Thankful in sickness…

It is Thanksgiving week! Where has this year gone? 🙂 I wanted to pop on here quickly and wish each of you, my dear friends, a happy thanksgiving!!

We are sick in our household…and it’s been several weeks now. I’m finding myself at the end of my rope and not feeling my best either. We’ve gone through a stomach bug and then what I think is the flu with the 3 children. We’ve had lots of tears, gatorade, whining, tv watching and crackers around here.

In the midst of this sickness, I have been asking myself if I can truly be thankful and content in the disappointment of “missing” a holiday…and I’ve found God faithful. As always.

I’m so thankful that it’s only the flu…
for warm blankets
for clean water, in my home
for gatorade
for tylenol and ibuprofen and the ability to run out and get them when we run out
for clorox wipes
for a nana to bring us pizza and a good book to read
comfortable beds to crawl in
encouraging words to read on favorite blogs
favorite old tv shows we found on netflix…and have watched over and over again. 🙂 
hot tea at night 
a back porch to read on
birds chirping at the feeder
a husband who works so hard for us, day in and day out

Friends, how can I not be thankful when I look around me and see how God blesses…even in sickness.

On top of all those blessings, I received this book in the mail today!!
One Thousand Gifts Devotional: Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces (One Thousand Gifts Journal)
Ya’ll, the neat thing about this book is that I pre-ordered it when Ann Voskamp first mentioned it on her blog. It was weeks ago. Then, THIS MORNING I got an email saying it had shipped. UPS delivered it THIS AFTERNOON. God knew I needed this gift today. He is so good.

I’m also reading this new book by Angie Smith, Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole. I have always loved her writing…but this book is different. I’m only in the beginning and will give a full “review” or report later…but for now, it’s amazing. It’s not a book you read straight through for pleasure or learning. She suggests reading 1 small “chapter” or devotional type portion each day. So, I have been taking her advice. This book has been speaking to the deep, dark places in my heart that don’t often get spoken to. The book is all about God using each of us, in our brokenness, and loving us still. It’s hugely encouraging…

Finally, in wishing you a happy thanksgiving, in realizing God’s timing is perfect, in learning how to be content in all things – with a seemingly discontent heart most of the time – I want to share this link with you. I would never, ever share this with the intent of making anyone feel that you are wrong for shopping on Black Friday. But her words gave me much pause for consideration, especially in my quest for contentment. I think she has some very valid points!

I won’t be shopping on Friday for a myriad of reasons. I have shopped in the past, but honestly, there is nothing I need. And we don’t have the money to spend anyway! Not to mention David will be working and it’s definitely not fun to black friday shop with kids in tow. 🙂

I, for one, want to pause and count my blessings this week, especially, but everyday. You are one of those blessings, friends!! Happy Thanksgiving!!