My Day - #71-72

Today I am thankful for ... I don't know... Pain meds are dulling my senses as well as thoughts... I guess I'm thankful for medicine that takes the edge off the pain.(#71) Usually that just means a muscle relaxer at bedtime but for the past few days, it has meant something a little stronger a couple times a day.  

I only accomplished one of my goals today...  I was scheduled to go into the city for a doctor appointment.  I felt so crummy that I didn't think it wise to drive and since A had an appointment here in town, I cancelled.   I had volunteered to watch a preschool age boy for a friend as her father's memorial service was today.  I was able to do that.  I didn't prepare dinner as planned... I changed the meal plan to something simpler and M cooked dinner. (I'm thankful that there was enough money to cover a last minute change of dinner plans so close to the end of the month.#72)   

How was your day?  

Flowers

I bought flowers the other day at the store.  It was an impulse buy and I really couldn't afford it, but I allow myself an occasional impulse buy if it is under $10.  Not much makes the cut.  The flowers were on sale and for a fleeting moment when I saw them and purchased them, I was smiling.(#63)  Every time I catch a glimpse of them sitting on the table, I sense a peace washing over my soul,(#64) reminding me that God sees me(#65) and loves me(#66) and wants what is best for me.(#67)  I am reminded that life goes on and that even when I'm grieving or overwhelmed by difficult circumstances there is beauty in this world He created.(#68)  We humans have messed things up and sometimes it seems as if there is more pain, more evil than good and then I catch a glimpse of flowers on the kitchen table and I remember that God is still in control of this seemingly out-of-control world.(#69)  And because of that, I can hold on one more day.(#70) 

My Day - #61-62

Today I am thankful for a good book to read.(#61)  I am reading "Boundaries" by Drs Couch and Townsend.  It's worth reading. It was suggested from the pulpit on Sunday for anyone who had ever experienced abuse or was in a difficult relationship currently.  I'm only on chapter two.  I have been encouraged that I am doing well establishing boundaries, growing and healing.(#62)  I have learned a few strategies to make setting those boundaries easier.  

I didn't accomplish much today.  I'm not feeling well so I spent the morning resting on the couch or sleeping.  I then spent the afternoon watching little ones downstairs in their apartment.  It was fun.  It was also tiring and left me more achy than I started the day.   

My Day - #53-60

I am tired and achy - beginning to get sick.  That will put this daily commitment to record something positive each day to the test for sure.  It is difficult to write when life is as emotionally draining as it has been lately.  Throw in illness and I'm not sure my brain will compute enough to actually get words out in a coherent order.  

So... today I am thankful that I have found a link to a Bible study that my new church posts each day!(#53)  I love having direction that helps me digest and apply the sermons on Sunday to my life throughout the week.  I also enjoy being able to listen to sermons when I am too sick to attend!(#54)  It allows me to feel connected and grow even when I'm too sick to attend church.  My mind is still a bit muddled from the concussion and I don't always understand the passages or explanations given, but I'm still thankful to be able to read it.  

I accomplished quite a bit today(#55) - a few appointments (three to be exact), a bit of babysitting, picking up books from the library (consequently I am also thankful for our library),(#56) and some cleaning.  However, I am beginning to realize that my to-do list accomplishments are far less important than they seem.(#57)  Rather my focus, even while accomplishing those things, needs to be on Christ.  I love how He is weaving into every facet of my life again.(#59)  I am saddened by the realization that I had pushed Him out and so thankful that He is the God of second (and third and fourth and ...) chances.(#60)  

How was your day?  

Sunday Summary - Finding Harmony

We switched churches in the fall.  Today marks only the second time I have been able to go and the first time I was healthy enough to sit through the entire service.(#51)  I like our new church.  I like our new pastor.  Right now he is doing a series on  "Hide and Seek."  The overall theme is that we should take time to hide from everyday distractions and seek Christ.

Today's message was on finding harmony, specifically seeking to have harmony in relationships with other people.  He referenced quite a few scriptures but the main text was from Matthew 7.  This really applies to my life right now and consequently it was hard to hear.  However, the message was still helpful.(#52)  Just because I don't want to hear something doesn't mean I don't need to hear it.

