Where are the blessings this week, God?

I'm not a very transparent person. Unless I'm talking to an extremely close friend, whenever something's bothering me and someone calls me out on it, I assure them I'm fine. Really. Everything's fine.

If they persist, I insist I'm simply tired. Or mildly stressed. I don't offer up my hurts and grievances because I know they will pass and I will be better.

But part of what we want to do here is to be transparent. To let the honesty of our own journeys speak to you wherever you are on the path.

So . . . I'm going to put this out there. I'm setting aside the regularly scheduled "What Has God Done for You?" post in favor of this rather candid tell-all. When I thought about what blessings I would list that God has worked in my life this week, I couldn't think of one.

Instead, I thought about how this week has been incredibly stressful. How I've been hurt, accused, confused, and misunderstood.

I thought about my calling, my 4 week deadline, my nowhere-near-even-begun manuscript, and my lack of energy.

And I thought about how lost I've been lately.

Coming up with something to share with you guys that God's been doing in my life this week seemed impossible. I could write about fiery trials . . . but that's not very encouraging, or blessing-ish. I could write about how angry and disappointed I feel in others and myself, but well, that's not terribly uplifting either. Instead, I'm writing to say that somewhere in the midst of this week and this craziness, God has been there, pouring out Grace for me to endure.

So forgive the unorthodox post. Forgive the melancholy. I know there are indeed blessings here. And I suppose if I weren't so frequently mired in self-pity, I could actually see them.

--Mandy

What Has God Done for You?

Feeling pretty sick tonight . . .

So my list of things I'm thankful for will probably reflect that.

Antibiotics.

Understanding bosses.

People who care enough about me to listen to me whine.

What about you?

What Has God Done for You? Wednesday

What's God been doing for you this week?

He's taught me a new appreciation of my husband and son.

He's been faithful, even when I'm not.

He's teaching me to appreciate ordinary miracles.

--Cheryl

What Has God Done for You? Wednesday

Anybody want to sound off about God has been doing for you this week?

For me, he's allowed me to see the humor and beauty of life, even in stressful situations.

He's reminded me, again, how blessed I am to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends.

And I've been renewed in my awe of the sacrifice made two thousand years ago for us all. Perhaps we quote this verse so much that we've lost some of it's impact, but think about it now:

"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).

So above all the many things God has done to bless me, in this Holy Week, I want to give thanks and praise that I can have both abundant life on earth and eternal life in Heaven.

--Mandy

What has God done for you?

Time again to start thinking about what things God has done for you this week.

They don't necessarily have to be big or life-changing. Sometimes the smallest blessings make the biggest difference (feel free to quote that if you wish. I don't think I stole it from anyone).

Since last Wednesday, God has:

• Provided healing for my dad and peace for me and my family
• Made me aware of how blessed I am to have certain people in my life
• Given me guidance on my writing projects (something I sorely, sorely needed)

What about you?

--Mandy

What Has God Done for You? Wednesday

Here's something a little different from what you're used to (at least from us).

We've decided every Wednesday, in an attempt to chronicle the many things God is doing in all of our lives, we're just going to have a little shout out session.

I'll start. This week, God has:

• Given me the strength to finish up my edits . . . get that bad boy in the mail . . . and have time just to veg.



• Allowed me the opportunity to share with all you guys again.



• Helped me survive daylight savings time. Barely.

What has God done for you this week? What would you like him to do?

--Mandy