“Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them.” ~ Tolstoy
I have found that it is only through loving and serving others, in dying to myself and thinking on the needs of those around me, that I can continue on, one foot in front of the other. It is actually in pouring myself out for others, loving, serving, that I find His presence, peace, and joy most prevalent.
Well, it’s that time of year when the birthdays all hit back-to-back! 🤪
This precious girl turned 15 this week! She’s so sweet and kind, tender and compassionate.
She and Sydnee happened across a picture of an ice cream piano cake that caught her fancy so Sydnee recreated it. It was fun!
Then we all had some fun playing one of her new music games. Pretty hilarious!
What a joy to raise these dear souls! However, I’m watching my children grow and reach new milestones and new events and suddenly I feel old.
Sweet girl is EIGHT! Wow!
Eight and nine are always difficult birthdays for me. Such a strange combination of joy and sorrow, looking forward and remembering.
Well, this boy woke up with a nice shiner on his birthday. He was rather proud of it, though! Boys...🤪
We are holding off on the celebration until Abby and Sydnee are back home. ❤️ Sure is weird having girls gone so much.
I’ve put off blogging today. Sometimes things get overwhelming and I just wonder if I can keep putting on the happy face. I try really hard to overlook it but this time of year is just the worst. And relationships are a struggle. And sometimes I really just want to throw my hands up and give up.
But I know that wouldn’t solve anything. Or bring any happiness. Or honor the Lord. So I just keep praying for His help and grace and He gives it. I’m still trekking on...
I can’t believe he’s FIVE! Just like that, my baby is five! Such a sweet and loving and kind boy. What a joy he is. We had fun celebrating him. I am so thankful that he still likes to snuggle and cuddle!
He’s been learning a dance for Sarah’s wedding...it sure didn’t take him long! I don’t even have it down yet! 🤪
How adorable is this???
This year is definitely different. The birthday celebration was quite different. It was quiet and understated, just as she wanted it. A little hard for me but oh, well. Happy birthday, my love. May the Lord draw you ever closer to Himself and be your constant companion.
The Challies family is grieving the death of their young son. A heartbreaking and terrible darkness made worse by current events. He says it much better than I ever could...
“It is unnatural to be alone in grief. “Weep with those who weep” can be partially fulfilled through iMessage, but only actually fulfilled in person, when bodies are clasped together, when tears spill from one person’s eyes to another person’s shoulder (Romans 12:15). The church in Corinth was to comfort those in affliction by their presence, not their absence (2 Corinthians 1:4).”
Read his full article here:
It's that time of year again! This year I am absolutely thrilled to include a couple of new family members! My heart is so full as we plan Sarah's and Ben's wedding, January 30, 2021 (Pappaw's birthday💗💗).
Bryce and Laci are still stationed in North Dakota but hoping to be able to come home permanently in the next year or so it will be nice to have them close again, Lord willing!
