What I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving:
* My children, all healthy, happy & thriving.
* My husband, uncritical & family-oriented.
* Parents, mine and his, who have helped us through our tough year.
* A warm, cozy home, filled with love.
* A very deep bathtub, in which I love to soak & read!
* My van, which keeps on going like the Energizer Bunny.
* Mike's balloon friend, which reminded him that the Lord is RIGHT there & he's mindful of Mike, ready to guide him.
* My Heavenly Father, whom I know is watching over me and guiding us as we try to discern our path at a fundamental crossroads in our life.* Tender Mercies from the Lord, reminding me I'm not alone and that there truly IS a pattern to our tribulations right now.
* A recognition that trials will stretch me, will cause my marriage to be stretched, to be tried and to flourish.
* My husband, possessed of an unyielding work ethic and dogged determination to provide for his family.
I think my testimony of the gospel and my relationship with the Lord has grown proportionately more in a short period of time (the last 4 months) than at any other time in my life since 1) a special experience given during college, or 2) experiences during high school. Because of a willingness to listen to the Lord, being willing to hear what He wants me & Mike to learn from difficult situations--one after another--we've been able as a couple to connect the dots and see the pattern of His plan for us. We've drawn together in a way we've not been able to in the past.
It's an interesting dichotomy that your most precious spiritual gifts come usually when you are in tumult and chaos and in extreme need. When your life is difficult, the Lord helps you and the veil is very thin at moments. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything, even though they--by nature--come hand-in-hand with humbling circumstances. I treasure the spiritual gifts I've received in this time when my heart has cried out and I've been scared for what's ahead for my family. That is what I am most thankful for this year.
29 comments:
Those are beautiful things to be thankful for!
What a wonderful entry that I'm sure will be so valuable to look back on during hard times in the future.
It is inspiring that you are able to see the reason behind trials...that is such a gift to your family.
Happy Thanksgiving!
inspiring post. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Isn't it awful that we have to struggle to grow. Sometimes I quit praying that we can grow closer together, just so I can get a break from the trials... for just a little while.
Crystal, you're beautiful!!! Happy Day of Thanks. Happy life.
Totally needed that post! Thanks!
How very eloquently put. That was beautiful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wow- powerful thoughts. I couldn't agree more. I glad for you that you are able to have perspective even admidst your trials- that has been a trial within a trial for me. To figure out how to find joy in the little things that make life so rich instead of dwelling on this that I can't change and things that my Heavenly Father put in my life for a purpose (or many purposes). There have been many days that I've wondered what the heck was so wrong with me before that I would have to endure trials to learn such hard lessons. But that outlook doesn't help (obviously). I just think it's important to work thru it all- feel the feelings and move through it all.
Ok that was a super long comment- sorry for the novel..you obviously hit on something with me.
FYI I'm thankful for you- for all your sprinkle-lovin' self!
P.s. There are sprinkles EVERYWHERE these days and I keep thinking I need to pick them up for you and send them to you (email me your real address so I can actually do that).
This is one of those posts that confirms all of my pro-blogging feelings because I think it's so tremendous to have these things documented for yourself and for others.
I love it! What a wonderful way to end that tough year, with all the things you're thankful for!
I love your list Crystal, so sweet & tender.
Good Job!
What Jill said.
Very heartfelt writing.
Happy Thanksgiving.
This was a beautiful and touching post. Your perspective, though possibly hard won, is inspiring. Our Heavenly Father refines us, like gold, so we will reflect Him, and you are doing just that. Whatever your trials have been, how wonderful you, Mike and your children are closer for it. Thank you for sharing and for encouraging me to focus more on the good.
You seem to have hit a chord with several people today Crystal...including myself. I quickly read your post, then went for a jog and thought about it the whole time and how greatful I am for my own trials lately because of the personal growth that has been a result of them. Thank for your perspective. It inspired me.
thank you crystal for your honesty and your willingness to share you love of the Lord with others. the bad times stink. but if you can become closer to the One who loves you the most, it's sooo worth it!!
btw did you see on Food tv last night the making of sprinkles!!! i was thinking of you!
Isn't it amazing when you are having the hardest of times it's also the most spiritual.
Here's hoping things ease up for you soon.
Crystal-
I wish that we didn't have to go through trials to grow, but that's the only way...i'm sure you know that. Happy Thanksgiving to you, friend.
I'm thankful that a year ago, I decided to start a blog, and it has brought me so many friends! What a blessing you are in my life. Thank you so much!! I know we are just snuffy friends, but I would do anything for you!!
Tami
fabulous list! while times are tough you gotta just keep swimming! and you are doing a great job! hope your thanksgiving holiday is Fabulous! and
you find some peace for a little bit. it is all the trials that help us appreciate the good times, because then we recognize how good they are.
Beautiful list. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
wonderful list! it is good to stop and write it all out sometimes, isn't it?
thanks for the sweet note on my blog. i appreciate it!
off to clean for the big day. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and your family!
Happy Thanksgiving!
You are amazing! Thanks for the thoughts, I love this list. And just to add one more reason to your list of why we have trials: Just look at how many people you touched with just this post. Happy Thanksgiving!
Very inspiring post. It has let me slow down and reflect on the wonderful blessings in my life.
Thank you!
I love your list! Especially the tub part! I love soaking in the tub and reading!
What a wonderful list. You do have a lot to be thankful for. The Lord is Good!
what a nice blessing to have a thoughtful moment of your thankfulness....I must do that...sometimes I think I fall short in giving thanks really for what should really be thanked for.
Hey Miss Crystal! - How did your Turkey go? How about the rest of the feast? How was your trip? tell tell!!
Holy Cow 26 comments! I love your list. I, too, thought it was very inspiring. I'm very thankful for my deep tub also!
That was a beautiful list. The Gospel and the knowledge it brings is a wonderful gift. Thanks for this post! Love you my blog friend.
Great list. It's so easy to forget our blessings when we're in those trying moments...but then we get humbled and see the bounty our lives really are. Thanks for the reminder.
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