It takes a village

You know the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." Well, I believe that's true. And I also believe it takes a village to do life. I am so very thankful for the village around me, near and far. God has blessed me with an incredible support system, and I try my best not to take that for granted.

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I've been a wife for 7 1/2 years. While I have certainly learned a thing or two along the way, I'm grateful for the precious wives, some who have been married much longer than me, others who haven't been married quite as long yet, that God has placed in my life to encourage me, challenge me and walk with me along this journey.

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I've been a mom for 4 1/2 years, and sometimes I still feel like a brand new mom. And in some regards, I am. I'm facing things with Collin (and sometimes Emma, too) that I have never faced before. Learning new things. Growing always. And it can be scary sometimes, being a mother. But I have a wonderful support system here, too. From my mom and mother-in-law, fellow moms and friends who aren't yet moms, they encourage me and support me always.

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I am not perfect and I don't have perfect people in my life, but I do have people that love me. People who challenge and call me out when needed. People who comfort me when I need comforted. People who encourage me when I need encouraged. People God has placed along my path for a specific reason. And I am grateful.

And if you are reading this blog, I am grateful for you! Grateful that you would take the time to read my words.

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Thankful in the Unknown

As I eluded to last week , my plan this month is to focus on being grateful for all things, in all things. And today it was put on my heart to remain thankful during those seasons of 'the unknown'. This may sound strange, even go against our nature, but we have a unique opportunity to remain grateful, even when we don't know what's coming next. Well, that is, those who know HIM have the opportunity to remain grateful during the unknown.

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There are a lot of things that can happen to us, or to our loved ones, that are down right scary and, apart from Him, unbearable. But, praise Jesus, that He is always in control and nothing takes Him by surprise.

 

 
 
 
 

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So, whatever you're facing today, I hope you find the peace that only He can give. I hope you put your trust fully in Him. 

 

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Do you find it difficult to face the unknown? Are you able to trust in Him or do you turn to something else?



 

 



Five on Friday

{one} Today is November 1st!! Yay! As I talked about yesterday, I really love this Thanksgiving season we're in now. Actually, I think November and December might actually be my favorite months of the year. What about you? Do you have a favorite month(s)?

{two} Well, since yesterday was Halloween, I thought I'd share some pics of our fun. I didn't dress up, but my hubby did! He's the best and keeps me laughing all the time. Can you guess who he is?

{three} Collin and Emma went as Batman and Minnie Mouse. I don't have a good pic of them showing their costumes, though. Minnie Mouse isn't feeling too well and wasn't into trick or treating too much this year. But, here they are with their loot from Nana and Papa and Gram and Gramps. (And Nana's dog Bella trying to snag a treat for herself. Clearly, Collin wasn't having it.:)

{four} And then this year, my parents even dressed up! That was a fun, fun surprise. Emma wasn't too sure about who they were at first. They looked so good!

Pharaoh and Cleopatra

 

 

{five} I've talked before about how much we love our home and are so thankful for God bringing us here. Something fun that we've been enjoying this week are deer in our neighbors back yard! We have a fence, so they can't get into our yard, but it has been fun watching them back there. The first night I saw them when I let Max out to potty, there were 6-8 of them. They startled me, actually, because I was not expecting to see them. Since then, there have been 2 the consistently come back at night and stay until morning. So fun. :)

 

I hope you have a great weekend!! And kick off your season of Thankfulness today! :)