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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (Don't write about the song) (04/16/15)
THE BLESSING BOOK

The early morning light filtered through the glass patio doors. The promise of a beautiful spring day seemed like a cruel joke. I swallowed my first cup of coffee along with the lump in my throat. The divorce was final.

The page blurred as I tried to focus on Psalm 34. “I bless the Lord at all times….and let us exalt His name together…Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…”

The words fell flat. How can I bless the Lord right now? Instead of being a pillow for my heart, it was a problem for my head. I did, in fact, feel a migraine coming on.

The kids would be up soon. Eleven year old Katlin was hurting. How was I going to help her when I was hurting so much? She blamed herself for the divorce, and I didn’t know if I could help her grow up without hating her father. Chad had walked out of our lives, and emptied the bank accounts as he left. What about my David, only six years old? Then there was my baby, sweet April, just three years old.

At 35 years old my life had come to a screeching halt. Thank God I had great computer skills and was a CPA. I had a job offer from H & R Block, and an interview next week.

Thank God for a church family who didn’t throw stones at me, and were there for me when Chad walked out.

Thank God that dad and mom just ‘happened’ to be visiting when I discovered that email and phone number of his present interest. Apparently he had several different ones all through our marriage. Humiliated and disgusted, I wanted to crawl into a hole.

Chad and I met at Briarcrest, a Christian liberal arts college. We attended the same church and the same Christian groups on campus. We both like sports. We fell in love, and marriage followed.

Now 14 years later I was left as a single mom to raise three children on my own.

I flipped the pages of my Bible. My eyes fell on I Thess. 5:18 “In everything give thanks…”

I realized I had a choice. I could believe and obey God’s Word - Bless HIM at all times, and give thanks in everything. Or I could continue with my pity party. I made my choice.

I picked up my new journal and opened it. “The Blessing Book” I wrote in big bold letters. Morning by morning I would write down every blessing I could think of that God had given me in the last 24 hours.

But this morning I would start out in a general way – “The Blessings God has given me.”
1. My salvation.
2. The Lord Jesus is my best friend
3. The Bible in my own language
4. A great church family.

About that time April wandered into the room with “ blankie” in hand, and climbed up in my lap. I planted a kiss on her check and gave her a great big hug.

“Good morning, sweetheart.” I smiled, and gently removed the thumb from her mouth and wiped the sleepy from her eyes.

I stopped, and realized that not all God’s blessings are of a spiritual nature.

5. Katlin, David and April
6. Good health
7. A decent car
8. Parents who are there for me, and gave me a godly Christian background
9. A good education
10. My computer skills

The list could go on and on. April slipped off my lap and ran off to play.

As I looked out the window I saw a red Camry pull out of our driveway. I didn’t recognize the car, and went to check. Who was that? It was almost seven now, and everyone was headed for work. Perhaps they pulled in the wrong driveway to pick someone up for work?

I opened the door to investigate further. There on the front porch were five grocery sacks of goodies. As I reached down to pick up the first sack, I spotted an envelope tucked inside. I carried in the bag, and opened the envelope. I caught my breath. Out fell five crisp one hundred dollar bills.

After putting the groceries away, I went back to the journal. Through tears I wrote “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Ps. 118:24(NIV)
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This article has been read 716 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Danae Frank
04/23/15
I love this! It is so familiar to me, as this is what happened with my own parents! When my father left our family, my mom had to make a decision- to trust God, or to get angry and do things her own way. It is during times like this that God tests our hearts, and rewards us when we choose to trust him! Such a powerful story, and I have personally seen time and again the rewards of a faithful heart to Him. Great Job!
Ashley Rowland
04/23/15
Your article brought tears to my eyes. It hits pretty close to home for me, too. My husband's first wife left him in much the same manner. He has struggled to find the blessings in the midst of the pain although I try to point out anything that comes to my mind.

Your Blessing Book is a really good idea. It may help my husband, and I may start doing it, too. I had started doing something like it around Thanksgiving, but it wouldn't hurt to do it year-round.

Thank you and good job. God bless!
C D Swanson 
04/23/15
Superb entry filled with a heartfelt message. I loved your idea of the book.
Well done...nicely written too.

God bless~
Amy Gaudette 
04/25/15
I liked everything you wrote here. It seemed to flow well, and is a great reminder we can find God in the midst of any storm. Thank you.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/26/15
This is a powerful piece. I know divorce isn't always an easy subject to talk about, but you do a wonderful job.

My red ink is be careful of POV shifts. The reader can only see, know, or hear what the MC sees, knows or hears. Instead of telling that the daughter is hurting show it with something like:It seemed like my daughter forgot how to smile. My heart aches for her as she moped about the house with her head down as she shuffled down the hall. I know that may push up the word count, but there are other places you can trim.

You did a nice job of this. It's definitely on topic and will help many people who struggle with divorce. Great job.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/30/15
Congratulations! Happy Dance!
C D Swanson 
04/30/15
Congrats

God bless~
Loni Bowden-Horn 
04/30/15
Beautifully written story. I could feel the emotional pain of your divorce. The blessing journal is a great idea. If you're having a bad day you can see what God has done.
Trudy Newell
04/30/15
Hi - Trudy here. I fail to indication that the story is fiction - but the 'Blessing Book' is real.
Catherine Craig
05/01/15
When a piece I have written is mistaken for true I feel mixed emotions. guilt for it not, yet glad it was written that powerfully. We too have a "blessing book" and run to it daily.
Catherine Craig
05/01/15
When a piece I have written is mistaken for true I feel mixed emotions. guilt for it not, yet glad it was written that powerfully. We too have a "blessing book" and run to it daily.