It's my blogging anniversary!

Happy 1st Anniversary!!!

I began blogging one year ago today, unsure of where it would take me. I doubted my ability and creativity to write, and was even more hesitant to share those few simple thoughts with others.

At the same time, I sensed this gentle urging from God to share my heart...the failures, the victories, the prayers, and the milestones...'cause you know what? We're in this thing together! My heartbeat is to follow hard after God and to joyfully embrace the role He's given me as my husband's wife and our boys' mama. I don't always get it right. In fact, lots of times I get it wrong. But I hope that you who read my blog are encouraged to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. My prayer is that we can encourage one another in loving our husbands and children, and that we can furthermore challenge one another to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and submissive to our husbands.

My heart has been overflowing with joy this week as I consider God’s grace and goodness to me. And so, from a thankful heart come these few thoughts...

J*O*Y is...

....waking up in the middle of the night to hear my husband whisper in my ear, "Words can’t express how much I love you."

...listening to (and crying through) Mark Harris’ song, "Find Your Wings" while our sons sit beside me in the van (looking rather bewildered, I might add).

...sitting quietly before my Father God and hearing His loving...yet challenging...words.

...sharing treasured (and far-too-rare) moments with my heart and soul friend.

...parents who lovingly support our decision to homeschool. Thanks, Dad & Mom!

...rediscovering and establishing contact with a long-lost friend. A...it’s been a joy to reconnect with you! I’m so thankful for God’s blessings in your life!

...spending time with my sweet sister-in-law and nieces who are visiting from out east.

Blogging friends...thank you for your encouragement throughout this past year! I’m grateful for the inspiration you've given me through your ideas, the comic relief you've provided through your crazy stories, and the lessons God has taught me through your words.