Hope and Joy...

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. We're still here, I promise! There are so many things I would love to say or post on here, it's just that finding the time to get it done or the words to adequately express my thoughts has been a challenge lately. But I do want to take the time now to share a little of what's been on my heart lately (shocking, I know, since I typically just post pictures). That being said, here goes nothing...

I feel like I have had to grow up a LOT this past year. I feel like I have had to face the reality that sometimes life hurts. That the reality of what we face on this earth is not always easy. That sometimes we or the people we love have to endure immense heartache. And we often don't understand it. But you know what? In the midst of it all, my God has shown me more of himself this past year than I ever could have imagined. He has given me a hope, and a peace, and a longing for Him that I wouldn't trade for the world. I guess I bring this all up to say that, although our hearts are heavy for several people around us right now who are deeply hurting, I am more thankful now than ever for the little tidbits of joy God provides in the midst of the struggles we all face. Things like...

Warm cocoa with my boy:






And going to look at Christmas lights in matching jammies and boots:



And the delightful scent of paperwhites:



And frost covered trees:



And my boys, even if they aren't cooperating for pictures before the church Christmas performance:



I guess, to wrap it up, I want to say that I truly hope you find joy this Christmas in the birth of our Savior, and that you delight in His love for you, and that His little blessings put a smile on your face regardless of your circumstances. That may sound cheesy, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart!