Giving Thanks

God has taught me over the years about giving thanks in all circumstances, not for them, but in them.  My perspective on life is different than it used to be.

Thank You God for the 9 months Kyler lived in my womb.  Thank You for allowing me to be his mommy.  Thank You for how beautiful You made him.  Thank You for the wonderful memories I have with Kyler in my womb:  singing to him, reading God's Word to him, praying for him, his daddy praying over him and me, Karsten at 2 years old touching my belly while talking to his little brother, getting Kyler's nursery room ready...

Thank You God for Your unchanging grace.  In a moment our lives forever changed.  But You did not.  You were the same holy and loving God when Kyler was alive as You were the day You took him from us.  Thank You for holding up Brad while I was still under anesthesia and he witnessed nurses and doctors trying to revive our baby boy.  Thank You for the memories we have with Kyler after he was born.  Even though his soul was already with You, we are blessed to have held him, kissed his face, talked to him, counted his fingers and toes, kissed and felt his hair.  Thank You God for the labor and delivery nurses who took many pictures of him and us. 

Thank You for how You used our oldest son Karsten to brighten our dark days.  Thank You while in the hospital, Karsten would sing, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart...I have the love of Jesus in my heart..."  Then Brad and I would join in and sing.  We know that was the power of Christ in us.  Thank You God that You healed my sick body and I could be able to know You in a more intimate way through my suffering.  Thank You for giving Brad and me a passion for You, delighting in You and Your Word, teaching us, molding us, and that we look at what is unseen which is eternal through the lens of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This broken life is momentary.

Thank You God for leading us through the journey of adoption of our sweet daughter Kylie Hope.  Thank You how You use her and how she is named after her other older brother Kyler.  Thank You that adoption is from you, it's not about being born of blood, but of God.  We praise You and thank You for Your mercies that are new everyday. 

Thank You most of all for Jesus dying on the cross so that You would be glorified.  Thank You that my very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen me.  And I thank You for Your presence and for the good You accomplish through the pain.