the mindset of keeping everything to yourself lest you be thought a "Drama Queen"... how will you find your encouragement?

Turn to The One who knows your struggles better than you yourself. He will lift you higher than you could possibly imagine.

I am thankful that God never thinks me a "Drama Queen". 

I am thankful that He knows exactly what I am dealing with and lifts me up accordingly.

I am thankful that my encouragement and hope comes from no man, but The Creator Himself.

Linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker and the Five Minute Friday community here! 
 

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Day 212 - The Valley

I had the chance to speak with an alteration client yesterday whom I have know for a few years.

She knows the struggles I've had with childlessness and always wants an update when I see her.

We spent about 30 minutes chatting on her front porch and she said something that really got me to thinking.

"I'm so glad you can walk with God while you're in this valley."

I was temporarily blown away.

All the work I've seen God do in my life over the last year shows me that I'm not in a valley. I might have thought I was at one point. But I never was.

I'm just walking the path that God has for me. And the "valley" is all in your mindset.

I told her as much and she started laughing. "Good for you" she said.

It was a great visit, and even more than that, it really helped me to see how far God has brought me in the last 12 months.

I am thankful that the valley mindset is far from me.

I am thankful that God is on this path with me... I wouldn't make it on my own.

I am thankful that such a simple comment could bring such reflection.

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