A Look Back - June 2013

In June, shortly after her 18th birthday, Miracle signed up to be a Mary Kay consultant.  She was quite excited.  She is working hard and building a customer base right now.  

This and That

I'm tired and just want to go to bed but as I head that direction, there is a tugging reminding me that I made a commitment so here I am...

Today was calmer than many of late which is appreciated(#38) although it feels a bit like the calm that comes between thunderstorms one right after the other.  The stillness that is almost as if the air itself is trying not to exist.  That is what today feels like.  (2 Samuel 22:2-3 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.)(#39)

The sadness has begun to envelope me in such a way that I feel smothered, grasping for a way out, looking for a light in the darkness, searching for some relief from the pain and gasping for air.  It is, after all, January. 

The fear that used to be a constant companion in my life keeps knocking.  I keep reminding it that it doesn't belong in my life anymore while reminding myself that I am safe but little good that does in the middle of the night when I wake up trembling.  (Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.)(#40)

I am encouraged when I look back over this last month and count how many posts had Jesus at the center, or at least a passing mention in the peripheral.(#41) 

Yesterday a friend sent me a quote, a bit of encouragement to remind me that I am doing good.(#42) 

I am thankful that today was a calm day.(#43)  I am thankful that I know the sadness will end.(#44)  I am thankful that fear is not my constant companion anymore.(#45)  I am thankful for friends.  But mostly, I am thankful for the way that God brings scripture to mind(#46) and I see Him weaving into every moment of my life.(#47) (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.)

I didn't accomplish much today.  I was in pain early on and took medication knowing I would sleep but hoping I would accomplish at least something.  I encouraged a friend.  I helped a neighbor.  The house is slightly cleaner than it was last night.(#49)  So, I accomplished a little but not much.  Somehow that seems OK.  The things I did today mattered.(#50)  People's lives were impacted.  That's something, isn't it?

Friends

A friend came by today and we were able to chat for a couple of hours.  That was nice.(#36)  We haven't been able to really spend time together since last spring.  I really enjoyed the chance to visit and needed the opportunity to express things going on in life that are more private and not mentioned here.  She had some good ideas and insight and when she left, I felt encouraged rather than defeated like I did before she arrived.  I am so thankful for our friendship.  Sometimes I stand back in awe that God saw fit to bring us together.  I thank God for all the people I am blessed to call my friend.(#37)  

Proverbs 27:9 - Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

My Day - #34-35

This is when the commitment I made - to find something I am thankful for and record it each day - is truly put to the test.  Today was hard.  I am drained of all energy and emotion.  My mind became so overloaded that it has shut down and I struggle to find words to create cohesive thoughts.  I am empty - completely empty.

...

Today I am thankful ... God, I really don't know how to put into words anything that I am thankful for.  Giving thanks requires me to have something left to give and I wouldn't have breath right now if it weren't for you sustaining me.  I guess that is where I start... I am thankful that God gives me breath(#34) and the will to fight for life and those I love.(#35)

I guess that's it.  How was your day?

Words of Life - John 1:5

This week's verse.  

Retail Therapy

I have never understood why people shop when they are stressed.  The whole idea of spending money I don't have to make me less sad has never appealed to me.  But today, I finally understand what retail therapy is all about.  

I have been sad for several weeks and getting sadder by the day.  This will pass I know.  I even know why it is happening.  Jackie left this earth to be with Jesus exactly 373 days ago.  Every single one of the last 400 days has been hard. (I saw her for the last time on December 17, 2012.) The grief became easier to bear after a while but has done a complete u-turn and slapped me in the face for the last 34 days.  Today was the hardest yet.  I know it will ebb and flow as time goes on.  Right now, though, I feel as if I am drowning in sorrow.  

So, back to the idea of retail therapy... Miracle applied for a job at Buckle today.  We expect she will be hired.  So, in preparation for the "dress code" we went to Goodwill and scoured the racks for Buckle brand clothing.  She spent $26 on 1 pair of jeans and 4 shirts.  I spent $5 on 2 pair of jeans and 3 shirts for her.  It felt really good to get the clothes home and search on the Internet for their retail prices and know we got them for a steal!  And in that moment I wasn't consumed with the grief that is threatening to swallow me whole.(#33)  So I get it.  I finally understand the benefits of retail therapy - even if I still don't understand spending money you don't have to buy something you don't need.  :)

Same Station, Different Day

When I began the memorization, I decided to start my week on Sunday... but since I am linking up with the author of the study, I need to move those posts to Wednesday because that is when she is posting the study of the verse each week... the verse I posted last week will be discussed and re-posted this Wednesday.  

