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Giving Thanks Always, for Everything

November 12, 2019 · LIFESTYLE

Giving Thanks Always, for Everything

'Tis the season for giving thanks, and we all have gratitude to express.

But some years bear more weight than others, and when the season of joy and thanks rolls around, our hearts grow hard and bitter about what we've had to go through in the past year.

2019 was a whirlwind for us. We started a business. My husband switched jobs, and I walked away from work that I loved to take the opportunity to work from home. We (finally) got pregnant, then lost the baby in a matter of weeks. 2019 dished out lots of change and challenges that both thrilled and destroyed us. Yet somehow, we've arrived intact at the season of Thanksgiving near the close of the year.

My heart's default setting is to complain about what I don't have in comparison to others. When I see new families smiling in Christmas cards, my heart grows bitter and hard. I was supposed to be sending out that card this year. I get upset when I think about what I gave up in order to serve differently from home. We took some pay cuts to make this work, but for what? I allow myself to divulge into a tailspin of doubt and self-pity, blinding myself from the joy and many blessings I do have.

Have you ever felt this way? Has your year been such a difficult whirlwind that you feel bitter this time of year? You're certainly not alone - but let's call it what it is. It's ungratefulness. It's sin.

 

Giving Thanks Always, for Everything

In Ephesians 5:20, Paul gives the instruction to give thanks to God "always and for everything." So, does that mean we should continually strive to be optimists, always looking for the silver lining in bad situations? Or is Paul actually telling us to thank God for the things that have nearly ruined us?

Is Paul telling me to thank God for my miscarriage? Or for taking your loved one too soon? For the loss of a job or a painful divorce? Should you really give thanks for that empty chair at the Thanksgiving table?

The simple answer: yes.

Why? Because the whole of our lives are to be a living, breathing testimony to what God has already done for us. He deserves our constant thanksgiving for redeeming us from the darkness of our sin. Even though it grinds against our human nature, we can thank Him for these difficult circumstances because He promises that all things, even the hard things, work together for our good (Romans 8:28).

When God orchestrates the trials that affect your life, He is also equipping you with the Spirit, shaping you more and more into His likeness. So as you reflect on your year, including all its blessings and trials, you can thank God for everything. He is sanctifying and preparing your heart for the eternal joy you long for, even in the events that broke your heart.

 

God is good.

And although I fight my own bitterness, jealousy, and ungratefulness this Thanksgiving season, I know that the Lord is refining me. I pray the same for you, that through the circumstances you have been dealt this year, you will be able to give thanks in all things, for everything. He is good, He is worthy, and He is continuing to write your story. And for that, we can be thankful.

 

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving season,

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Giving Thanks Always, for Everything

 

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Find Fall Fun in Louisburg, Kansas | Day 25 of #30DaysOfBlogging

October 3, 2019 · LIFESTYLE

Find Fall Fun in Louisburg, Kansas | Day 25 of 30 Days of Blogging

Fall is finally in the air, and it's the perfect time to head out for some outdoor activities!

This week I took an impromptu trip to Louisburg, Kansas in search of fall fun! Living in Kansas City has been good for us, but my husband and I both grew up in small farm towns just like Louisburg. It was a treat for me to drive down a gravel road and get the old "one-finger-wave" again from other drivers out in the country!

I'm sure Louisburg is beautiful any time of year, but I can see why fall is a special season for this community. With towering trees and beautiful rolling hills, mid-October is the perfect time to take a day trip to the country.

 

First Stop: Louisburg Cider Mill

The Louisburg Cider Mill was such a fun experience and would be perfect for a fun weekend day trip with the family. Here you'll find a sizeable petting zoo, corn maze, pumpkin patch, and of course, the Cider Mill where all the apple goodness is processed!

You're in luck! The Cider Mill is hosting its 41st Annual CiderFest THIS weekend, October 5 & 6, so head on down to the cider mill for some yummy cider, donuts, sodas, and other treats. You can even buy some to take home at the Country Store, open year-round. Check out what I found!

Louisburg Cider Mill
Louisburg Cider Mill
Louisburg Cider Mill
Louisburg Cider Mill
Louisburg Cider Mill
Louisburg Cider Mill
Louisburg Cider Mill
Louisburg Cider Mill
Louisburg Cider Mill
Louisburg Cider Mill

Next Stop: Sunflower Orchards

I found Sunflower Orchards by total serendipity. I was navigating away from the Cider Mill when my GPS lost signal, and I ended up passing a road sign advertising for U-Pick apples! It turns out that you can't pick apples at the Cider Mill, but you can pick them at Sunflower Orchards, only 4 miles from the Cider Mill in Paola, KS.

Lance was very kind in showing me around the orchard and letting me try some of the apples while I was there. It turns out that the orchard also grows peaches in the summer months, so I guess I'll have to come back next summer for that! In the meantime, I enjoyed picking a variety of apples while I was there, despite the fact that it was 90 degrees!

Sunflower Orchards will be featured on the 2019 Fall Farm Tour, so make sure you check that out on October 19-20! You can also find them at the Overland Park Farmer's Market.

Sunflower Orchards
Sunflower Orchards
Sunflower Orchards
Sunflower Orchards

Last Stop: Powell Pumpkin Patch

For a wide variety of pumpkins and a fun corn maze, head over to Powell Pumpkin Patch for an afternoon of family fun! It's a short country drive from the Cider Mill, and it's definitely worth the stop. Their pumpkins are very reasonably priced at 45 cents per pound, and you can find other decorative items like corn stalks and gourds as well. Your kiddos can pick out their ideal carving pumpkin while you pick some colorful options for your decor!

This pumpkin patch only accepts cash or check as of now, so plan accordingly! They are open all October long, so head over while you can!

Powell Pumpkin Patch
Powell Pumpkin Patch
Powell Pumpkin Patch

Get out there and have some fun!

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Find Fall Fun in Louisburg, Kansas | Day 25 of 30 Days of Blogging

 

 

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Fall Fashion Finds | Day 16 of #30DaysOfBlogging

September 24, 2019 · LIFESTYLE

Fall Fashion Finds | Day 16 of 30 Days of Blogging

It's no secret that fall is the season for fashion!

Fall in Kansas City usually starts out like summer, so it takes some serious dedication to pull off the fall look without breaking a sweat! I love the fun patterns, warm colors, and cute accessories of fall fashion.

I've but together a lookbook of some adorable fall fashion finds. Click the images below to shop and get your wardrobe ready for the season!

Happy Shopping!

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Fall Fashion Finds | Day 16 of 30 Days of Blogging

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About Me

Hi, I'm Rachel! I'm a millennial wife and mama loving life in the Midwest. Follow me for lifestyle tips like balanced food, accessible workouts, and personal growth inspiration!

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