Pondering Conflict

I'm offended.

I can't sleep.

But oddly enough, I feel at peace at the same time.

I am considering my options, how to be a peacemaker while not fleeing or attacking, reading what God has to say about it, and praying a lot.

My mom is a great peacemaker. She always sees the good in a situation. She never badmouths anyone, even if they are clearly guilty. I have complete confidence that she has never slandered me or gossiped about me. I want to be like that. Although I know that peace at almost all costs isn't the way to go either. It's hard to break into the realm of confrontation. It's hard to figure out when to even do it. I've done confrontation wrong so many times. I'm hoping I get it right some day...

I won't do it right now. It's 4 in the morning... I need more time. :)

But one thing I can do any time of the day or night, is to be thankful. We can be thankful for at least something in every situation.

Paul said in Philippians 4:11-13 "... 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."

So I will continue on with my list of things to be thankful for... because I truly am.

2. For my Savior who has been so patient with me and all of my many mistakes.

3. For a husband who is like-minded in parenting, dream planning, relationship building, and so many other things.

4. For my kids who laugh all day long at the little blessings in life. It's such a joy to go through the days with them.

5. For a sturdy roof when rain is coming down harder outside than my shower inside.

6. For animals. They just cheer me up :)

7. For the ability to take a deep breath and fill my lungs with air. (I think I feel a cold coming on...)

8. That I have the freedom to read my Bible and teach the kids about God whenever I want to.

9. That I have friends all over the world who have left the comforts of home to share God's love with people who have never heard and don't have the freedom to read their Bibles whenever they want.

10. That I have friends here who seek the Lord and are humble and kind and unselfish.

11. For Zoi Greek yogurt. I'm pretty sure this is heaven's food.

12. For the blossoms popping out on the trees around me. Spring is coming!!

12. For soft white lights on dark dreary days.

13. For pianos and beautiful instrumental music.

13. That God adopted me.

14. That we were able to adopt Lochlan.

15. That we could hatch ducks and chickens.

16. That there are Christian believers in Japan ministering to the broken and hurting right now.

17. That a 4 months old baby was found yesterday in the rubble. 

18. That the orphans in Cameroon were able to get a new house to live in for less rent than before.

19. That God can and does change hearts on a regular basis.

20. That He's helped me to change so much over the years and that He hasn't given up on me yet.