Sadly, although I am trying to read her blog, especially in regards to this topic, my brain still doesn't comprehend the written word easily and her writing boggles my mind.  Nevertheless, I would suggest those of you who aren't recovering from an annoying concussion to check out what she has to say on the matter.  Concussions complicate everything.  

A Look Back - Prom April 26, 2013

Burdened

We all carry burdens.  

My friend's dad is still in the hospital - specifically ICU.  He is making some improvements but it is slow going.  

Another friend is struggling in so many ways... his wife has Huntington's and he just lost his income.  

Another friend is facing family struggles and yet she feels she can't really open up about the issues to anyone.

I have given two mirrors away in the last month.  This is significant only because the pocket mirrors I had contained the number of a hotline for abused women to call if they were in trouble.  I had held on to those mirrors for 6 months waiting for the right person to give them to and then gave 2 away within days of each other.  

Another friend misses her husband dearly as he is overseas.  

Another friend is concerned for the safety of his son who just reenlisted and went back to the front lines.  

Some carry only their own burdens and my heart hurts all the more for those people because when I am only carrying my burdens, I often forget to share them with Christ.  And when I am not sharing the burdens of others, mine seem magnified.  The more I pray for my friends and the more I find little ways to help carry their burdens, the lighter mine become.(#32) 

Maybe that's why Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

And in Galatians 6:2 the Bible says, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Balance

Today was productive.  I am thankful for that.(#27)  Angelica went out and picked up quarters from the bank so I was able to do laundry.  Miracle worked on cleaning her room and sifting through to see what she wants to get rid of.  Angelica watched the little ones at their house instead of ours.  This allowed me to rest more and therefore accomplish more.(#28)  Today was also calm.  Calm is good so I am thankful for that. (#29) We had appointments scheduled in the morning but neither Angelica or I were up to driving into the city so I cancelled.  

Someone came to pick up a few things that I had posted on freecycle, getting them out of the house.(#30)  It is such a balancing act: deciding what to give away and what to sell.  Giving things away gets them out of the house more quickly, but selling them provides some much needed funds.  The bad thing is that those funds are often spent buying secondhand things that we need to facilitate organization of what we are keeping.  Maybe that's not such a bad thing after all. 

I find that balance is difficult to obtain in all areas of life.  How much time should I spend teaching the girls academic subjects versus how much time to spend preparing them for life outside of school?  I've done fairly well teaching them life skills around the house such as cleaning, cooking, and managing money.(#31)  However, just today I realized that Miracle hasn't yet learned the life skill of applying for a job.  We will remedy that tomorrow.  She may never need that skill with her current goals and pursuits, but I think I should teach her just in case things change for her.  

Best Laid Plans

Yesterday didn't end until 3:30.  You would think with an extra three and a half hours in my day, I could have fit in a few minutes here.  I didn't and realized just how much I need this moment to say what I am thankful for during a day and to evaluate my accomplishments.  

Today I am thankful for an outlet like this,(#22) a place to be able to express even simple menial things that probably no one but me is interested in and I am thankful that it actually helps me to gain and maintain proper perspective.(#23)  

Today was a hard day, partially because of how late yesterday ended I'm sure.  But there were good parts, too.  I went to physical therapy today and did a reevaluation test.  My vestibular system and brain function have improved dramatically since starting pt.(#24)  A few more weeks and I should be back to normal.  I wish we had known about this when Miracle had her brain injury, but understanding the significance of even minor trauma on the brain was just beginning five years ago and now there are clinics devoted to healing it.  Medical understanding of how to help the brain heal has come a long way in the last five years.(#25)  Rest is key.  Especially initially.  But after a period of rest, there are quite a few exercises one can do to regain what was lost.  I am thankful for this.(#26)  

My Day - #20-21

Today I am thankful for a gift card for groceries.(#20)  It is a nice reminder that God provides all our needs. (#21)

As far as a goal, I am still sick, so I just wanted to rest and get better.  

