There are times, especially lately, when I think things couldn't possibly get worse.  Sometimes the stress feels so heavy it threatens to crush me.  The past few months have been particularly trying.  A husband whose been away for over six months with only a few short visits, trying to recover from a particularly difficult delivery, not to mention dealing with an infant and four boys, worrying about the one who was half a world away protecting this country, issues with teens and tots, all on my own for the most part.  Then there's the difficult decision about what to do about our future, stay or go.  To say that there are days I feel utterly overwhelmed would be an understatement. 

And then....somewhere deep down a tiny voice rises up and starts to chant "count your blessings".  The more desperate and overwhelmed I get the louder that voice gets.  So I did...

1.  I was born in the United States of America, where I am free to choose how I live.  Where I can make of myself whatever I wish.   I could have been born in a country where women have no rights, or in a country that is war torn or plagued by genocide. 

So thank you God for making me an American.

2.  I have parents who love me and support me no matter what.  They are always there when I need them and would do anything to help me. 

So thank you God for giving me love.

3.   I have a wonderful husband who loves me, and six beautiful children who are healthy and the joy of my life.

So thank you God for giving me a family.

4.  God trusted me enough to give me a precious boy who would only live to see eight years old,  in that time he taught me and everyone around him about faith and hope.

So thank you God for teaching me about faith.

5. I have friends and family who through the test of time and trials have stood by me through so many things.  The bond only continues to strengthen as the years go by despite any differences we may have or will have, we accept eachother for who we are.

So thank you God for teaching me acceptance.

6.  Through the years I have met many friends whose faces I have never seen.  They have supported me through some very scary and tough times.  These friends I am blessed with are there through the miracle of the internet. 

So thank you God for technology.

7. Finally I am blessed to have tough times because it means I am alive.  Without these trials I would not hear that little voice reminding me of what I do have.

So thank you God for my life.