thanks...right here

I was tremendously blessed to read this blog entry earlier this year, and even more blessed to worship with Shannon Wexelberg at the Revive '13:  Women Helping Women Conference last month.

As we transition into this Thanksgiving season, we're so prone to thank God for physical and relational blessings, for answered prayers, for things going our way.  I am so challenged and encouraged by this beautiful reminder that even in the midst of the pain, the difficulty, and the situation we never would have chosen for ourselves, we can give thanks.  Right here.

For in the dark hours---in the valleys of infertility and loss and change---God has drawn me so close to His heart.  I've come to know Him in ways I never had before.  I'm so very mindful of all I would have missed had it not been for those hard times.  He's here, dear one.

Read Shannon's blog post, download her song, and be blessed!

Oh, and here's a short video featuring a bit of her song and her story: