Life's Little Blessings

I first started this blog when I was feeling a little down and struggling. There is so evil in the world and I was feeling discouraged. My husband suggested writing as a way to release some of that. The blog actually got it's title from the fact that I wanted to focus on some of the positives in my life - my kids, my hubby, my knitting and baking.

And it was good for a while. But lately I've been feeling unsettled again. Letting the doubts creep in.

Today I got a wake up call. My former Pastor's wife used to talk about the "I spy's" in life - the moments when God is speaking. Things that one might want to write off as coincidences even though they are more than that. My "I Spy" is about God's blessings. The author of a blog I read has issued a challenge (not sure if that's the right word but I can't think of anything better at the moment) for people to make note of the blessings in their lives. I thought about it but didn't do anything and ended up moving onto other things. Later when I was doing my Bible study the exact same theme came up! More than just a coincidence - I'm pretty sure I'm being reminded that there are a lot of blessings in my life.

So with that said, I am blessed in so many ways!
- I have a darling husband, who I just celebrated 10 years of marriage with. He keeps me focused and puts up with my mood swings.
- I have two wonderful little boys who amaze me with their curiosity.
- my parents and sisters live close by and I can see them all the time. So many people do not have that luxury.
- I have a roof over my head, food to eat.
- I have job. There are times when I feel like I'm just slogging through the day but in this economy, many would be grateful for even that.
That's just a start but it's a good reminder for me. Other people blogging about their blessings can be found by clicking here.
Also I've had a song stuck in my head today that I think is good for me to remember whenever I'm feeling down or alone.

Oh Protector of my soul You will stand against the foe
In the dark You'll be a light for me Oh Protector of my soul
You who created the ends of the earth Guided me unto Your throne
Offered Your healing hand to me Mercifully made me Your own

Oh gracious God above I could never earn Your love
I'm amazed to see all You've given me Oh gracious God above
You who created the ends of the earth Guided me unto Your throne
Offered Your healing hand to me Mercifully made me Your own

Oh Holy Spirit come Show the world where life comes from
May they always see You alive in me Oh Holy Spirit come

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday- the start of the Lenten season. Jars of Clay's Love Song for a Savior was on the radio this morning and it got me thinking. There's a lyric in there "seems to easy to call you Savior, not close enough to call you God". We are so lucky that we get to call Jesus our Savior and Lord. He's all powerful yet he cares and wants us to know him. In our culture of celebrity worship it seems like everyone wants to be famous or associate with them. Yet there's someone better for us to be worshipping-  the Savior who laid down his life for me, you and everyone. I hope to use this season to better absorb that powerful message and carry it with me the rest of my life. 

God, nature and symmetry

I went to a lecture today on how to effectively present data and information. So what does this have to do with the title of the post? Well the symmetry part is a little bit easier to understand. Good charts and graphs have some symetrical balance most of the time. So the professor pointed out that the journal Nature has many good graphical examples. Seems that the environmental world around us has many patterns and beautiful symmetry. It got me thinking about how amazing God is - it gave me goosebumps! He is able to design this world full of patterns and balance and it's no coincidence. I'm glad he was able to use something like a lecture to speak to me. It seems like whenever I get into a funk (and I've been kind of feeling that way lately), God will show me his awesomeness. Thank you God for showing me!