November : The Month of Gratitude 1&2

Every year I have tried to write a post each day about the things I am thankful for and that is what I am going to do again, this November. I know that some people have a difficult time finding things to be thankful for when they are in the middle of a storm in their life, but I want to encourage you to try. To search for even the smallest things in life to be grateful for. Right now I am in the process of moving out of my Brother and SIL's house, and into a 2 bedroom apartment with Miguel. I have been praying and thinking about this decision for a while now. I have seen a good change in Miguel, but at the same time I have seen a change in myself. While he has become more understanding and patient, I have become more defensive and on edge. But I am trying and working on the things in my life that have made me this way. I am choosing to "pursue Christ" and I am praying that God will give me the strength and courage to put on the 1 Cor 13 kind of Love. I know that it is already available, I just need to choose to put it on. That brings me to the first thing I am thankful for: My Heavenly Father. I could say His other names : Saviour, God, Almighty, King of Kings etc... but I choose Heavenly Father because that's exactly how I see Him. He has strengthen my heart and held my hand during the hardest days of my life. He loves me through my sin and encourages me when I don't want to wake up.He gave me hope. He always listens and understands. He loves me. He protects me. He has given me eternal life. There is just so much to be thankful for when it comes to my Heavenly Father.
The second thing I am thankful for is my Brother and his family. When I was lost and broken, my brother welcomed me and my family into their house. My sister, Kim, loved me and supported me ( and cooked and baked and made me fat :) Her kids shared and played with my kids. They gave us security, protection, a home, a family, a routine and guidance. I could never repay them. I could never say how thankful I am for them. I just know that I wouldn't be were I am without them. They have helped me laugh, they have helped me heal and they have helped me become a better mother, friend, sister and Christian. They have loved my kids like they were their own. It has been such a blessing and special time together. I feel like they're my Mama Bird and they're setting me out on my own to fly. I love them with all of my heart and I am so thankful for them!