I try to start each morning by reading my devotional, doing my daily Bible reading, writing in my prayer journal and REALLY praying hard, and reading a few pages or a chapter of a spiritually uplifting book (this book changes depending on my needs at the moment-currently The Circle Maker). I will go ahead and admit that there are mornings (at least one) almost every week that I either a) ignore my alarm clock or b)sleep right through my alarm clock and my quiet time gets skipped. It's always amazing to me though that the scripture and devotional is always something that is applicable to my life at that very moment. The mornings that I miss my quiet time usually go much less smooth and I just don't have as joyful of a heart on those days. Yesterday I was really missing Evan more than typical. I just had him on my mind and thought more frequently throughout the day that I wished he was here and that things were different. I was also a little frustrated that it was pouring rain on Brent's only day off this week. (He's picking peanuts every night well into the evening and I've been alone with my thoughts-and Duke and Daisy A LOT) In addition to that I feel overwhelmed with all the work at school and sometimes frustrated with school. Not with my kids-just other things that I'm not going to go into. If you're a teacher you GET what I'm saying. I just was feeling a little funky and not as thankful as I should.
Well, this morning God had plans to get my mind out of that way of thinking. My devotional was from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. (If you haven't read this you need to get a copy ASAP!)
Here's my devotional from this morning:
The scripture from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is one of the verses I had written on a sticky note and stuck to a door frame or a light switch or something while I was pregnant with Evan. It reminded me today to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for your life in Christ Jesus." As I reflected on that throughout the day I thought of a TON of things that I am thankful for. I decided I would list them:
I'm thankful for.....
1. My wonderful husband who sticks by my side and backs me up. We've worked so hard to become the couple we are today. Over the past year our relationship has grown by leaps and bounds. Unfortunately it was through a very devastating lost but at the end of the day I am so very thankful for this. My mom once shared with my something that her friend shared with her- One day your children will grow up and leave your house. Always put your relationship with your husband first (after your relationship with God of course). Throughout our journey with Evan that was sometimes SOOO very hard. But we always talked about everything that was going on. There were hiccups of course but we
are now much stronger than we were last October and MUCH better prepared to be parents!
2. The beautiful weather. It was so nice out today. I am really looking forward to opening the windows in the house and feeling that fall breeze. After the rain all day yesterday I couldn't be more thrilled!
3. My job and the students I GET to teach. I am so thankful that I have a good job in this economy. AND that it is something that I love to do.
4. Everything that has brought me to where I am today. God's plan is so much bigger than I can even fathom. I KNOW that He has great plans for my life. I'm more equipped today to deal with those things than I ever was before-no matter whether they're good or bad. I know I still have a lot of learning and growing to do but I'm very thankful that I've grown as I have. Most importantly I've learned how to truly exercise my faith in God!
5. The overwhelming supportive friends and family that I'm surrounded by. I cannot express enough thanks to all the people in our lives that have been so supportive. Especially those that still check up on us and say "Hey..I know _________ must have been tough for you...are you doing ok??" Those texts, cards, FB messages, and calls mean more than anyone could every know!
6. Awesome medical teams! My medical team here in Pensacola was and is AMAZING!! God truly placed me in the best hands possible. I never knew how compassionate doctors really could be until I met the doctors that cared for me throughout my pregnancy and that continue to care for me! The doctors and nurses at Children's of Alabama are also phenomenal. I am so glad that Evan was transferred there. The love for our baby was so obvious. I am so thankful that God placed those special people in our lives.
7. That God gave his only son for ME-and you :) ! There are not enough words that can express how thankful I am for this!
I could go on and on and on. Blessings are everywhere and I am so unworthy!
I hope everyone takes a moment to be thankful for all that is in their life. I know typically we reflect on what we are thankful for in November and around Thanksgiving but shouldn't we be thankful and give thanks EVERY SINGLE DAY?!?
Evan's headstone should be set one day this week. They still haven't called to confirm the exact date and time. This is going to be a difficult event for me and Brent so please take a moment to have a special little prayer that God will give us strength. I remind myself and others all the time that Evan's in heaven...but the headstone is just one of those events that hits home and reminds us how much we miss our sweet baby.
Have a blessed week!
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
