Finding Contentment

Thankful for bad circumstances

This is the last Thankful Thursday of 2007. So what do I have to be thankful for during the past year? It was a roller coaster year - the likes of which I never want to see again.

My husband lost his job; his company didn't want to pay him unemployment and the case went to court; our best friends moved away; my SIL got sick and I had to become the mom of not just three, but five, for a while; I faced the one year anniversary of my mother's death; I faced my first year of homeschooling my children... really, the list could on and on.

What, in all that, do I have to be thankful for?  Plenty.

·         My husband lost his job - now he has a job that allows him to be home with his family every night for dinner and every weekend. He is working 50 hours a week instead of 70-80.

·         His unemployment case went to court - the judge pretty much laughed at his company for even trying not pay him unemployment and we won the case.

·         My SIL got sick and I had to raise five children for a few weeks - I was able to spend quality time and become very close to my nieces, and God allowed my SIL not just to live through what doctors thought she might not, but to return to normal health.

·         I faced the one-year anniversary of my mother's death - and God is slowly but surely giving me peace and understanding that she is happier with Him than she was here on earth.

·         I faced my first year of homeschooling my children - and although the road is rough, I love it. And I can definitely tell my children are better for it.

Every "bad" thing that happened to my family this year has turned into a good thing, a thing to be thankful for. It's a well -used saying, but God really does work in mysterious ways.      

And I have yet another thing to be thankful for. My family has seen more spiritual growth this year than any other I can remember. We have learned to rely on God.

"For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth."

Psalm 71:5 (NIV)

Wow!

01:14 PM, Thursday, December 27, 2007 .. Posted by 1ladybeale

Wow! Your post proves that God is good in ALL circumstances! When one looks at life through the eyes and heart of God...good is always the end result. I am encouraged by your comments. I pray that God blesses your new year with all His riches.
Sincerely,
Sharon

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01:29 PM, Thursday, December 27, 2007 .. Posted by blessedmomof10

What a great post and one we all need to hear...... reminds me of the passage in 1 Peter:

" Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4: 12 & 13

Thank you for sharing a witness to us that God can do great things with the trials we are given in this life!

Blessings~
gloria

Edited by blessedmomof10 on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 12:29 PM

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01:32 PM, Thursday, December 27, 2007 .. Posted by blessedmomof10

ps. I love the music on your blog? Who is the recording artist?
Blessings~
gloria

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01:57 PM, Thursday, December 27, 2007 .. Posted by Nise'

What a testimony to God's faithfulness no matter what the circumstances. Thank you for sharing.

Beautiful

04:59 PM, Thursday, December 27, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

What a wonderful blessing to see how God works things out for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Blessings on a new year growing in Him. I hope your crown in heaven is filled with an extra jewel for caring for your sisters children during that difficult time!

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05:01 PM, Thursday, December 27, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

oops I always forget on these blogs to let you know who just commented.
ellen b
http://happywonderer.wordpress.com/2007/12/26/thankful-thursday-4/

This was great!

07:18 PM, Thursday, December 27, 2007 .. Posted by Susan

Hi,

This was a great list, and I like the way you did it. Yes, true contentment can only be found when we have a grateful heart.

Sorry about your mom. I lost my mom at a young age too. I still miss her...

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02:53 AM, Friday, December 28, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

Yes, He does work in very mysterious ways. His ways are not our ways. How precious to read a list from a truely thankful heart. Thanks so much for sharing and I pray that the Lord bless you abundantly in the year to come.
Stacy
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ByGodsGrace/

Fantastic Post

04:29 PM, Friday, December 28, 2007 .. Posted by Lynn

This was such a wonderful post. You really understand our Great Lod and how He does make bad into good so many times. God bless you.

I pray God showers you with many miracles in 2008. Love and hugs, Lynn