It is so wonderful to see all the people who are rallying together to give people a reason to stop and reflect on what we are grateful for and I want to be a more active participant because I do have such an abundant life. So abundant, that I have had little time to stop and write.  But I am making the time right now.

This has been an incredible time of transition for me and my husband as well as my step son and even my son.  We have been “thrown” into a new life with little opportunity to stop long enough to feel settled, yet in many ways it feel as if we have been in our new part of the world in Northwest Arkansas for years.  The transition has been very challenging at times.  There has been a lot to adjust to , to learn about each other and to organize and learn about our new area.  And while some of the bumps have been especially rough, we always wind up on smooth road again thanks to the support of new friends and old friends, family and the grace of God working in us an in our lives.

When I stop to think about all we have, all that is working and all the opportunities and possibilities before us, I am very thankful.  Here are some of the amazing things that have been happening:

I have been thoroughly enjoying my time with my son. I am very grateful that all of us enjoy playing canasta, some board games, miniature golf and pool (although I’m not very good, but getting better!).  I am thrilled to be meeting with his teachers again.  I got to celebrate my birthday with my son for the first time in 4 years – and he baked a homemade berry pie for me!  And we get to just hang out and be together, just the two of us now and then.

I am grateful that I have been able to continue my work with the National Association of Mothers’ Centers. I’ve added new events, articles, webinars and news to their website.  I have also found a partner to work with me in building up a Mothers’ Center here in Northwest Arkansas.  In fact, we have joined with two other partners to create a very exciting event on Monday, November 16 – the Moms Money Makeover Forum which will be held at the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.  Click here to read more from our sponsor nwaMotherlode.com.

My husband, Ron, has made amazing connections and has gained a great deal of support in launching his program for military families, Operation Renewal. His dedication ceremony took place today at the Ozark Military Air Museum where 30 people came out to hear all about the challenges and the programs Ron and his team have designed to help these families.  We had a beautiful 70 degree day and was aired on two television news stations. One caught me as I was taking a gulp of water!  But I did make it on camera.

I am grateful for all of the amazing friends I have – those who are keeping in touch and continue to support me from the east coast, and all the new friends I am making.  If you were to measure my wealth by friends and family, I would surely be counted among the billionaires of the world!

And finally, more than anything, I am grateful that my walk with God is getting stronger each day.  I am grateful that I have the Word of God in my life every day!  When all else fails, it is God who gets me through!