21...

Happy 21st Birthday, Jessica. 

And for something a little fun, here are 21 reasons why I love you so...

1. Your beautiful smile.

2. You are one of the bravest women I know.

3. Your sense of adventure.

4. The lop-sided ponytail you have when you wake up in the morning.

5. That you are developing a love for cooking and baking.

6. Your sense of style.

7. That you love Jesus.

8. The gift of discernment you have.

9. You value deep, honest and long-time friendships.

10. You are a wonderful big sister to your younger brothers. 

11. How you promise me that you will never, ever take another glass, bowl or plate into the bedroom, but you always do.

12. Your compassion.

13. Honesty is what you want and give.

14. That you hold onto traditions.

15. The way you can keep a secret and surprise me.

16. You are quick to want make things right.

17. That you don't settle for anything less than what God wants for you.

18. You are determined and passionate. 

19. That you make yourself laugh.

20. That you love others with everything you've got.

21. That you are my miracle.

I love you, sweet girl.

As January Comes To An End

I welcomed the new year in with the anticipation and excitement that I always do with the start of a new year. Everything in our life these past seven months have somehow had the word "new" attached to them. A new home, new friends,  a new community in which we live, a new church, new schools for the boys, and a new, holy adventure for our daughter attending Hillsong in Australia.

I've never been one for change, but as I look back on these past months, I continue to see over and over again how God prepared me for everything that was to come. 

The days of January have been sweet and so very memorable. Jessica has been in Australia for the last six months, so having her surprise us at Christmas and then being able to stay through the beginning of January truly was the best present I could have been given. It was proven once again that my heart is happiest when all five of us are together, and when I can watch our children laughing, playing, and enjoying one another. 

This month has also been full of unexpected blessings that with human eyes would be marked by their size or value. I am realizing that blessings can't be labeled by those things because what they all are is a true gift from God. Their purpose is to bring overflowing joy to my soul. And while I may be the one receiving the gift, God often calls and uses others to take part and the blessing they receive on the other end is just as great and significant. They are the kind of blessings that completely overwhelm and take your breath away. The blessings that remind me once again that nothing is too difficult for God to handle or beyond His mighty and powerful hand. 

And so as I go through this year, I pray that He continues to fill and satisfy me with only Him and that my heart and eyes stay wide open to receive ALL that He has for me. 

Romans 12:2... My verse for 2012.