Day 4- "Thank Him for someone Special"

Day 3- "Are you facing a trial of some sort? How are you thankful?"

Today, I am facing the same trial that I have been battling all year. Very few days pass that this trial is not on my mind and weighing heavy on my heart. It is a trial of bitterness, broken friendship, resentment, and forgiveness. This has been one of the bigger trials that I have faced in my adult life. It is difficult when a friendship dissolves and it seems as though there is nothing that can be done to restore the friendship. I am still in the process of learning to "Let go and let God."

I have been hurt badly by a friend whom I trusted with all my heart. This friend made the choice to end all communication with me about a year ago. I have made several attempts to reconcile with fairly little success. I have been advised by several friends to let the friendship go, and move on with my life. Up until recently I wasn't able to understand my strong desire to want to mend this relationship with someone who has hurt me. I have asked God to help me by giving me strength and ability to get through this trial. I have found some guidance recently through Gods works in book I read called The Purpose Driven Christmas written by Rick Warren. Thank you, Lord, for bringing that book into my life at the perfect time! While the entire book was inspiring, there was one chapter that spoke directly to my specific trial.

God gives us the desire, the ability and the power to reconcile. Jesus said, "Blessed be the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9) Anytime you attempt to restore a broken relationship, you're doing what God would do. It is the ministry of reconciliation. This does not mean to role over, and lose your sense of identity. It simply means that you must actively seek to end conflicts, promote reconciliation, and offer forgiveness to those who have hurt you. This is passing on the grace that God has shown us. "Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness." (James 3:18.) Reconciliation does not mean resolution either, it does not mean you have resolved all problems it simply means that hostility has ended. You continue to work on the issues, but now you do it with respect and love instead of sarcasm and anger. Forgiveness does not mean that you return to trust. Forgiveness is instant, and trust takes time to restore. "If you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:15.)

It makes sense! I am attempting to reconcile because that is what God wants for us! He wants us to have peace with others. I need to forgive, to rid myself of anger, and resentment so that I too may be forgiven. Even if I am unable to restore the relationship it is important that I do my part to reconcile, and attempt to work out any issues. Gods grace is amazing, and along with forgiveness he gives me the strength to keep trying to right my wrongs, and make peace with others.

Thank you God, for carrying me through my trials as only you can. I know that my weaknesses only bring me closer to you. I am thankful for all the life lessons that I have learned through my trials, and thankful that I have Him there with me always to hold my hand in joy and difficulty. I am thankful for the grace that you have granted me, and the strength you have given me to forgive others.

Day 2- "What made you smile today? Thank Him for it."

Day 1- "Thank God for Something Beautiful"

                           

Thank you God for creating this beautiful earth for your children to live on. From the green grass, bountiful trees, to the blue sky, and sparkling waters that cover our land you are so gracious, God, to give us such an amazing place to live and speak of your praise. You have created such beauty. I am forever thankful for the life you have given me here in Minnesota, where I have been so lucky to have experienced many hours among the nature scenes that you created. Today, I stop to breath in all the beauty in the nature that surrounds me. Thank you.

                                      Below: A Photo taken today at work

Below: Sunset at Knife Lake, Mora, MN

Attitude of Gratitude for November

This was posted by one of my friends on her blog (thanks Jen) and she invited others to join her! What a great opputunity to open our hearts to all that we have been given in life! I am taking this 30 day challenge and excited to greet each day with a new thankful outlook.

 

 

Spooktacular Halloween

We have had fun celebrating Halloween already this year! Here are a few pics of our adventures so far!

 The little man had fun dressing up in his Halloween costume for Library story time! Mooooo!

Justin the homeless man.

 My Little Cow at the Library!

Key West and Cozumel Photos

 The famous Lincoln Road in South Beach. Where we spent the day and ate lunch at the Five Napkin Burger, which was amazing!





Little Man had a blast swimming at the Alexander Hotel! He loved swimming to Mom, Dad, Josh and me! He loves jumping in too! I have definitely learned from C + C to put your child in swimming lessons as soon as possible.

 The Coast Guard welcomed us into the Key West port. I loved watching the Coast Guard drive us in and out of the ports that we stopped at with our ship. It was interesting to see the guy at the front of the boat manning the gun.

In Key West we rode the Conch Tour Train to the shops down town and treated ourselves coconut water on the street.

The little guy spent a couple nights with us as his parents went out for some adult time. Josh and I put him down for bed and enjoyed the evenings on the private balcony attached to the room. It was so beautiful to see the moon reflecting upon the calm ocean water. With no land in sight it really made me appreciate all the wonders God created.

We stopped in Cozumel to pose at Cuban Cigar shop with Castro and on the street to pose with a soldier.

It wouldn't be Mexico if we didn't wear sombreros! We had fun trying on our hats!

 My favorite place that we went in Cozumel was Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville! We had tons of fun and the young man had a yummy milk shake!

 

The ocean front view from the hotel we stayed at on Miami Beach!