A Season of Thankfulness

Yes, it is the week of Thanksgiving.

Yes, everything around me is pointing towards HOW TO BE THANKFUL. 

Yes, this past week's sermon was on contentment, satisfaction, and thankfulness. 

Yes, my devotional, Jesus Calling, has redundantly been about an attitude of gratitude. 

But it extends beyond this one week out of the year, just like Christmas and the story of Christ's birth extends beyond December 25th (Shocking! I know!). 

But I appreciate this week serving as a reminder and a kick-start to becoming more thankful. 

It isn't easy. 

How can I be thankful for what is going on in my life right now? 

Let me redirect you to my recent post, The Blessings Abound. There is A LOT to be thankful for. 

This is a tough season for my family and me, but it has united us, strengthened the bonds we have with each other, and created a renewed love and passion for life! Right now, as I am being constantly reminded to BE THANKFUL, I can't help but be grateful. I force a smile on my face because eventually it turns into something genuine and authentic. Take a moment every hour of every day to "shout out" something you are thankful for. And take this habit beyond Thursday, into Black Friday (err....that might be hard), and there on! I am not a woman of great strength. In fact, I am a woman of great weakness. But the one thing that remains constant is my relationship with the one who crafted me. That in itself is something to be thankful for.

So, go home.

Hug your husband/wife.

Text your Mom.

Email your Dad.

FaceTime with your sister/brother/dog.

Let them know you are thinking about them and are grateful for their friendship.

And then Skype with Jesus ;-)

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!  Now that's funny!

It's always fun to link POSTS FROM THE PAST!

So here is one for ya --> Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Always a Mom

Momma & Me <3

Love you, Mom!

Susie K Smith

The Blessings Abound

Despite hard times....the blessings continue to rain down on us. They don't stop. They are endless. It surely pays off to stop and count them every so often or else they get backed up and spill over in a volcanic fashion. Sometimes life gets foggy and I feel as if right now it is hard to see beyond the thickness, but I am constantly reminded to remain still. To be patient. And to be quiet and listen. And when I listen, I hear. And being able to hear is one of the sweetest gifts there is.

If you are sitting there with your head cocked to the side, confused, wondering "what are all these blessings she speaks of?" Good question.

Craig found part-time work on top of his full-time job!

An anonymous third party offered to pay off Craig's Moody bill.

The same anonymous third party offered to buy us a whole new set of tires for the Lexus!

Gas was paid for so that we could make it home for Granddad's funeral.

The food bank is so good to us!

Got the most precious gift from my Grandnan that paid off our credit card & Craig's computer!

Receive free health & support services since I am an EWU student.

My professors have been ever so lenient with me and my school work so that I can travel home to see my Mom often.

Someone helped us out with much needed car repairs.

Someone gave us a generous gift that will provide for at least 6 months worth of food.

We have a little house to call ours.

We have Luna.

But most importantly,

We have each other.

We are ever so grateful for the friends and family God has placed in our lives for such a time as this. Our jaws are continually on the floor over all He has provided just since we got back to Spokane from camp. It's incredible to see the blessings that flow from giving up everything for the summer and following His calling to minister to campers and staff. Another testimony for the books.

The many blessings have just allowed us to focus on what needs our attention right now, which is spending time in Federal Way with my Mom as much as possible, school work, and work. I was able to spend my birthday over there, opening my gifts while snuggled up in bed with her. What a special time that was! And it's always hard to come back, but now that I'm back I don't ever want to leave again because...WE LOVE SPOKANE!!!

Come and visit soon!!!!

Never Alone

Sometimes marriage is hard. It's challenging. It's arduous. It can be trying. But one thing remains...Craig and I are never alone. We always have each other. We are learning to understand one another and listen with both ears. But Craig and I are never alone. We always have each other.

I am reminded of this beautiful marriage, which God designed and blessed. He knew the road we are on. He knows what lay ahead. And He meant for us to walk it together.

Sometimes marriage is hard. Sometimes I take it for granted. But one thing remains...Craig and I are never along. We always have each other.

"Never Alone"

Jesse Bonanno

When your hope has been broken

And the fear is unspoken but true

You're never alone

Like a dream in a child

Or a childish dream in you

I'll do anything that I can do

To show you my love and comfort you

When you can't seem to find your way home

And when life gets too hard

To face on your own

I will stand as a light through your darkest unknown

I will walk with you

So you're never alone

You're never alone

Like a tear in the ocean

Or a star on a clear winter night

You're never alone

When the courage you needed

Has been all but defeated in you

I'll do anything that I can do

To show you my love and comfort you