The theme this week from Tara over at Sticky Fingers is ‘What I am grateful for.’ The reason behind this theme is that Chris from Thinly Spread is off to Mozambique with Save the Children to help raise awareness of vaccinations. I wrote one of the pass it on posts created by Red Ted Art and the most important thing you can do to help is sign the petition.
I have however, found this week quite challenging because there are actually many things I am grateful for. My children and husband for one, and the amazing creation of new life. However maybe this is too obvious? I then thought about all our basic needs like water, food and shelter, again all of which I am completely grateful for, but again is this not an easy option? I didn’t want to sound shallow and say my make-up (although I am very grateful for this and it is very much needed; maybe I am a little shallow?) and I didn’t also want to sound like I was taking the mickey, especially when my husband suggested toothpaste after I had eaten the most garlic of all breads tonight. I really wanted something to reflect me.
What I have come up with is really pivotal in a lot of my decision making. It gives me comfort, hope and much joy. It is, in fact my faith. You may be surprised by this, it is not really something I have mentioned before. My faith is quite private to me; I am not shying away from it, I just only talk about it when asked (until now that is). However it seems quite appropriate for this somehow. It has assisted me through some very tough times particularly when we thought my little chilled out boy had Downs Syndrome. My faith puts things into perspective for me. It enables me to balance the need to dismiss my problems because others are far worse off, or actually value them and deal with them, because my problems however small are just as valid as anybody else. So I give you this, my church in the snow this Christmas. All my children have been Christened here. We do not go every week, I do not read the bible every night and I make mistakes, I am sure, regularly and do not pretend otherwise. I do however believe. It give me hope. For that I am grateful.

Absolutely lovely. xxx
Sorry I got distracted and posted too early! I meant to say it is lovely that you have such strong faith and it helps you during difficult times. H was Baptised last weekend and I really want to make the church part of our lives too. x
That's lovely
Faith certainly helps you through the tough times xx
What a Lovely post, x
What a lovely post x
What a lovely post and a beautiful post. It is wonderful that your faith helps you get through tough times. xx
Lovely post and lovely picture cant believe you got a white christmas jealous much!
What a lovely thoughtful post.I too am grateful for my makeup alongside family and friends. And as loveinthenest says, Faith helps through tough times and I am glad it has helped you through yours x
Gorgeous post!
x
That is a great take on the theme. I'm glad your faith has helped you through the tough times. xxx
A great post and photograph. With faith is hope and the Save the Children campaign is definitely one of hope for a better future for millions of children.
Lump in my throat after reading that. Lovely post.
Beautiful post; faith must be such a guiding source and a comfort to have.
Such a lovely post Kerry and even though I'm not religious I understand how faith helps people.
xx
p.s. Thank you SO much for your beautiful words on my post, they brought a tear to my eye
Having a strong faith must make a difference when things get tough. So many things to be grateful for. It's amazing x
Well done on taking a risk and sharing what your faith brings to your life.
The picture is just beautiful. A lovely, honest post
Really lovely post! (by the way I am following you now too!)x
Beautiful picture! xxx
That's a really open and heartfelt post. Faith must be a great comfort. I really like your snowy photo too x
lovely post, lovely pic, and so honest. Nat
Beautiful picture, churches always look so pretty no matter the weather they are surrounded by.
Beautiful church, wonderfully captured in a gorgeous snow scene.
Not a person of faith myself but I always half-envy those who have it. It's so fantastic that you have something to as you say, help put things into perspective when things are tough. I think faith is a great gift. xXx
Ahh…we've chatted about this before and I totally agree, faith is something to be very grateful for…I was very lucky to be raised in a faith filled environment and it has definitely had a hugely positive impact on my life. If you ever fancy trying out a new church, you're more than welcome to ours…it is ace there – friendly and welcoming and not at all 'churchy' 😀 x
lovely post, a great thing to be thankful for
Ahh…we've chatted about this before and I totally agree, faith is something to be very grateful for…I was very lucky to be raised in a faith filled environment and it has definitely had a hugely positive impact on my life. If you ever fancy trying out a new church, you're more than welcome to ours…it is ace there – friendly and welcoming and not at all 'churchy' 😀 x
Beautiful church, wonderfully captured in a gorgeous snow scene.
Not a person of faith myself but I always half-envy those who have it. It's so fantastic that you have something to as you say, help put things into perspective when things are tough. I think faith is a great gift. xXx
Absolutely lovely. xxx
[…] is ok I am very confident in my faith and I have briefly talked about this before when discussing things I was grateful for but fundamentally I believe in a sense of good prevailing evil, helping others, living your […]