The day before yesterday marked one year for Sam and I.  Last October we returned to the United States.  No money, no jobs, no baby and not much of a household left.  We came trusting that the Lord was going to take care of us, even though we were stepping out of ministry for a while.  For anyone who’s depressed….It’s amazing how much can change in a year!! 

Here I sit.  In our house (so we don’t own it, but we’re in a HOUSE!) full of furniture (and nicely pulled together mind you considering most of our furniture was given to us by different sources). Decently decorated (Praise the Lord for ultra clearance sales!!!). Our car parked out in the driveway (it works, its nice and it has no payments on it!)  My husband is in his office working away at a business that is already out of debt!!! (we’ll see how well we are doing at tax time, but…) with our lovely daughter sleeping away in the cradle next to me. 

Had anyone asked me last year at this time what I thought life would be like upon returning to the States I would not have been as optimistic to think that the Lord would have us where he does today.  I don’t understand it, but I am thankful for it!!  Sure, our house isn’t as big as most of our friends or family members, a car that has lots of squeaks and creaks and a few little “issues” but it is reliable and works well, we don’t have a lot of excess (but we don’t have any debt either) …but we are happy with our meager little life.

sure, we miss some things about living in Latvia.  I miss living in the thick of the city, being able to step out side, walk a block and catch public transportation to anywhere in town I need to go (though not as peaceful as where we are now). I miss having a grocery across the street (small and soviet though it was). I miss friends (though its wonderful being near family). I miss most the pace of life (and the fabulous shoes!). 

This isn’t meant as a “brag” or as a ohh… look what we have… but more as a wow, the Lord has truly taken care of us and blessed us abundantly! It is an acknowledgment of the good in our lives. (every good thing comes from Him)

But you can focus on the happy or you can focus on the sad.  You can focus on what you have, or on what you still want.  But the Lord gives us all enough good in our life wherever we are if we choose to look at the good.  See every little blessing in each day… the beauty of the sun, the freshness of the rain, a smile from a stranger, food on the table, clean water to drink… not all the world is as fortunate as we.

Here’s hoping everyone who reads this has an amazing year ahead of them!!!!  and when you do, remember to thank the Lord for it all.