However, I read a quote that is likely to change my outlook regarding my yearlong goal: "A daily devotion is better than a yearly resolution."  Rather than looking at it as an accumulative "score" for the year which can be quite discouraging when battling so much sickness, I just need to remember to choose to be daily devoted to Christ.  The rest will come as my devotion increases.   

How are you doing today?  Is there anything you want to publicly thank God for?

Words of Life - John 1:5

This week's verse.  

A Look Back - January 2013

This time last year, my girls were in full swing preparing for fine arts festival.  I snapped a picture of Angelica as she was making a tape sculpture - her first attempt at 3-D art.

Probably TMI

I realized last night while I lay on the couch unable to sleep in between bouts of sickness exactly why I stopped blogging.  It's simple really: I was told to.  Almost two years ago now, I was served with papers from the girls' father - long story that I will never bore you all with here - and my attorney "suggested" I refrain from posting anything online.  And yet when the case was "resolved" I didn't pick it up again.  I even know why - another story I will likely never bore you all with.  

This reemergence into blogging comes with a reason.  Simply, I figure it will be easier to blog and therefore keep Miracle connected to our life at home if I reestablish this habit ahead of time.  So the very surface reason for my reemergence into the blogging world is to provide Miracle with a means to know about our lives when she is in Southern Asia.  

However, there is another reason and that one truly bears explanation - even if it bores you.  ;)  At the beginning of last year, the girls and I started a blessings jar.  We wrote down every blessing no matter how small every night at dinner.  That lasted only until life became hectic and dinners were rushed.  Sometime after we quit recording those things, I decided that I wanted to record at least one thing that I was thankful for on a daily basis.  (Before I ran over my camera with the car last spring, I had also intended to have a random photo posted each day as well.) If I have something to say, I'll blog about it and in so doing I almost always convey something that is good in my life.  If I don't, I will give the most basic outline of my day.  

My Day

Today I am thankful that my girls are capable and managed to run the house(#12) - including watching several kids and a newborn(#13) - while I lay in bed.  I am thankful that my life allows me to volunteer to help a friend out when she needs it.(#14)  I am thankful for the connection we are establishing with a family that reminds me so much of my own.(#15)  

Today, honestly, I didn't have a goal.  Well, maybe to stop vomiting and stay as far away from the little ones as possible.  I accomplished 1/2 of that at least.(#16)  

However, it is my stated goal all year to make Jesus a priority.  Honestly, I don't think I'm doing very good at that.  I am memorizing scripture.(#17)  I am talking to Him more.(#18)  I am finding ways to serve Him in the minutiae.(#19)  I have yet to crack open my Bible, though.  

How was your day?  Is there anything you are truly thankful for? 

Full House!

For the past several days we have had a very full house!  In addition to the children the girls typically watch, I have volunteered us to keep the boys of a friend because her dad is in the hospital.  Thankfully, they have finally figured out what is wrong and it is treatable!(#11)  

This picture doesn't show everyone, but it does show most of the children.  :)  I just realized they are seated in age order!  Too cute!

Concussion

Today was difficult on so many levels.  It started with me unable to wake up and take Miracle to the city for appointments.  I truly mean UNABLE.  Having a concussion stinks.  Having a third concussion before the first two heal is even worse.  I am struggling to concentrate, everything is blurry, and the only thing my brain wants to do is sleep.  Seriously.  Sleep.  I would do quite well existing like a newborn:  sleep, eat, repeat.  But I'm not a newborn.  I'm a mother.  And mothers have to function.  So today started out difficult.  

Then, when I could finally wake up, I had a headache that puts migraines to shame.  Trust me.  I know exactly what a migraine feels like.  A concussion headache is in it's own category and it is FAR WORSE than any migraine I have ever suffered from.  So, I had an unbearable headache with a distinct inability to focus my eyes or my mind and I had to DRIVE.  Because I am a mother and things needed to be done and Angelica was having an autistic moment so she couldn't do those things.  (That can be discussed in another post entirely.  One day.  Maybe.)  So I drove.  Not necessarily the best decision, but not sure I really had another option.  

