A full heart

Today I am thankful for so many things, and since I haven't done the thanksgiving Facebook posts everyday, thought I'd share a few things I'm thankful for as we travel to visit Granny and PawPaw in Louisiana.

#1) The joy of little ones
This past weekend we were blessed to visit my sister Bethany, brother-in-law Tim, and the cutest nephew in the world, Elijah. Saturday was Elijah's first birthday, so we were so excited to be able to share that special day with them as we don't get to make the long drive south very often. Nathan and Elijah had a ton of fun playing together, and Zoe spent most of her time giggling or sleeping, so we had many moments of joy.

#2) Peace in storms
My heart is also full from some heavy moments we shared together this weekend. As I've written before, Bethany and Tim are expecting their second baby in May but have been given a diagnosis which will send their little one directly into Jesus' arms without a divine intervention of healing. Yesterday I was able to go with Bethany to see an ultrasound. It was surreal thinking this may be the only chance I get to see my niece/nephew in action, but my heart has also been filled with peace knowing that this precious little one will enjoy her/his mommy's love and protection until the Lord so tenderly calls her/him into His presence. What a great promise we have in Christ! This life is such a short time in light of eternity--and the hope we have waiting if we give our lives to the Lord is so great!

#3) The joy of the Lord!
Yesterday I was also able to worship with my sister and family at her church. My heart was filled to overflowing hearing my sister beside me and watching my brother-in-law in the choir singing their hearts out to the Lord. These two are displaying the joy and peace of the Lord in the midst of trial in such a beautiful way. Only in the Lord can we find such great strength, peace, and hope! He gives great joy in the midst of suffering.

#4) The Lord's provision
Three times in the past week our battery has died in our new-to-us van. Today I'm thankful it died while we were at Bethany's and not in the middle of Mississippi or Alabama somewhere. I'm also thankful for the great guys at AutoZone who replaced it for us quickly.

#5) In-vehicle DVD players
Yep, not spiritual at all, but oh so wonderful as we're driving, driving, driving, and DRIVING! The kids have loved watching and listening to the Wiggles, Toy Story, and Jay Jay the Jet Plane (and I have enjoyed a few mostly-quiet moments!)

Today I'm finding joy in the midst of circumstances. Praise Him today for His goodness!