Blessings Series: All the Time?

I've been contemplating this topic and these thoughts for a while now. Blogger Beware: Deep Thoughts Ahead! This will be the second installment in the Blessings Series. You can see the first installment here.

If you do not feel like a theological or philosophical subject for your blogging pleasure, then go ahead and scoot on to your next favorite site. Cuz I'm gonna pick your brain.

So, here's what I'm thinking about.

I've heard many times lately (on blogs, at prayer meetings, on the Internet, out of peoples' mouths, etc...) the exclamation, "God is so good!"

First, let me say I wholeheartedly believe this. But what I am wondering is what some would say when God doesn't seem good. Most of the time when I read these words it is in reference to a praise...someone has been healed, a baby has been saved from pre-term delivery, a disaster is averted, and so on. "God is so good!" Well, yes, yes He is.

But what if that someone died before they were healed? What if the baby WAS born prematurely and suffered greatly afterwards? What if the disaster came to pass and hurt many? Would we still speak those four words, "God is so good!"?

I'm sad to say I don't know.

I have been in the shadows, in the valley where it feels like He is not at my side and distant. I know what it feels like to, with every fiber of my being, not want to praise His name. Yet, somehow, in some way, I am able to. Why? Well, I don't know the exact answer, but I know it is from Him and has nothing to do with what I am capable of alone. But, I'm ever grateful for that blessing. Am I able to do this all the time, in every circumstance? Not at all! I am constantly questioning Him and His ways, His timing, His purpose.

And then I remember those words, "God is good ALL the time!" Not just in the good times, or on the mountaintops, or when it is easy for us to praise Him.

So, I pray that in those times when we feel He is farthest from us and out of reach, when we feel like He isn't listening and He isn't good, that we would all remember the truth:

He is good, ALL THE TIME!! Yes, even then.

Blessings Series

I have been thinking about this for a few months now and I have decided I'm going to begin a series of posts about the ways in which I am blessed in my life. I have no idea how many posts this will entail, or if there will be a rhyme or reason to the timing of them, but I do know it is much easier to put life into perspective when you can meditate on all the things you've been given, even in the midst of wanting.

So, today is my first post in the Blessings Series.

I am blessed with wonderful friends. When we lost our second baby this January, we were surrounded and inundated with love from friends everywhere. This included cards, phone calls, texts, Facebook messages, special nights out, and even a few sweet packages.

Now for some pictures...

Some very sweet sister friends of mine, Sarah (her blog is private, or I would hyperlink it) and Laura, sent me this awesome package! In it was this note...



and all of these great things to pamper myself
with! The CD is full of really great, mellow songs
and the Ghirardelli chocolate is to die for! I'm so blessed!


These pictures are of a Mamma Mia party we had
at Paige's house. The invite said, "You're invited to
a Mamma Mia party in honor of Charla." It was SO
much fun! If you haven't seen this movie, gather
your girlfriends, make your favorite snack and pop open a bottle of vino!
You will have a night full of laughter, singing and
perhaps a little dancing!

"Mamma Mia, here I go again, my
my, how can I resist ya?"

Here's me with Paige in her beautiful new kitchen...love that girl!


The group...minus a few who had to leave early!


And here's the group in the middle of Lynn's story...
do you see how we are all DYING with laughter?
Let's just say the story involved women's legs

in the winter time, and a razor (or lack thereof).

Look at all that good food! I just love good girlfriends...
they are truly a blessing, don't you think?

So, I didn't intend on doing this when I started this post, but would you be interested in joining me in the Blessings Series? There's no pressure for time, I would just LOVE to read how God has blessed you! So, join in if you like and if you have pictures, even better!
If you do decide to participate, be sure to leave a comment on this post with the link to your blog!