After that I tried to rest, knowing Miracle was going to need me to drive her into the city later for the appointments that had to be rescheduled from morning.  But the little ones the girls babysit had arrived and there was no chance of sleep or even rest.  So I got up and interacted with the little ones.  Probably the best part of my day.  How can anyone have a bad day holding a 2 month old?  Or watching 1 and 2 year old children love on that baby?  Or seeing a 6 year old willingly clean up mess that smaller hands had made?  Or listening to a 7 year old patiently talk to little ones?  How could anyone have a bad day in the midst of that?(#10)  

And now?  Now I am left with an unyielding headache and an inability to fall asleep because my skin is hypersensitive to touch and everything feels like needles against my skin.  Air, clothes, hair, blankets.  EVERYTHING.  A million pinpricks making it impossible to rest even though by brain is threatening to shut down and force sleep.  Concussions stink.  

Miracle - Engage My Life

Today Miracle received notification from Assembly of God World Missions that she is one step closer to being accepted as a missionary.(#9)  What exciting news!  As soon as the vetting process is finished, she will be able to begin officially raising funds through AGWM.  Now would probably be a good time to tell you all as much as I can about the program she will be involved in.  

She will be enrolled in online courses through Southwestern University in Waxahachie, Texas.  However, she will be residing in Southern Asia working with a local missionary through a program called Engage My Life.  It is a tremendous idea really.  The program takes college students who are interested in pursing a life in missions and pairs them with a ministry in one of several countries.  Those students then study online while actually doing mission work.  

A few local friends know of her plans and two of them have given her salwaar kameez, the type of clothing she will be expected to wear (pictured in the above link).  Someone also blessed her with a laptop and Microsoft Office for students.  In addition, she has set up a GoFundMe account as one means of raising support.  

To say that I am proud of the young lady my oldest daughter has become is an understatement!  God has already proven that He will do amazing things for her and in her - now it's time for Him to do amazing things through her!  

Learning

Hello.  Bonjour.  Hola.  

A lot of time around our house has been spent learning recently.  Both girls are of course doing their high school work.  In addition to that, they are both taking a language course at the local college.  Miracle is learning French in class.  Angelica is learning ASL.  

At home in the evenings we are also learning Spanish.  Monday through Friday, the girls watch Busy Bee (age 2) and Doc McStuffins (age 7) from 2 until 12.  When the girls first began coming to our house Busy Bee knew no English.  She spent the first hour and a half each day pointing to things saying, "Y esta?" and I would answer in English.  Things were a bit easier once Doc got in from school but there was still some struggle for her on English words as well.  Busy Bee has learned quite a bit of English, we have learned quite a bit of Spanish, and all in all we are communicating well now.  Most things come out of our mouths in Spanish, then English, then often with a spattering of sign language thrown in when we are talking to the little ones.  Angelica is doing the best at picking up Spanish.  

In addition to Busy Bee and Doc, the girls watch Baby Girl (age 1) a few days a week. While she is here both she and Busy Bee are learning to share and use words to express their needs.  Baby Girl's mother is autistic so we worked primarily on learning to recognize and express emotion.  Words cannot convey how excited the girls and I were the first time Baby Girl squealed in delight.(#7) 

We have also realized that in addition to learning language, we need to understand culture.  When Busy Bee and Doc first started coming, Doc would phrase everything as a statement rather than a question.  For example she might say, "I can't have that"  rather than "Can I have that?"  Written out it appears to be a statement, but her inflection almost always sounded like a question.  We had to teach her that in English you actually have to ask the question.  Several months later, we realized that stating questions was a cultural norm for her.  

Doc is doing much better in school since coming to our house.(#8)  At the beginning of the year, she went to her ELL class several times a week.  I haven't seen ELL homework in over a month!  That means she has a much better grasp on the English language.  She has also improved in math, spelling, and reading.  

So it seems we have all been learning.  My girls and I are learning Spanish.  Miracle and Angelica are learning another language as well.  Busy Bee is learning English and how to share.  Doc is learning so many things.  Baby Girl is learning to use language and express emotion.  

What have you learned lately?

Words of Life - John 1:1

I'm starting this year off memorizing scripture as outlined here.  Anyone want to join us?

Love - Hate

I have friends and family who are in relationship with someone of the same sex.  This post is not to rehash what is right or wrong about the choices they have made.  This post is to hopefully compel all of us to reexamine our own hearts and resulting actions.  

