"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:10-13

Patience has never been a trait that has come easily to me. I have always wanted to run before I could walk. In high school I could not be happy waiting for God to bring the right man into my life. In college, when I finally had met the right guy, I could not wait to get married. Now married, I am having a hard time waiting for a house, kids and the ideal work situations for both my husband and myself.

Paul says that he learned to be content in any and every situation. Huh?? Seriously, statements like that make me question the humanity of Paul. Who can be content in everything? I don't get it. Even less so would I be able to accomplish this kind of attitude change.

I am truly thankful for all that I have. I have a warm apartment to come home to each night. I have wonderful friends and family. I have the love of a good man. And I've been blessed to share in a marriage with him. I have enough food to eat. And enough money to pay the bills. But in the very same breath, I whine about how the apartment is not a house that I own. That the my family is lacking for little babies. That the money in the bank will never be enough to allow me to become a stay at home mom. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?? That I would shove back into the hands of God the gifts His Son has paid for?

My head says, "You're human." As if my humanity excuses me from gratefulness.
But the truth of it all is that I'm not 'human.' I am a new creation, reconciled to God, through Christ. I am God's ambassador. I am the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

Because of Him, I am so much more. I should start to act like it. And start to live with an attitude to thankfulness.

I'm sure I've mentioned before that one of the blogs I follow is That Wife. As part of the series she has been posting to this week, celebrating 10,000 reader comments (seriously can't imagine reading them all, which she does), she has graciously thanked all of us who have commented over 100 times. Of which I'm one. And as token of thanks has created a give-away which requires readers to visit our blogs and comment. So if the only reason you're reading this is to win an amazingly cute ring.....WELCOME!

I started this blog over 5 years ago, when my family had just moved back to the states from Japan. Still in college, my earlier posts are all about tests, long distance dating, and have their full share of sappiness and/or rants! Fast-forward to now, I'm still trying to find a voice. I still write about the day-to-day. I still rant about how I want to quit my job, buy a house, have babies and be a stay at home mom. Until then, I'm enjoying life in the big city with my husband (same long distance relationship guy from college). I work in finance, as I'm sure will be evident in no time at all (let's just say posting is light during the monthly financial close). I'm an avid reader and scrapbooker. I have a passion for Europe (where I grew up) and look forward to the day that I can return.

So again, if you're new here, welcome! If you're old and smelly, thanks for sticking with me this long.