Happy Thanksgiving Friends!!!
This year I have so much that I’m thankful for, it’s hard to even know where to begin.
I have learned a lot about thankfulness and contentment this year (it’s amazing what toddlers teach us!).
And these past few months I have been filled with more genuine peace, and joy than ever before in my life. I am just so grateful to God for bringing me through the ‘dark place’ and in to one of joy! I don’t even know how to convey my thanksgiving for all of the blessings in my life, and for the ability to see them as blessings!
For years my vision was clouded by depression, hormonal swings and PTSD, but this year I feel like I can finally say that I am free from those things. They may creep up here and there, but they don’t hold me down like they once did. I’m not ruled by them, and that is something for which I will be grateful for the rest of my life! I’m thankful for my amazing hubby who stood by my side, through it all without wavering.
I’m thankful for his faithfulness and love. He’s an amazing man I tell ya ;)
I’m thankful for the beauty of family and the love that we share. My kiddos light up my world. They are loud and crazy and wonderful. I couldn’t love them any more than I already do. Our home is noisy, and chaotic and small, but it is filled with love and laughter and I adore it.
Most of all I’m thankful for Grace, thankful that Christ took the punishment for my sins, and rescued me from sin and death. Even if (when) everything else seems to be going wrong, a Christian can always find a reason to be thankful when remembering God’s grace.
This simple post does nothing to convey the thankfulness and joy that I feel in my heart today and in this season of my life. But I had to try.
If this post finds you in a season where you are down and having trouble seeing a reason to be thankful, I understand. I’ve been there too, and I want you to know there is hope for the future, and that hope is found only in Christ Jesus. I’m a living testimony of that. My heart goes out to you if depression & the like is your path right now, but know that it doesn’t always have to be. God can heal even the worst of emotional pains. I pray you look to Him and find grace, healing and strength.
Peace, Love & Joy
–Paula
Cathy says
What a beautiful testimony. Glad I stopped by. :)
Visiting from the MAMM blog hop.
Jen Ferguson says
It is such a process to find joy during the pain, but as you live out here, it is possible with God. I am so thankful for the transformation that has taken place in your life and I am sure that your witness is powerful for those struggling with such hard things. Thank you so much for being a part of SDG this week.
the domestic fringe says
Beautiful post and a lovely family photo.
~FringeGirl
Aprille @ beautifulinhistime.com says
This is a truly beautiful post. I look forward to reading some more of your posts and archives.
Laura Boggess says
Paula, I’m so glad you find yourself in a place of peace right now. I think it really is like a river, isn’t it? Ebbs and flows…grateful for this sweet season in your life.
Beckey says
Lovely post! I am finally learning how essential a spirit of gratitude is to a joyful life in Christ!
Scudds says
What I lovely post. I am new to your page and I’m glad I stopped by. You have a beautiful family.
All the best,
Scudds
Shell says
Such a sweet post!
withalljoy.com says
1 Corinthians 12:1-10 has been such a fortress for me – to remind me what a strong foundation I have when I lean on the Lord. Though this world is hard, I can look back on trials and be thankful for where God has brought me and how our relationship has deepened. He can make any chaos beautiful, and I am so thankful for that. Blessings to you and your family in your time of Joy.
Kelly says
Thank you so so so much for this encouragement my friend. I’ve needed to hear this is other seasons of my life and it’s nice to know others have come out on the other side too!
basket random says
This post just resonated with me on so many levels! Your journey from darkness to joy is so inspiring, and hearing how you’ve overcome depression, hormonal struggles, and PTSD gives me so much hope. Knowing that even the toughest challenges can ultimately pave the way for a truly grateful and fulfilling life is incredibly powerful.