I used to keep a journal in which I wrote down my "thanks" for today and my "hopes" for tomorrow. It was a way of constantly reminding myself that no matter how bad a day felt, there was always something (actually, many things) to thank God for. Since I have been in a blogging rut and feel a need to focus more on God and the ways He has truly blessed my family, I am going to start using this blog as a "Blessings and Hopes" journal. I hope it will be something I can stick to, as well as something that might inspire others to remember the way God has abundantly blessed them as well. There is no possible way I can write down all of the blessings God has sent my way, but I will mention a few for each day. If you aren't mentioned or something seems to be missing, it might be because I have already thanked God for it today (or because my mind can only remember so much, even though my heart can hold so much more).
Blessings:
-Relief from back pain
-Rest
-Time with Josh
-Hugs and kisses from Patton
-Lunch with one of my church kids
-Wendy's Frosty (one of my comfort foods and reminder of my childhood...shared with Josh)
-Family
Hopes for Tomorrow:
-More pain relief
-Time with Josh working on home projects
-More rest to help my back
-That Patton will enjoy his visit with the Lewis family
-Safe travels as Patton comes home after visiting family
-Family dinner time
-Snuggling with my little cuddle bug, and my big cuddle bug too!
Dear God, You have truly blessed us more than we could ever deserve. I thank You for the amazing family You have given me. I know that it was by Your Hand that Josh and I met, and that it was by Your Guidance that our relationship blossomed, and it was by Your Grace that we were given such a remarkable gift known as Patton. I thank You for the ways You have blessed us this week: for a successful procedure on my back, for pain relief, for family time, for rest, for time with friends, for time with our church family, for the safe travels, for our jobs, for our income and the material possessions and food that it affords, for the love You shower upon us every second of everyday, for our supportive and loving extended family, and for the countless blessings we are unaware of. You have given us so much, and we are forever grateful for Your Care and Mercy. Most importantly, God, we thank You for Your Son, who is our Salvation, our Way, our Truth, and our Life. By His wounds we are healed and made whole in You. Amen.
