Some Thanksgiving

All I have to say is that things are looking up! In the last month, we have had so many blessings! Here are just a few:

• I got a new job on the mother/baby unit, which is a much happier place than the ER!  I miss the hustle and bustle of the ER, but I know God has brought me to this new unit for a reason.
• Jesse got a job! When they offered him the position, they actually offered more than was originally budgeted for the position – because they liked him so  much!
• My sister-in-law has watched the kids for a few weeks until the first paychecks arrive!  GOD BLESS HER!
• We found a wonderful lady, experienced with children who have autism, to watch the girls permanently and then Evan as needed. She even helped us fill our the Autism Waiver for medicaid!
• With both of us working, we quickly realized that we needed another car. Of course, we also quickly realized that we couldn’t afford one for at least a few months. A week later, my mother broke her arm (which is definitely NOT a blessing). However, it just so happened that we could use her car for about a month. Then, my brother offered to sell his nice, newer car to her inexpensively. This, in turn, allowed her to sell us her old vehicle at a price that we can afford. If we had bought a car at that price anywhere else it would be completely unreliable. However, we know this vehicles history – it has a brand new engine and clutch and is in great shape!
• Lastly, I received a call from the benefits department at St. Vincent, where I work. They will begin covering ABA therapy in 2012. This is a huge financial blessing for us! 

In January, a good friend of ours prayed for us after church. He told us that God was going to restore us. I remember being so encouraged and at the same time wondering what it would be like to feel ‘blessed’. I always new that I was blessed. I have an incredible family AND an incredible God. Yet, things have been so tough for so long…I had forgotten what blessing feels like.

It feels good! *Smile*

Yet, I would never trade the last several years in for anything, because now I enjoy the presence of God. I love Him so much and He has been with me every step of the way. I guess I know that even if things weren’t looking up – He and I would be in the same place – together.

And that is the greatest blessing of all.

Psalm 16 

1Keep me safe, O God,
      for I have come to you for refuge.

 ² I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
      Every good thing I have comes from you.”
 ³ The godly people in the land
      are my true heroes!
      I take pleasure in them!
 ⁴ Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods…

 ⁵ Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
      You guard all that is mine.
 ⁶ The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
      What a wonderful inheritance!

 ⁷ I will bless the Lord who guides me;
      even at night my heart instructs me.
 ⁸ I know the Lord is always with me.
      I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

 ⁹ No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
      My body rests in safety.
 ¹⁰ For you will not leave my soul…
 ¹¹ You will show me the way of life,
      granting me the joy of your presence
      and the pleasures of living with you forever.