Lately when Miracle and I have been in public together I have sensed judgement, seen glances, heard whispered words.  Right now, with her hair dyed black, Miracle doesn't look much like me at first glance. She also looks to be in her mid twenties.  I look younger than my 41 years, often mistaken to be in my mid thirties.  No one assumes we are related.  But the reality that we are together and love each other is undeniable.  So people assume they know the nature of our relationship and we are judged.  

My friends and family involved in same sex relationships have often said that they experience judgement when they are out with their significant other.  I had thought that it was unlikely that they were being judged, rather that they were perceiving  the reactions that they expected to receive.  I now realize that isn't entirely true.  I think sometimes the pain and rejection they have felt clouds their vision and they perceive pain and rejection when none is there.  But I now know that sometimes that rejection and judgement is really there.   

Jesus loves everyone.  Why can't we?

One On One

The girls have taken on quite a few families that they regularly babysit for.  Often this means that we are all home with the girls caring for little ones in the evening.  

However, yesterday I had an appointment in the city and I needed Angelica to drive for me so we took the opportunity to have some one on one time.  We ran some errands and had dinner.  We talked and walked hand in hand.  I enjoyed her presence with nothing else demanding attention from either one of us.(#4)

Today, I left Angelica home while Miracle and I went into the city for some appointments.  We also ran a few errands and just enjoyed hanging out together.  We talked.  We ate food that Angelica is allergic to and we just enjoyed being together.(#5)

It's been a long time since we have had the opportunity to spend time together one on one and I am cherishing these moments even more now than I did when the girls were younger because I am acutely aware that these times are limited and will become less frequent as time passes and the girls continue to grow up.  I am so proud of the young ladies they are.  I am amazed at how blessed I am to have them in my life.(#6)   

My Day - #2-3

Today I am thankful for doctors that can diagnose and treat concussion and resulting injury to the brain much better than they could five years ago!(#2)  It has been a long four months recovering from the concussion received in the accident in August, but I am almost there!(#3)  I can see improvement and know I'm getting better even though there are still things I struggle to be able to do.  

My primary goal for today was to find a time to purposefully spend with God and I didn't make that happen.  I thought of Him and talked to Him as I went throughout my day, but I didn't sit with Him as I would a friend and enjoy His presence, nor did I sit with Him as I would a teacher and soak up His wisdom.  I need to do both of those more often.  

How was your day?  Is there anything you are truly thankful for or anything that you regret?

Priority

I have never been one to pick a word for the year.  I have always thought it was a neat idea, but I haven't been compelled to do it - until now.  Partially I think that is because of how we celebrate Christmas and New Year's Day around our house.  I think my picking a word for the year is also partially about how we celebrated this year, or rather what we didn't do.  This year, Christmas was different.  Miracle was in pain - so much pain that we ended the day at the emergency room.  Angelica and I cleaned the house while Miracle languished on the couch in pain.  We didn't concentrate on having family time.  How could we?  We didn't bake a cake or have a special meal.  And... we didn't sit down and give gifts to Jesus.  It bothered me all day, but as I was going to sleep, I resolved to set the next Sunday aside as a day for Jesus.  And yet, we didn't celebrate Christmas then either.  OUCH!!  So, as today is nearing a close, I realize what I need to give to Jesus as a gift this coming year.  And in so doing, I realize that word needs to define my life in so many areas.  The gift I am giving to Jesus this year is to make Him a priority, something I regretfully haven't done for several years now.  OUCH again!!  

The girls and I, especially Miracle, wanted this Christmas season - and really every event celebrated between September and August of next year - to be perfect.  Miracle will be entering college in the fall but she's not just going to another state - she will be on the other side of planet earth!  AND she won't be able to come home for 11 months!!  This Christmas and New Year were less than perfect and yet I think we have all realized just how perfectly imperfect our lives and celebrations were.  In the midst of the pain and sickness, we all love each other and strive to love Jesus.  In the end, that's what it's all about.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR, my friends.  May your year be filled with the love of Christ and family.  May you always seek Jesus throughout the year.  May you find that one thing that He wants you to spend focusing on this year and pursue it wholeheartedly.

#1-Love of family