Unthankful or Thankful?

“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; 

but the thankful heart will find, 

in every hour, 

some heavenly blessings.” 

 Henry Ward Beecher

There are times in my life when I have lived near the poverty line, maybe even below it at some point. But God. Although our income was low, I always had hope in Jesus, in God, that circumstances would get better. He made a way for us when there seemed to be no way. 

God used the financial troubles that my husband and I had to draw us closer to him. He helped me to understand his love and his provision. Give us this day our daily bread. He always did. We didn't go without what we truly needed. We might get really low on groceries, but he gave me creativity to make something out of what might seem like nothing.

He grew me in so many ways through the years and through the hard times. "They were the best of times, they were the worst of times....".

They were the best of times, because I learned to be thrifty, creative, and thankful. They were the worst of times, because I didn't always trust God, but was worried, anxious and depressed at times. 

One thing I know for sure, the hard times are the growing times. I also know that to trust God quickly and be thankful are two keys to reducing the fear, worry, and depression. 

I have found focus to be key. I choose to focus of God, focus on good, focus on kindness, focus on thrift, and focus on creativity. God has taken my depression away. I also rarely have the anxiety that I used to have. Jesus has been my savior and deliverer. 

He is good and I will praise him. I choose to trust him with the things that bring me fear or anxiety. He's good. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Be blessed dear ones,

Laura