Counting Our Blessings

This has been an unusual and at times difficult month for our family. Clint lost his job December 1. It's not the first time that he has been without a job, but it is the first time that he has been let go from his job. His company has moved his job to the home office in Florida and there was nothing for him in the Dallas office. So he is currently unemployed. My brother just had all of his teeth pulled and is being fitted with permanent dentures. It was a traumatic experience for him but we're praying that in the end, he will be much healthier and happier! Then we found out this week that my 'mountain climbing' sister-in-law fell in her garage on the way to church and broke her leg! She had surgery last week to have a steel plate and multiple pins put in, and will be fitted this week with a walking cast. These are hard things for those in their 50's or for Clint who has just turned 60. So how does one handle all of this? The Bible tells us to 'Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you form all sides.' James 1:2. One thing that helps me to do this is to count my blessings, so here goes!
1) My health
2) My sweet, godly husband
3) 2 children (and their spouses) who seek to do God's will in their lives
4) 3 precious grandchildren who are only 5 hours away
5) friends who encourage and uplift me
6) a new church home and a new ministry there
7) 14 young women in my BSF group who love to study God's Word God
8) a beautiful home that is PAID for!!
9) a car that runs!
10) a hobby that brings me great joy and satisfaction
11) friends to share my hobby with
12) TiVO
13) the freedom to worship as I choose

I'll add more later!! It's late and I'm really tired! So lastly
14) a comfortable bed to sleep in!!