Lately I have taken a step of aggression towards my ex-husband. I have filed for a bill of review to open up the child support case that was closed when he was in default for not having paid me the correct amount.

I knew that this would be a divisive action in my family. I have always been the one who was giving. I never was the one who was a taker.

This is hard for my children to see me but I have no choice. This is a matter of survival.

Just yesterday I got a notice from the AG of Texas that they had liquidated my IRA account for close to $7,000. That was the only account I had left that I had as a security net.

I didn’t think they were allowed to touch that because that was not income. My broker stated that he had never seen that happen to anyone.

In the past I have let this situation take me to the brink of despair.

I have learned to block negative thoughts. The only thoughts I allow at this point are thoughts of survival.

I would have every right to feel persecuted, singled out and paranoid about living through this assault by the AG of Texas. Most people would not have survived the kind of crap I have had to survive in the past 6 years.

My ex has turned my children against me because even though he has three houses and multiple cars he plays the victim role extremely well. He is a manipulative con artist. He is also very selfish and greedy.

My children have always come to me for financial help because of his selfishness but due to the recent events that have transpired I have to turn them away when they ask for help because I don’t have any more to give.

During this season of Thanksgiving it is tempting to not be thankful, but that is not what this season is about.

So I will list my blessings, as few as they may be and ask for God to increase them as I thank Him for what I have left.

My blessings are as follows:

I have a beautiful home which I enjoy immensely.

I have a car which is a wonderful vehicle to drive.

I have eight cats which are purr machines and comfort me many times throughout the day.

I have great friends.

I have a blog that is successful beyond anything I ever imagined.

I have a God who does not care whether or not I have money. He cares how I handle this trial  and whether my money is my God.

I have a church which feeds my soul and nourishes my heart.

I have good health.

I have three healthy children. Praise God for that.

I have beautiful gardens which I have tended to and spent a lot of time on around my house. God is so gracious to direct butterflies and hummingbirds to my oasis which brings me such unbridled joy.

I have parents which are still living and I love them.

I have wonderful siblings who I love with all of my heart and the in-laws in my family are terrific.

I have faith in God that although I don’t see him working through this currently, I know that He is using this to perfect my character and that is much more important than money.

I have opportunities presented to me through the avenue of friends which can become income producers in my life.

I have neighbors which are kind and loving.

I have a fellowship of believers that I meet within my neighborhood which I have found much comfort in.

I have been blessed with the gift of writing. Considering the fact that words are so important to God that He spoke most of creation into existence, I consider this a very valued gift.

I have a God who loves me and I know that He has a calling on my life and I know He has a purpose for me to fulfill.  I know that it is only when I fully became aware of his purpose that the devil unleashed this horrible evil in my life.  So my thoughts are that He has something totally amazing that I am to do, if He didn’t the devil wouldn’t even care.

I know that God will take revenge on the people who have been used to work against His purpose in my life.

I know that a fight for justice is never easy but it is always right.

I have a dear friend who brings me food so I will not starve and he makes the most amazing food ever.

I also know that before a victory is reached there is a deep darkness you must prevail through to see the brilliant light at the end of the tunnel.

I have learned that to entertain self destructive thoughts is to grab the hand of the devil instead of jumping into the embrace of God.

As God has allowed people to attack me He has also surrounded me with people to defend me and build me up.

Oh my goodness, did I say I just had a “few” blessings?  I guess once you start counting them they start multiplying.

In addition to all of the above blessings I want to extend an embrace of thankfulness to each and every one of you who have followed or visited my blog. I truly value every single person who has taken the time out of their busy schedule to read my blog. I hope that it has been an enlightening and comforting experience for you.

As you can tell by my list I am quite blessed I value the blessings of my readers in very high regard.

I wish you all peace and joy, full tummies and a good nap this Thanksgiving! HUGS TO ALL!