So overwhelmed…

So many times in my life I have been overwhelmed in the sense that I have been stressed out, struggling with depression, just overwhelmed with life. But, this week and this weekend especially I have just been overwhelmed by God’s goodness to me. He is good all the time, yes, but sometimes I just sense His presence in my life so much more than other times. Just like the seasons change, my walk with Him ebbs and flows. Sometimes I sense Him so near, sometimes I feel lost in the darkness. And that is not because He has left me…it is because God chooses to allow me time in the wilderness from time to time. He is stretching my faith. He is growing me. But, He is oh, so near. Always.

But this week, oh it’s been good. And, God knows how I needed this encouragement. He gives me hope by helping me see that it’s not all bad. 🙂
For these many gifts, I give thanks.

friends from out of town visiting

an afternoon at the hotel pool ~ fun for the kids, great conversation for the moms!

sharing our favorite El Sazon mexican food with friends

beautiful flowers that my kids brought home from my mil’s yard!

an awesome field trip to the pumpkin patch

another great day of field trip fun at the Davy Crockett tavern with out-of-town friends 🙂

fall colors

a fun dog that has added lts of joy to our family!
a gorgeous drive and hike in the mountains with my family

David taking a day off to spend with us

getting closer and closer to finishing our “new” hall closet where we will now house our washer/dryer!! (pictures to come soon!!)

a church where missions is a priority

a day for our church to serve the community

hearing from local (and not- so-local) missionaries about how God is working

goodnight hugs

encouragement that I’m doing something right (even if it’s a very small thing. ha!)

notes of encouragement in the mail or in my inbox

the joy and flexibility of homeschooling, allowing us 2 weeks of field trips and fun – but no bookwork!! I love homeschooling! 🙂

Singing this song in church yesterday. Listen to it and be reminded and encouraged once again that our God is STRONGER than the power of sin in our lives, He is STRONGER than any circumstance that you may be battling today, He is STRONGER than the powers seeking to do evil in our world, He is STRONGER than our weaknesses, shortcomings and failings. HE IS STRONGER. Amen!!

Gifts #1094 ~ 1112