It’s been a while since I participated in  Thankful Thursday , but I’m in the book of Phillipians right now, which has an overarching theme of joy in the midst of hardships.

While I can’t say that I have struggled quite to the degree of Paul when he wrote this, I do feel convicted that his faith allowed him to pour out joy in the midst of his struggles.  It seems even though I struggle less than he did, I also rejoice less than he did – which is why participating in this will help train me to look at all of the blessings around me and let those begin to drown out the negativity and pressures in my life.  Here goes:

1.  Our New Home: This weekend we finally got to move into our new place, which has been very exciting.  I feel creativity and freedom that I can set up furniture and decorate where I want, and it has allowed me to view my life here in Raleigh less temporary.

2.  Longer Days: Just when work got difficult, we had daylight savings time, which allows me to see the sun when I get off of work.  This, along with a string of nice weather has allowed me to feel uplifted after a long day at a computer.

3.  Community Group: My church has small groups called community groups and we meet every Wednesday night.  Slowly it has become a place where people feel more and more comfortable, and last night people really opened up and shared some questions that I have always struggled with as a Christian.  It was one of the most uplifting parts of my week thus far, and it further solidified why community within the church is important.

I know there is more, but I have to run to work!