Happy New Year!

    '^:^:^' Sending lots of prayers your way for a new year full of the love of Jesus! '^:^:^'

This Year I am simplifying.

{So I am sure that applies to resolutions as well, right?}

I want to live life simply in the grace of God.

Not striving to be more, do more, have more, make more,

but just resting in what Jesus has already done for me

on a Cross that marked the end of death and brought

a salvation that can never ever be earned.

Always it is free.

No strings attached.

Nothing at all can be "added" by me.

I want to become LESS so that Jesus can become MORE.

This year I won't expect every day to be sunny,

 I won't expect myself to be perfect

or my kids to be transformed overnight into replicas of Jesus 

 (we are born sinful after all and that is the beauty of God's transforming grace).

I won't expect my home to miraculously clean and organize itself

(or myself to miraculously organize it for that matter).

I won't expect too much from my husband, 

I will give him room to grow just as

I am growing and learning, 

and being forgiven.

I won't expect too much from others.

I have been given much grace so that

I can give it away.

Grace and Forgiveness:

What love looks like

when it's lived out.

I WILL expect myself to be THANKFUL

In ALL circumstances

for this is God's will for me

In Christ Jesus.

Thankful for a year that has been full of God's rich blessings:

God's love filling my heart, every single chamber, when it's been torn 

and bleeding from losing pregnancies and dreams

He's held on to me.

A husband who loves me so much it must be how God loves

Four of the most amazing children, definitely the cutest

that make me pictures and write me letters when I'm sad

My six year old washing the dishes for me "because you just need to rest, Mommy"

Spending every day with him and getting to teach him how to read

My one year old taking his first steps and now he's running and riding a scooter and saying things like "sorry mommy" and "ready, set, go!"

His little body fitting snug in my arms, his face in my neck, his hands holding me.

My little girl telling me I'm beautiful and wrapping her sweet little arms around me.

She is my gentle sunshine.

Boston's big bear hugs and the way he runs (sooo cute)  and the way he loves people--with his whole heart.

Family near and far that are always with me in heart.

A never ending source of encouragement, love, and prayer.

ALL the time.

Friends, beautiful friends that show up at my doorstep.  

That call, or write, or send me a message (or leave a kind comment here).

I have been so very, very blessed this year.

And I am thankful for a new year to count my blessings...