Be Grateful For Your Blessings

I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty.
Ruth 1:21 NIV

When it comes to valuable life lessons, the book of Ruth tops the bestseller list. (Have you read it yet?)

When famine came to Bethlehem, Naomi, her husband and two sons moved to Moab where the economy was thriving. What they hoped would be a short stay turned into ten years. Their sons married two local girls, Ruth and Orpah. Then the unthinkable happened. Naomi's husband and sons died. As a result of her loss she became bitter. When she heard that times were good in Bethlehem she decided to go back home. After she arrived she said, "I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty" (Ruth 1:21 NKJV). What did she mean? She was saying that at home in Bethlehem, despite the famine, at least there she had her husband and sons, whereas in Moab, "the land of plenty," she'd lost them.

You never miss the water till the well runs dry! The truth is, you can be blessed and not know it. Only as you look back do you realise that what you have is much more important than all the things you don't have. When Naomi lost what she loved most, even a famine seemed insignificant by comparison. Have you been saying, "I'll be happy when…? No, happiness doesn't come from getting what you want, it comes from appreciating what God's given you. Instead of whining and complaining about your lot in life, stop and ask yourself, "What would I take in exchange for what I have?" If you don't know the answer, begin counting your blessings and thanking God for them.

Tuckered out

A toddler and a puddle

This is what happens when a toddler comes across a 1cm x 2cm puddle of water and given 10 minutes to explore it!

Gimme the camera!

The current state of the kitchen

Almost there

This was earlier today. Paul was hanging the doors on the cupboards he hung today. I really can't wait for the kitchen to be finished. Although when thats done he will start with the painting the inside of the house. He saw some ivory white tiles which he thought would look awesome with the Cherry wood finish in the kitchen. I have to agree, although I haven't seen them, it sounds stunning.