Abundance

...my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalms 23:5-6

Today in church, our pastor asked what we would say if someone asked us to describe our lives now that Christ is living in our hearts.  He asked if our answer would be "abundance", and it really got me thinking.  He was making the point that once Jesus comes into our lives, the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, etc.) should start flowing out of us in abundance.  Because that's what Jesus does, right?  He provides us with those things so that we may go out into the world and share those gifts with others.  It is easy to praise Him when things are going "right"...not so easy when things seem to be falling apart.  But even in those falling apart times we should try to recognize all of the beauty that He is bestowing upon us.  And that brings to me to what I was thinking about throughout the entire sermon...my many, many blessings.  Sure, there are things that I wish were different, things that I long for and desire that are currently out of my reach.  But my life, my heart, is still overflowing with thanksgiving.  I know that there is a perfect time for all things, and that in Him, I will find peace when I need it most.  

So, I've decided to call my "Thankful Thursday" posts, "Abundant Sunday".  If you have no idea what I'm talking about, just browse on down a few posts, and it will all become clear :)  I'll start out today with some of the things that are overwhelmingly abundant in my life...

1.  My husband...what a joy to know that Gods hand made him just for me!

2.  The opportunity to travel.  Oh my gosh, I am quite ready to be back in the good 'ole US of A, but what incredible opportunities we have been given to see the world while stationed in England!  We may never be in the position to come back, so I am trying to soak up as much of it as I can while we're here!!

3.  My wonderfully crazy, ever-growing family.  I just love them.  They're great about keeping me in the loop, and sending some much needed Texas love over here when I need it most!

4.  The gorgeous sunset tonight.  It was absolutely breathtaking.

5.  The Christmas wreath (pictured above), sent by my mama, that makes our house just a little bit more festive!!

6.  My friends....they ROCK!

I hope that your Sunday was relaxing and filled to the brim with good things.  I'd love to hear what's "tipping your cup" any time :)

~Amy