While 2019 certainly had its challenges, it would be unfair to not recognize all of the blessings and good things that came out of 2019. You see, even in the darkness, there have been gimmers of light.
-First, all of the amazing people who supported us while walking through my Mom’s surgeries, Cancer diagnosis and Hospice stay. It was a heavy, heavy load, but SO MANY people surrounded us and helped out where they could. Meals, childcare, cards, texts, sitting at the hospital with my Mother to relieve me or one of my siblings. Advice, company, prayers, phone calls, support…
Literally every single person who was aware of our situation did what they could to help us. I could not have, we could not have, done this on our own. I am extremely grateful for any part you have played in caring for my family during this time.
Thankful for the support of friends and family in 2019. You have been the good.
-Moments of clarity with my Mother during the last few weeks with her. God answered so many prayers in this area. I will share more later when I share her story in more detail.
-Prozac. Not for me but for Abram. Life changing. This I hesitate to share but many of you have been following us on our “Raising Abram” journey and know some of what we have gone through with him. I haven’t shared any of our recent experiences or struggles because things had gotten so bad that I just couldn’t. So many emotions. I will share the details about this decision with you in the future but know that it was one of the MOST difficult decisions we have had to make as a family. I don’t regret it one bit! Hallelujah- thank you Jesus! <praise hands>
-Nashville! I got to travel to Nashville with a few of my good friends. It was a WONDERFUL trip. It was the perfect respite after a difficult few months. There was laughing, shopping, adventure, dancing, sleeping, great company… just wonderful.
-New House! We know 100% that God brought us to this house. Also a cool story. If you aren’t a Christian but you believe in “signs”, you will also think it is a cool story. Maybe I’ll tell this one another time.
Though parts of moving have been hard, it has also been a huge blessing! Did you know we moved mainly because we needed a place that was more comfortable for my Mom? “Ironic”, right? (=oP ) We were hoping to move when Lucy graduated 5th grade but because my Mom moved in with us we decided to move sooner.
Getting to pick out our own things for our remodel has been cool because we get to make it how we want it, even though the amount of decision making is stressful. We have fruit tress, all of my favorite plants (that were already existing), wildlife, extra snow, new spaces to decorate and a riding lawn mower which is my most favorite thing ever. Please drive by and make fun of me while I am mowing the lawn- it will be easy to do because I always get stuck in a divot or stuck in a bush. Ha
-Two of my very best friends got married! To each other! ❤
-New School= more friends! It has been awesome seeing God answer all of their anxious prayers about their new school. What a blessing it has been to see them transition and flourish.
-Neighbors! Because we aren’t technically in a neighborhood, I was sad about the potentially not having kids in the neighborhood for our children to play with. Well, it took 6 months to discover that there are two girls that live two houses down! I don’t know how we kept missing each other but they are great and so are their parents! I am so happy about this!!
– And again, curtains!
**Thankful for Gods provision, grace, answered prayers, blessings and sustaining power through dark times this year. **
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I have not been promised a life without trials.
James 1:2-4: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
The Bible says WHEN, not IF! We can guarantee that we will see trials in life. Sucks, right?! (I haven’t gotten to the “count it all joy” part yet. Please raise your hand if you have. I would love to have a chat.) ANYWAY… the good news is, WHEN we face trials, we have a God who is with us through it. Either through His power, or using others as his hands and feet.
He for sure has been with me.
Isaiah 43:2: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Hebrews 10:23: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
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