Psalm 30:4-5 
Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.

• I am grateful for a grandpa who plays football.
• I am grateful for mothers who rearrange their schedules to help me and come over to watch Pooh.
• I am grateful for mothers-in-law who brings a Thanksgiving dinner to share with the family.
• I am grateful for Novembers without snow.
• I am grateful for invitations to do fun things with my kids.
• I am grateful for people who lend you their cars.

some events in my life you just won’t read about on this blog
In the midst of the heavy storm here today I was able to gain refuge  from the torrents for
a few breaths of air and in those moments I saw things to be grateful for…

• emails from sisters-in-Christ that remind me that there is hope in the One who holds me in His hands
• cards from family and friends that throw me a lifeline and remind me that we don’t bear our trials alone
• oatmeal cookies from a family that loves us and counts our loss as theirs, as well
• God’s timing which seems implausible in some ways and absolutely perfect in others

Oh no You never let go,
through the calm and through the storm,
oh no You never let go ,
every high and every low,
oh no You never let go,
LORD You never let go of me.

• Friends in green houses who answer their emails from their doctor’s office and “talk” you through a very rough day.
• Friends and family who offer to go with you to the hard appointments [even when you decline their offers].
• Friends who hold you up in prayer when you can’t begin to pray for yourself.
• Friends and family who commit to praying for you and offer their help if you need it.
• Unexpected phone calls and emails from people you never dreamt read your blog offering love and encouragement.
• A smiling young man sheepishly delivering a box of food and his mom who made it for us when I didn’t even know she knew.
• A lovely young daughter who dresses her baby sister in a coat and shoes and takes her outside to play without being asked while I prepare lunch.
• A brave young son who killed a snake in our driveway/garage entry even while shaking and sobbing at his role as a man.
• A doctor who respects my convictions.
• Finding out other good things about the doctor God sent me to all those years ago.
• In-laws who respect your possible need for privacy but who are eager to bring a meal.
• Little House on the Prairie – to be watched while I take a nap.
• A neighbor who chainsaws while I am trying to nap.

^{Ephesians 5:20} giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV)
“ For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
More than once this past week, John has had to remind me of this verse. Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Every day this past week  I’ve had to remind myself of this verse.
•On 10/12 we found out we were expecting Butler Baby #6.  Our joy was tremendous.  We were looking forward to a June baby.  With kids’ birthday in April, May, July, July, and August, it seemed just too PERFECT! 
•On 10/25 we found out that this dear baby was not growing properly and was likely not going to make it and began the process of watchful waiting.
•On 10/31 we have been put in the place where we need to make decisions.  Hard ones.  Scary ones.  Our baby is not coming in June.  He or she is already in God’s hands and home.
I still haven’t figured out why God thought the timing of this and the car accident would go well together.  The weight of two trials at the same time have been tremendous.
Matthew 11:30  (NIV)
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Your prayers are coveted.  However the LORD leads you.