Lest my last post sounded too whiny

I have to make sure that anyone who is reading my blog knows that I am fully aware of, and thankful for, my many blessings. In the grand scheme of things cars that are lemons and houses that have one surprise flaw after another are small stuff.

I have four wonderful, healthy kids. I have a husband who is an excellent provider, a great father, and is smart, funny, loving and adorable. (Plus he just let me go away and scrapbook for a whole weekend!) I have a family that I wouldn't trade one member of, whether we're talking blood relative, in-law, or step.

I have incredible friends--even you democrats :)--and a church that feels like family where Word & Sacrament are faithfully and abundantly administered.

I know that I've got it very good.

       All depends on our possessing
       God's abundant grace and blessing,
       Though all earthly wealth depart.
       He who trusts with faith unshaken
       In His God is not forsaken
       And e'er keeps a dauntless heart.

        He who hitherto hath fed me
       And to many joys hath led me,
       Is and ever shall be mine.
       He who did so gently school me,
       He who still doth guide and rule me,
       Will remain my Help divine.

        Many spend their lives in fretting
       Over trifles and in getting
       Things that have no solid ground.
       I shall strive to win a treasure
       That will bring me lasting pleasure
       And that now is seldom found.

       When with sorrow I am stricken,
       Hope my heart anew will quicken,
       All my longing shall be stilled.
       To His loving-kindness tender
       Soul and body I surrender;
       For in Him alone I build.

       Well He knows what best to grant me;
       All the longing hopes that haunt me,
       Joy and sorrow, have their day.
       I shall doubt His wisdom never,--
       As God wills, so be it ever,--
       I to Him commit my way.

       If on earth my days He lengthen,
       He my weary soul will strengthen;
       All my trust in Him I place.
       Earthly wealth is not abiding,
       Like a stream away is gliding;
       Safe I anchor in His grace.

       _______________________________________
     
       Hymn #425 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_
       Text: Prov. 10:22
       Author: unknown, c. 1673
       Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1858, alt.
       Titled: "Alles ist an Gottes Segen"
       Composer: Johann B. Koenig, 1738
       Tune: "Alles ist an Gottes Segen"