One day at a time

As we approach the third month since our latest miscarriage, I am finding myself less and less praying for the absence of suffering. Don't get me wrong, I do not care to have any more miscarriages, let alone lose anyone else in my life. I enjoy suffering no more than the next person. I do, however, see it's purpose played out in life here and there.

Since joining the blog world, I have been introduced to so many people's stories on their own blogs. Stories of hope, of faith, of persevering, and ultimately of God's healing power. I have read about tragedies I could not even begin to relate too. Some days I am so encouraged and some days a little overwhelmed. Either way they make "me" feel, they all speak of the God of the universe and His great love for each of us.

I have been reading through the book of Romans and stumbled upon this verse, "but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance: perseverance, character: and character , hope. And hope does not disappoint us..."

Of course you all know i love my study bible, and the study portion says this about that verse:
"We rejoice in suffering not because we like pain or deny its tragedy, but because we know
God is using life's difficulties and Satan's attacks to build our character. The problems
that we run into will develop our perseverance-which in turn will strengthen our
character, deepen our trust in God, and give us greater confidence about the future."

Nothing without You

Last night at church we sang this song. I have heard it so many times, but for some reason, it really resignated with me so I thought I'd share it! It is by Bebo Norman, a great Christian artist who I have enjoyed. If you want to hear it, check out my playlist at the end of my blog.

Take these hands
And lift them up
For I have not the strength to praise You near enough
See, I have nothing
I have nothing without You

And take my voice and pour it out
Let it sing the songs of mercy I have found
For I have nothing
I have nothing without You

And all my soul needs is all Your love
To cover me, so all the world will see
That I have nothing without You

Take my body and build it up
May it be broken as an offering of love
For I have nothing
I have nothing without You

And all my soul needs is all Your love
To cover me so all the world will see
That I have nothing
That I love You, yeah
With all my heart
With all my soul
With all my mind
And all the strength I can find

Take my time here on this earth
And let it glorify all that You are worth
For I am nothing
I am nothing without You

Happy New Year

I know it's been a little since my last entry...the new year has come so quickly. It's funny how ready you are for a new year to start when the previous one has brought much grief and pain. I remember thinking last year this time how much I was ready for a new year. I think secretly I thought I could put 2007 to rest and look foward to much less pain in 2008.

As Mark and I were reviewing our year, it's many struggles and hardships, we were also amazed at how much the Lord had blessed us in 2008. We decided to write down our praises of the previous year, as well as the list of prayer requests the lord has answered. It was so uplifting to see so many blessings.

For me personally, what I am most thankful for in 2008 is for how God has grown me.
He has shown me more love and comfort than I knew existed.
He has brought me further from myself, closer to Him.
He has taught me to feel deep compassion for hurting people.
He has shown me what life looks like from a whole new perspective.
He has shown me how to live in joy even in the midst of tremendous grief.
He has brought unbelieveable friends and family to comfort and love me like I never imagined.
He has forgiven my selfish, pity-filled heart.
He has placed in me a heart to love Him like I never knew I could.

For all of this, I am immensely grateful for this previous year and for the suffering that brought so much Glory to my God.