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Small Graces

I've briefly mentioned before that because of the condition PMDD, I have had struggles with depression and anxiety. I've been receiving treatment for almost a year now and have seen a lot of improvement. The physical symptoms can still sometimes suck but thankfully the mental/emotional ones have waned. However, the timing of Daylight Savings and a couple sunless days really threw me for a loop this week. The heaviness and constant static I hadn't experienced in months made a comeback. It's been a bit rough. It's also been a great reminder of how far I have come. Despite the hard, I've been making a conscious effort to remember all the reasons I have to be thankful:
  • a husband that I can talk to and who listens and offers an abundance of support. 
  • worship music that helps me focus, clears my head, and reminds me of the important things.
  • a better understanding of my mind and body which allows me to be proactive in taking care of myself. 
  • finally learning that, some days, it's better to accomplish nothing than to set myself up for failure - knowing that's it is ok to say "today I need to rest". 
Those are the "big" things and like every week there were also lots of little things. Moments that caused me pause and praise the Lord for His many gifts. 

tree branches, a blue sky, &  rays of sunshine

I don't have much skill but I enjoy playing with hair, especially Little Lady's.
I'm thankful that, for now, she lets me and that she's impressed with my limited skills.
 

Simple games that delight my kiddos.

watching my children create

and learn new skills

When the sun did finally shine this week the days were also amazingly warm. We spent a great deal of time outside soaking up fall's perfection.

hard workers

working hard means you also get to play hard

*i did put shoes on her...she took them off...i decided it wasn't worth the battle
Yesterday morning Jeremy took the two youngest kids to his work so Big Buddy and I could have some one-on-one time. It was wonderful. He's at a fun stage; he's getting so big and independent but also still loves to be his mommy's baby. We rode our bikes to a nearby bakery where we picked out a few cookies, which we enjoyed on the porch with hot cocoa and a couple books. 



we didn't get these turkeys - but aren't they cute? 



This post is part of weekly series inspired in part by Bob Bennett's song "Small Graces".

sometimes they slip by without notice
sometimes they are very hard to see
other times it's very clear when they are happening to me


they are a reminder to the heart there is more to this life than meets they eye...
He is in the small graces, the little moments when the miracles come...

small graces pointing me to the larger one...
little glimpses of the kingdom come



Linking up at Inspiration Mondays.

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