Reflections

As I was looking at blogs this morning I noticed that I am on my 100th post. That is pretty crazy to think about. It seems to be appropriate to reflect on all that has happened this past year. Yes, 2011 is coming to a close and there is a part of me that is ready for this year to be over and to be moving on. It has been a rather difficult year. I have to say that I am so very thankful for the blessing of Jack. God gave us the most precious gift this year and through all the difficult circumstances we have faced over that past 8 months, Jack has brought all the moments of joy, love, excitement and blessing. God knew that we needed Jack at such a time as this. I often wonder how much more difficult this year would have been if we did not have Jack. He provided so many moments of distraction from the anxieties and fears. I am so very thankful for this little boy. He has filled my heart with so much love. It is truly amazing. I can't believe how fast it has gone. We are rapidly approaching his first birthday and that seems unbelievable.
Though this year has been very difficult I can truly say that God has shown up over and over again, proving that He is our savior that has promised to provide our every need. He has been our strength emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally. When things seemed too difficult to bare, we had someone we could turn to, who provided encouragement thourgh His word. I have learned to claim the promises that God has given to us, and accept His grace. I have learned that Grace is given reguardless of what I have done to earn it. If I could earn grace, it would no longer be grace. I have learned to be content in all circumstances. There is so much more beyond this life and all the material possessions we could have on this earth matter very little. I hold onto the hope that I find in the promise of life beyond this world. I do love the life God has given me, the people he has blessed me with, my church family who is generous beyond imagination, my family who will never let us go hungry, and my husband who loves me unconditionally.
Most of our struggle this past year has been financial. As statistics state, finances are one of the leading causes of marital problems. And yes, financial struggle does put a strain on a marriage. However, though times have been difficult, and tension has arisen, our marriage has been strengthened. I love Charlie more today than the day we met, or even the day we married. God knows what we can handle and will never give us more than that. He has allowed us to face difficult times and through it all He has strengthened us, and drawn us closer to Him and closer to each other.
I am ready for this year to end, but I have to step out of 2011 with a thankful heart, realizing that if it had not been for this year I would not be the person I am today. I would not have learned contentment, grace, and holding onto God's promises. Our marriage would not be as strong as it is. For all of this I am thankful. Praise the Lord. He is worthy to be praised.