Gratitude

Things have been a little crazy around here... mostly good, but certainly some ups and downs. I was thinking about the uncertainties in our life today and then I began to recount the MANY things God has done for me over the past few years. There is something about gratitude that seems to chase away fear/uncertainty/sorrow. I am so grateful to the Lord that He has provided us with His Spirit to remind us of such truth.

Thank you, Lord, for:

- my salvation in Christ!

- the Holy Spirit that reminds us of God's sweet promises

- My husband! (I wasn't sure if I would ever marry, yet God provided me with an amazing, Godly man who loves and cares for me)

- My sweet baby girl. I hoped, but never assumed, that I would have children and now I have the JOY and PRIVILEGE of loving my little one every day. She is healthy, beautiful, and a delight!

- My fantastic step-kids. Drayton and Makenzie are so loving and respectful and have adjusted to life with Laura beautifully. They are a gift!

- My wonderful family - parents, in-laws, siblings... they're all wonderful! I'm so glad we get to see them often.

- My church(es) - I am so grateful for my current church, Catalyst, and the prior churches that have had such an impact on my walk with the Lord.

- My friends - I have wonderful, supportive friends here in Charlotte and many sweet friends that are miles away.

- My career training - I love being a physician and I'm so grateful that God has given me the privilege to receive training that enables me to care for people physically and the opportunity to care for people spiritually as well.

Things I am trusting God for:

- A job - For those of you who may not know, I lost my job when Laura was 5 days old. Our clinic was not profitable and they closed that particular location. We still haven't found another opportunity that we think would be a good fit for our family. We're trusting the Lord to provide another job for me and to provide for us financially until that happens. David continues to remind me to wait on the Lord. He is faithful to speak and to lead us according to His perfect plan.

- Our church - David and I are part of a church plant here in Charlotte that has been going through some challenging times lately. We're trusting God to use it for His glory and for the sake of those people in our neighborhood who need to hear the Gospel.

- Laura - I used to be fairly non-chalant about childhood illnesses as I encountered them in my practice. All kids get sick, right? Now, as a mom, I find that I am more fearful of those illnesses that used to seem so benign. I can't imagine what it will be like to comfort my little girl through coughs and colds. :) I'm trusting the Lord to shepherd me as I care for her.

- My friends - I have several friends that are going through significant trials. I'm trusting the Lord to comfort them, protect them, and to teach me how to best care for them during difficult times.

I welcome your prayers as well in these areas. Thanks for joining with me to trust God to do immeasurably beyond what we can ask or imagine. He is able!

Laura went for her first dip in the pool!


We're not really sure if she liked it. She didn't cry, so we're assuming she didn't hate it. :)

David giving her a bottle by the pool. We had gone for a motorcycle ride earlier in the day so I brought a few bottles of my milk to give her while we were away and we had one left over. I don't enjoy pumping all that much, so I didn't want to waste it! :)

All snuggy again in her cozy beach blanket.