Counting Blessings
Often times we tend to let the blessings in life go by unnoticed. This is not an intentional thing. We are often so busy with life that the little blessings in life simply pass by unnoticed. While having extra time this week to rest and having nothing to do but sit and enjoy my newest child, I have been able to spend time reflecting. There are so many ways in which the Lord has blessed me that if I had not taken the time to contemplate upon them would have gone unrecognized.
God really does care about the little things not only the big. He really does care and grant us the desires of our hearts if they are in accordance with His will and plan for our lives. When we realize the greatness of His blessings extended toward us and His personal care for us and our desires we should well up with praise! I have had one such week. It is not only that I have a new child to be thankful for, of course I am thankful for that but I have realized how active God has been in our lives this past week, not only in the blessing of another child.
Just this past week God has been abundantly gracious…….
- Yes, we were blessed with the arrival of our 9th child.
- She was born on a day (Nov. 13) that we prayed for: we have a child born on my father-in-law’s birthday and the 13th is my mother-in-law’s birthday.
- I was concerned about my children missing piano practice if I were to go into labor on a Thursday (which I did): God allowed me to go into labor on the way home from piano, WHAT TIMING!
- I went into labor on my own and not induced….but still early!
- This was the least traumatic labor and delivery I have ever had.
- The “digging for and not finding a vein for my IV” ordeal was much less painful than in the past.
- Miriam was not bruised when born like several of the last few children were.
- She is a great nurser and is already gaining weight.
- She is a very content baby.
- Her older sister (2 year old) is not one bit jealous of her but constantly tells us “I love my baby sister.”
- My neighbor arranged meals for our family.
- Another friend provided a meal for us as well.
- My hubby was able to take a few days off of work so I could rest.
- One of my teenage daughters mentioned how much they have had to help out around the house over the weekend and she sees a glimpse of what I do every day and that it is a lot.
- My oldest child just bought his first car with cash!
- He is beginning to understand the value of a dollar a little better seeing what other expenses are involved in owning a car.
- My oldest also started his new job.
- My oldest is also registered for his first college classes.
- We have most of our boxes unpacked (maybe a dozen left) and decor is up on the walls.
- The empty boxes have been picked up and we have space in our garage now!
I am sure there are many many more blessings that I have not even listed. I want to give thanks to the Lord for his abundant blessings in my life each and every day. Even the ones that seem to be insignificant or go unnoticed, I praise God for his love, grace, and kindness in my life!
How has the Lord blessed you this past week???
Posted in children, Christianity, Encouragement, Give Thanks, Praise, pregnancy, Quiverfull, worship
November 20th, 2008 at 1:48 am
Awesome blessings! Thanks for sharing!
November 20th, 2008 at 3:02 am
I am so thrilled to hear how things are going over there in Alaska. My heart has been praying for this sort of blessing on you. Your baby sounds beautiful… and what a wonderful support from the neighbors who are only getting to know you.
Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week.
Valerie
November 20th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I’ve been wanting to tell you congratulations! I am so excited for your little blessing.
Your blessing list is absolutely awesome. It is so good to read it and know that God is so good and faithful.
November 21st, 2008 at 12:32 am
Congratulations!!! I am blessed to have found a few faithful friends. God led and my path crossed with another that I had not known before. I am thankful for finding faithful Christians. ;O)
November 21st, 2008 at 3:40 am
So glad to hear about blessing #9. God is good. Oh I wish I had a little newborn to snuggle. Need a sitter?
#9 will probably not hit the ground until she is 3. Lots of snugglers lined up waiting for a cry (excuse) to pick her up.
Congratulations!
November 21st, 2008 at 4:05 am
yep, lots of snugglers, I am already having to remind people that she is my baby and not theirs, at least since I am nursing I can have my time with that no one else can fill!
November 21st, 2008 at 8:50 am
Oh, I haven’t checked for awhile… congratulations on Miriam!
Praise God for a good delivery and all the help you have :0)
Julie
November 21st, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Julie- thanks for checking up on us! We are both doing wonderfully!
November 21st, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I just wanted to say congratulations on your newest blessing! Yes, you do have so much to be thankful for…we all do. The Lord is so good!!! You dear sweet baby is adorable!!
Blessings,
Vania
November 25th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
There’s a lot to be thankful for there– for me, it’s a new job, someone to carpool with, money from my old employer, health, and family.
And many more– this space could not hold how much God has done for me!
December 1st, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Well, I’m a bit late,but the Lord has blessed us so much,even though we may not see it,he blesses us to no end.
He truly blesses me everyday especially through my children.
On Thanksgiving day,we did it a tad bit different than other years. This year we made table cards and on the cards, each child all 6 had to write down what they were thankful for. My 4yrs blurts out and says when asked what she was thankful for, “Jesus”. I’m so amazed and how much love she has for Jesus.
Another thing is, my DH has not had Sundays off,for the past 2yrs,I’ve been carting the kids to church,which has really taken a toll on me,well this last week they let him off for the weekends for at least 2wks.I’m so thankful he is able to spend Sundays with us.