This blog is dedicated to Lori, who reminded me tonight in Bible study that I actually have one.  Ha ha!  It has been awhile, but I figure it can't hurt to get back on here.  Even if it takes awhile before I get on here again.  I've been busy, busy, busy!!  This has been a challenging season in my life, but it has really been a sweet one.  I have felt really grateful this year.  Through all of the minor afflictions I've gone through, you know....life, I have been more aware of all that I truly have.  There are so many people around me that have been dealt a much harder hand.  We are always going to have troubles, the real question is, what are we going to focus on?  Our troubles or our blessings?  Our personal shortcomings or our all powerful, yet friendly Father? 

I will be the first to say that I do not always walk this out.  Getting stressed out over the little things has been a major struggle of mine since I've become a mom.  I laugh and tell my kids that I was so laid back before they were born, but it's true.  When I had less to handle, I had a much easier time trusting God's grace to be sufficient in my life.  But it was a shallow trust. 

Really, I think every season in my life is a "challenging" season.  Yet, that in itself blesses me, because I know that it means I am perpetually growing.  The Lord is so good that He won't let me settle for less than He has created me to be, less than His image.  What a privilege.  Perspective is everything.  When I am in the thick of it I can't always, well to be honest, I can't usually see the bigger purpose for my circumstances.  Still, through all my failures, He's still faithful and He's working!! 

So I am eager and expectant that the Lord is bringing forth something that I couldn't buy with all the sun-shiny, zippity doo da days in the world.  True and deep trust.  For that, I am truly grateful.