I hope you have had just that: Happy Holidays! I loved the cheerful randomness of this photo - it's LC in her Christmas socks, feet on her schooldesk during a grammar lesson, cheesestick on the ready. Ha!
I've been non-existent here because we've been away from home since Christmas day. We've had a long, rambling visit Back Home and will return to Texas on Wednesday.
God's allowed us to visit with more family and friends on this trip than ever before, I think. It's been a true blessing, filled with many, many rich conversations. We've all made countless special memories. My girls got to spend so much quality time with their cousins and other family members.
I am so thankful for God's providence, the way He's worked out our schedule here so that we could have good face-time (real faces, not the kind you do with an iPhone!) with loved ones, some of whom we really only see once a year or less frequently. I am thankful, and I'm exhausted! The trip home to Texas will be long, but it'll be good to return to our house and beds and the routine that work and school bring to our daily lives.
Conversations here have me looking back at the past year and feeling very encouraged by the work God is doing at our house, in our hearts. We have fallen and failed and sinned and done poorly at many things, but I also see the heavy grace for which I've prayed so earnestly...I'm seeing ways that God has guided us in our thinking and parenting that can only be Him. Praise be to God for His help and wisdom.
I am looking at 2012 with hopeful anticipation for all that the Lord is going to do. I remember the verse: being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
I am confident then, of several things:
1) Jesus definitely began many, many good works this past year in me and in the hearts of my husband and children, in our family as a whole...
2) Jesus will bring those good works to completion!
3) Emmanuel, Who was with me in 2011, is with me and will be with me in 2012
We'll be leaving Home filled to overflowing by the love of family and friends here. We are rich, indeed!
Those socks make me smile! I like what you're confident about - I can't imagine reflecting and making resolutions outside of the context of Christ.
ReplyDeleteSo thankful that He gave the two of us some face time!
ReplyDeleteConfidence in HIm and His faithfulness is the only true confidence!
Yes, very, very rich...
Yes, enjoyed our time together greatly!!!! I wish it could happen much more often but I am so thankful for the evening we got to share with all of you!! And we will never forget that Kevin stopped talking! :)
ReplyDeleteI long to take a roadtrip like you describe, visiting dear friends and family. I've not been brave enough with the little ones in tow--and I only have 5. :)
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say how much I appreciate your comments!
ReplyDeleteChristian and Lauren - it was wonderful to see you guys!
Ruth, I hope you get that road trip before too much longer :-)