Grateful

I started writing this blog today with the stresses that I am carrying: finances, house being too small, health of babies, etc...but in times like these, when the weight of the world rests on our shoulders, I think it is safe to say God wants us to lean on Him and reminds us of all we have to be grateful for. Here are just a few things that we are thankful for:

Marriage - By far the number one thing we are grateful for, aside from our relationship with Christ, is our marriage. We are so blessed to have found each other and to be such great friends and partners. We are blessed to know that we can count on one another no matter what the situation may be. We have great communication and truly enjoy being together, even after nearly six years of marriage.

Pregnancy / Children - The month that our babies are due will mark three years of trying to start a family. Could God have planned it any better? We are so thankful for this pregnancy, for the two babies in my belly, for the chance to raise them and teach them all there is to know, the opportunity to be parents, and the chance to expand our family.

Family - We have family here in Springfield that is eager to help anyway possible. They love on us unconditionally and support us with any decisions we make. We are so blessed to be close to them physically and emotionally and we are grateful for the opportunity to eat with them every Sunday and are happy to know our children will be close to them as well. And our other family that is stretched out across the states is so encouraging and loving. We are blessed to talk to them on a daily basis, and to have the connection and attachment to them that we have. They are loving and supportive and always eager to get together, whenever possible.

Friends - We are so blessed with a tight group of friends that support and love on us through everything. They are Christian men and women that hold us up in prayer and hold us accountable to our actions. They are a support group that we can turn to whenever needed.

A house - I have been overwhelmed with the idea that our house is too small, but God blessed us with the perfect starter home. Three bedroom, two full baths, a spacious kitchen and family room. House is in great condition, no leaks or problems.

Furniture - while I have been overwhelmed with the amount of furniture in the house, I am grateful that we have furnishings for every room, and we are able to have a guest bed for people to visit and stay with us.

Cars - We have two cars that are running and do the job. They get us from point a to point b, and in 2005 we were blessed with the opportunity to get a Honda Accord which is big enough to haul around two babies. It isn't as large as a van or SUV and may be difficult to carry a stroller in it, but is in perfect condition and we don't have any car payments.

Jobs - I have been stressing because I no longer am working and worry about finances, especially with our current economy. But we are so blessed that Kyle is employed and at a job he loves, with co-workers he respects, and with an organization that allows his work to be a ministry. We are blessed with the finances that it does bring home, and the opportunity we have to still be able to save and put money into retirement.

The list could go on forever, but I do want to make sure to give God the glory for everything He has blessed us with, no matter how big or small. My prayer today is that I will remember to focus on the positive and the blessings, rather than the stresses of the world.