One Quiet Life

I had no idea it has been so long since I've written a Thankful Thursday post. I could say I don't know why I haven't, but I've realized my heart isn't filled with gratitude proportionate to the blessings I've been given. Taking this time to be intentional reminds me of the Lord's kindnesses, both great and small.  Such as: ~friends who readily open their home to us ~a special roadtrip with my girl ~conversations full of the Lord's grace ~lunch at a favorite spot ~a walk on a path strewn with fallen leaves and memories ~an opportunity to help my girl work to realize her dream ~laughter ~having my dad over for a simple dinner ~a husband who loves me lavishly ~health ~the Lord's amazing provision ~the pleasure of curling up with a good book ~a warm home ~much needed rest ~another year of life with a dear friend Blessings all mine, with 10,000 beside!

I've been reading Housewife Theologian all year, carefully pondering each chapter and how it applies to life. Despite the amount of time I've given to this project, I never saw the overarching theme and importance of the book until last week when I read a devotion based on 1 Timothy 4. This short chapter of Scripture packs a powerful punch. Paul's words give me much to mull over. He is exhorting Timothy to godliness, to live as he has been "trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed" (v. 6). He encourages the young pastor to "set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (v. 12), to "[p]ractice these things, immerse yourself in them" (v. 15). These words have become especially clear to me as I've been reading The Hiding Place while studying the Housewife Theologian chapter on hospitality. Corrie ten Boom's family opened their homes and lives to the very le...

Today I'm kicking off our month of thankfulness at Out of the Ordinary . While it may not be the most upbeat way to begin the month, I think it's important for us to understand that thankfulness doesn't always come easy, especially when we're hurting. You can read the post here .