Here we are, on the last day of 2013.  Can you believe it?

   We are freshly home from our vacation to Florida, and it has taken me a bit to recover, regroup, and even THINK about logging onto my blog.  But the girls are sleeping and I think I am up for one last post in this marvelous year, before we start a brand spankin' new one.

   I have MUCH to catch up on.  Jocelyn's 3rd birthday, days in the sun, family reunions and airplane rides….but for today, the only thing I really want to do is a good ol' 2013 year-in-review.  I've done it a couple of times before, (see last year's over here)  and it never ceases to remind me of the many blessings we've been given, and all of the wondrous things God has done for us.

   I'm still asking God to give me a "word" for 2014, but I think I know what my verse is.  Psalm 77:11 says, "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago."

    You really need the context of the whole chapter for that verse, but basically, the psalmist is in a dark and painful place, crying out to God for help and rescue.  He speaks of distress, seeking the Lord, groaning and growing faint.  He wonders….""Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion? Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High." 

    And that is precisely when he decides to remember what the Lord has done for him.  To remember His miracles of long ago.  Because you see, even if we are going through a dry and weary place and it feels like God is no where to be found, we can always look into the past and see Him.  Sometimes it feels so hard to look into the future and find rest, hope.  So look into the past!  REMEMBER the times He has been there for you.  Come through for you.  Remember the miracles He has done.  The times He has saved you from the pit.  The times He has set your feet on a solid rock.  And by looking back upon all that He has done for you and brought you through, you will find hope. You will find joy.  And you will be able to look ahead, for the wonders and miracles that are still to come.



January


Lots of time indoors due to some sickness.

February……..

   We are truly blessed with wonderful in-laws and family out here.  With most of my family far away, it is such a huge help and support to have a Grandma and Grandpa near that my children adore, and I never worry a bit that they are in excellent hands when I need to leave them.  Not to mention that these little ones are going to have SO much fun growing up with so many cousins close to their age.  In my childhood, my cousins were some of my VERY BEST friends and we made the absolute greatest memories, so I am so excited to watch these friendships grow and develop. 

   Right now we might be working on the whole "playing nicely" concept, but I can envision sleepovers, treehouse explorations, tea parties, fort building, and all sorts of lovely times in their future.  I am thankful for my families, both near and far.