Count Your Blessings....

Name them one by one. I could not sleep last night. So I started praying and thinking and praying some more. I learned early on in motherhood to try to saver the rocking and walking and night time comforting that goes into gassy, teething, or sick babies. I started a habit of quiet prayer during these times. Prayer can quickly turn a resentful spirit into a thankful spirit.

I cannot blame my sleepless night on Rose, it was just one of those nights. Thinking of the New Year left me reflecting on this past year. There were many challenges and many blessings. I started the New Year with a baby. It doesn't get any better than that! Soon to follow was a new nephew! Thank God for children!

I began to think about how my kids have grown this past year. Of course physically they grew more than I care to count! But they have matured and the four oldest have become such a blessing. There is a point with kids that all the nurturing and pouring in of time and energy and training is rewarded. They know how to do pretty much everything I can do around the house. They know how to take care of one another. We may very well fall short when it comes to text books, but these kids love the Lord, have a genuine desire to grow in the Word, and they know how to take care of each other. I am so very proud of them.

I won't spell out all of the challenges this year has brought my way, but I do want to give God praise for bringing me through every one of them. One thing I praise Him for is protection. I see it everyday. He protected Wendy from serious injury when she took a big fall a couple of months ago. He has provided great healing for her little mouth. She prayed that God would bring her teeth down, and praise God her prayer was answered!

I am also so thankful as we prepare to celebrate Rose's first birthday that I was able to successfully nurse her without supplementing. I had some unique challenges that I have not had to deal with ever before. I know God allowed this and I am so thankful that our prayers were answered and He continues to supply all of our needs.

But even the very hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

Happy New Year

Count your blessings......