November

So I haven't posted since May, and I have only posted twice this whole year. Wow! I have to admit- all of my attempts at being thankful this month have been overcome by crying kids, failed projects, sickness, and work. I have yet to learn to have a constant thankful heart in all circumstances despite the fact that I have had multiple Bible Studies on the subject. I suspect it is because I have a false view of life and God, and I think everything should go my way at all times... sounds like a good News Years resolution to me. Our Thankful Tree we created had four leaves on it all created by Hannah. She was very dear and was thankful for God, her Bible, Charis and food. She could teach me a few things! Hopefully the project will be more successful next year. On a brighter note, we cleared the entire backyard and bought a playset off craigslist. This will hopefully lead to many happy times this coming year. I would like to end the month by truly being thankful for a few things.

1) Our church- I have said this multiple times, but I am so thankful for our church. I can't imagine what condition my soul would be in if we did not go to church every week. I don't go out of obligation, but I go because I LOVE church. I always have. I need to be reminded of how amazing God is and of His eternal truth on a regular basis. I love my church family and they are all so dear to me. I can't wait to go to the "Behold the Lamb" concert that will be held there later in the week.

2) My family- I am so thankful for Brian, Hannah, Charis, my mom, dad and brother, all of Brian's family, etc. I am thankful my parents moved here this year and we will have lots of special moments together in the future. Brian is so gifted and so many ways and such a wonderful father. My girls are so special to me. I can't imagine better in-laws! Cheers to a great family!

3) Durham- sounds weird, but I love Durham. I love living here. I love our neighborhood and home. I love the fall and spring. I love my gym, Hannah's pre-school, the people here, the restaurants, etc.

4) Brian's job- Brian has traveled a lot this year which has certainly been hard. But, I am thankful he does have a great job that he likes and he is able to provide for our family through it. He gets to be creative and meet people from all over the world. This year we both traveled to London twice and he went to Germany and Poland and many other places in the US. I am very proud that he has done an excellent job at work this year.

Let the Christmas season begin!