I am in a season of so much thankfulness, gratefulness and faith right now. Jonathan, as of tomorrow, will be 3 years sober. With three little ones in the house and me, that is a pretty serious feat! I am so proud of him, my wonderful husband, and the work he has allowed God to work in him and through him. I am so proud of the way he has grown as a man...and as a godly man. He is a fabulous father...the best I can think of. And he is a wonderful husband and an amazing provider. He is the smartest, hardest working, most honest and loyal person I know. And I am so thankful that God brought us together....and didn't give up on us. I am even thankful for the years where things weren't so great and the future didn't look so promising. For we wouldn't be where we are today without them. I am proud to see him as the leader of our home...and in Celebrate Recovery. I am humbled and honored to see the way he loves our family and the way he ministers to those hurting and in need.
I am grateful for the work God is doing in my life. It has been a season of refining, challenges and growth for me in 2008. I am living in the blessings and looking forward to the fruit. I remember in a Shiloh a long time ago, my friend teaching that a healthy fear of God is caring more about what He thinks than what others think. I think, perhaps, I finally get that. And it all comes back to what God has been whispering and screaming at me (the whispering wasn't working)...it's a choice. I have to choose to care more about what God thinks than others think. I have to choose because it goes against my flawed and insecure nature. I have to choose joy in all circumstances. I have to choose to forgive. I have to choose to be obedient. I have to choose to trust His miraculous work that I could never do on my own when my fears cause my faith to shake. For that and more, I am so grateful.
Our Christmas was wonderful. We spent some quality time as a family and then the kids and I went up to Dallas to visit with my parents and my grandparents and aunt and uncle who were also visiting. Having 4 generations in one house proved to be challenging and precious all at the same time. Seeing my kids with their great-grandparents and great-aunt and uncle is something I will hold dear forever. We were able to go to American Girl for lunch and get Izzy the Kitt doll. Nothing sweeter than seeing your little girls all dressed up and excited for a big girl date at a place that is so special for little girls. Nicky was able to have a big boy day with his Papa and my uncle. This included going to Build A Bear...and now we have a Cheetah named batman wearing a batman costume. Becca is waving (means means "I love you" unless she is waving good-bye) and blowing kisses. The way you tell if it's "I love you" is if it's followed by a blown kiss. Adorable, if I do say so myself.
The kids are back in school. Isabelle is so excited to be back in kinder with her friends and her favorite teacher, Ms. Little. Nicky and Becca are back into their preschool. We are officially back into a normal routine and regular schedule. Busy...but, so full of moments of peace, grace, thankfulness, laughter and joy when I slow down to take notice of them. And that's a choice.
