Oh HI there!!
I know I know, I might seem a little bruised and beat up but I have a secret!
2016 might have tried to crush me to pieces but something amazing happened.

I finally let go.
The surrender of finally breaking.

I finally found a peace I never knew available.

Been a hard year beloved?
Yea… Me too.

I feel like we have gone from one traumatic tragedy to the next…
2 miscarriages.  ER & ICU visits for me and different family members.  Financial struggles, relational challenges, depression, hopelessness… You name it!  OH and this week a LOVELY car accident to put a little icing on the top… My natural tendency is to panic and FREAK OUT!

But I feel the Lord whisper that there is another and a better way.

What is it you ask?

GRATITUDE.

Yup. That’s right.
Gratitude.

Oh man… there she goes… giving us the “lets all just ignore whats going on and walk in the opposite direction talk”… But Rachael my life has been HARD!

Yes friend.
It HAS been hard.

But did you know that He has been with you the whole time?
I know… I didn’t realize it either till I finally let myself BREAK.

Its inside out and upside down, but gratitude is a beautiful weapon of our warfare against the schemes, trials and assaults of the enemy.

To overcome obstacles, walk in gratitude.
Tired of fighting depression and anxiety, declare gratitude.
Want to wake up in the morning and not stay in bed ALL DAY, SHOUT OUT GRATITUDE.

GRATITUDE:
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Seems easy enough.  Right?
Well, that is till your world come crashing down!

Yet in the midst of all the trials and heartache we have gone through this year, something has shifted inside of me.  I find myself telling God what I am thankful for in the midst of the pain.  His mercy really is new every morning.  The fact that I have 2 beautiful babies waiting for me… PRAYING for me in heaven.  The miracle that I didn’t slip into a coma or die in that ICU room.  The depth of love and trust that has been built through trial by fire in my husband and I’s relationship.  All things that could have been brushed aside.

BUT GOD.

What does it even look like have a heart alive in love, trusting completely and knowing that His Word says…

And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him,who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (emphasis mine)

ALL THINGS.

Not some things.
Or just the GOOD things.
Nor the I perfectly pinterest packaged together things.

ALL THINGS.

Do you believe it friend?
That even when you feel broken, He can see the end from the beginning?
He knows the end of the story and is creating something beautiful in you?

When things were easy and effortless it never stuck as deep.
Oh I looooooove Jesus… but didn’t really NEED Him.

OUCH.

The beauty of brokenness causes us to see that through the good & bad, broke & beautiful, bruised and battered, He is forging gratitude in me.

Gratitude in ALL THINGS.  Not just the promotions, but the trials.

So to you dear heart, HOLD ON.
Hold onto your faith.
Let your heart fall into His and know that He has you.
Don’t force a thankful heart but look at what He HAS DONE.

For you are BEAUTIFUL.
Breathtaking.
Loved.
Cherished.
Fought for.

Let gratitude rest in your heart and carry you through the storm.

He’s not about your breaking in this season but MAKING you into something beautiful.

And I am right there with you.

xox,