I almost feel apologetic for the pensive nature of my last few posts; I say almost, because the reality is that life is not always easy, and sometimes the most powerful thing we can do for each other is to say “I identify with you.”

Still, last night as I was drifting off to sleep, I thought about some of the blessings that I am enjoying. Yes, life is unusually intense for me both with the level of external commitments I have and with the internal processing I’m doing. Yet God is good, and I see evidence of His hand in my daily life. In this post I am going to list a few of my blessings.

-I’m thoroughly enjoying my Bible reading right now. Most mornings I get up early to read my Bible before the household wakes up. I sneak out to the couch and snuggle under a thick, cozy blanket and read in the stillness. Sometimes I read just for the fun of it, other times I try to learn about something that I want to know. Currently, I’m studying the Bible with two different questions at the forefront of my mind:  What is a Christian perspective of rights and responsibilities? And, what kind of person was the Apostle Paul? I know that those questions probably sound very boring to you, but if I gave you all my personal reasons for studying them, you might be interested after all. 😉

-I started a prn RN job at the local hospital. Medicine Lodge has a lovely little hospital and clinic half a mile from our house–close enough to walk to work! The facilities were recently remodeled/added onto, so it’s a beautiful place. I know many of the people working there, and I will soon know many more! I don’t intend to neglect my dear family in the process, as my family comes first in my heart (after Jesus), but working a little now and then is very therapeutic for beating back some of the isolation and depression I’ve been feeling.

-One of my children who has mental health issues is doing much, much better. The last six months were a very hard pull, and suddenly it looks like there might be hope on the horizon. In addition to that improvement, the children are closing in fast on the school year! I think we will be finished with school in the next month. Once school is done, I want to work on memorizing passages of Scripture with the kids, and I’m excited about the prospect!

-Our family is doing a running project. Will marked out an 1/8 mile track around the perimeter of our property, and we are collectively running 151 miles–the distance from here to the Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina. Even though this is a cooperative project, the competition is strong! Ha! It’s been great fun so far, and a good way to get exercise and fresh air in the winter. The last I checked we were over a fifth of our way to the goal. Even the littlest children can help, and they are so proud to be able to put their tally marks on the chart hanging on our fridge.

-Thursday evenings we walk to the neighbors for small group. I love small groups, and this one is no exception! Our Thursday night group is a noisy bunch with lots of children. We get together and eat and talk until we realize oh! We’d better get started with our Bible study! That is definitely a highlight of my week.

Now that I’ve started, it’s hard to stop naming my blessings!

What good things have you received from God lately? Will you strengthen your faith by giving Him glory?

No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God.

Romans 4:20 (ESV) emphasis mine