Thankful thoughts

As I sit here in my den with Corban playing nearby my heart overflows with gratitude.  The rain is pattering against the windows as outside the thunder threatens an even heavier downpour.  Yet, here I am, snug and dry with a cup of tea by my side.

I am so thankful for so many things.  Living in Guatemala has taught me so much about what has true value (although I am still learning) and how many things we often take for granted.

My heart gives thanks for my house, it is warm and cozy, modern and new, my OWN home with plumbing, electricity, warm water showers, filtered, pure water, area rugs and comfortable furniture.  I love my house. 
Praying for thoses who live in shacks with dirth floors which have probably turned to muddy messes in this weather.

I am thankful for my son and the one on the way.  I thank God for HIS faithfulness, fulfilling HIS promise of health and long life in the lives of our children.  Praying for all the families who are hurting because of sickness and disease.  Praying for mothers of terminally ill children.

Thank you Jesus for such a wonderful husband.  I hear others talk of problems at home and in the marriage.  I have seen marriages that were struggling.  Guatemala is plagued with machoism and unfaithful men.  Thank you Lord for the man of God you brought into my life who lives each day to serve and bless me as his wife.  Thank you for a man with a strong work ethic and sense of integrity.  Thank you for a husband that I can trust completely and who goes above and beyond the "call of duty" to assure that his wife is cared for, nurtured, loved, and blessed.  He truly loves me as Christ loves the church.  My heart bursts with love and admiration for him.

I am thankful for my car.  Sounds silly.  However, a good portion (probably most) of my friends either don't have a vehicle at all or must share one family vehicle.  My car was a blessing from a wonderful church.  It has served me well, and by doing that, served the Lord well.  Together (with my car) we have travelled to villages, mountains, orphanages, jails, slums, and feeding centers taking the love of Christ in the form of teaching and provision.  My car hasn't failed me once.  Not one time.  Just like my God.   Praying for the safety of friends and aquaintances who travel on the public buses in Guatemala.

Although I may not be a fashion diva.  Although my clothes might be second hand (more than half of them) and none of them are this year's fashion... I am thankful for a closet full.  I see children every day who are barefoot, dirty, with torn and tattered clothes.  I am so grateful to the Lord for allowing me to have a closet full of nice things to wear.  And my children!!!!  The clothes we have been given for them.  What a blessing.  Truly the Lord is providing for us.

I could continue to write, but Corban is getting restless.  Anyway, I don't think this blog could contain all of the things in my life I am thankful for.  God has been good to me.  It certainly isn't because of who I am or what I have done.  He is good to me because HE IS GOOD.  

Help me Lord to always be thankful for what I have and not to complain about the things I wish I had.