Happy New Year!

Well... It is the first official day of 2013. There is something so refreshing about a new start. 

God sure has been putting a lot on my heart lately, and one of those things is this blog. So here we go! 

I've spent a few days praying about what God's direction is for this blog. What exactly does He want me to share? What is the theme? or even the name!? In the midst of praying, there were a few things that stuck out in my head: 

GROWTH: 

"God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night. They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do."  Psalm 1:1-3 (CEV)

I definitely feel God has been growing our family over the past year. He has directed us in multiple ways, and we have listened, and He has blessed us as a result. I feel as if our family is that tree and we are planted by the river, constantly being nourished, producing fruit and foliage. 

ORGANIC:

We were worshiping together as a church a few weeks ago and as the band started into the musical part of the bridge, the congregation just started singing the words without any prompting or leading: "My heart will sing no other name, but Jesus, Jesus!" It was so sweet. One of those moments you can't catch your breath and try to squeak out the song along with the others around you, fighting back tears. It wasn't rehearsed. Our worship leader didn't say, "Okay you guys, right here I'm going to back off and you guys sing really loud..." No. It was true. It was organic. It was from the heart. 

This is what I feel God is wanting from me. 
To be real. 
To be sincere.

I know we have some difficult roads to travel ahead of us this year. We have friends and family going through so much difficulty, sickness, deep pain, loss. So I will try my best this year to just be sincere throughout it. Honest and transparent. 


"The King is the friend of all who are sincere and speak with kindness" -Proverbs 22:11 (CEV)  





Our first day of 2013: 

We went and played at the park 

... and a triple grande vanilla latte, too (of course)

(Running with daddy)

This was my favorite part of the day: Jovee has been sick and quite cuddly. At lunch, she rested her head on big sister, Charlemaine. Charlee stroked her hair for a few moments. It was the sweetest moment of sister interaction I have yet to witness of my little ladies. (Jovee is NOT fond of loving or being loved by Charlee.)  

I was able to get some OCD cleaning done today and start this blog! :) Now we're winding down the day together watching Josie and the Pussycats. (a classic, duh!) 

_____________________

Lord, Thank You. Sometimes that is all we really need to say. I don't think we say it enough. We have a home, we have our health, we have each other, and we have You. I know that none of these are promised to us tomorrow besides You. I don't want to take any of these for granted. Thank you for them and thank You for You. Thank You that we can rely on You to be our steadfast.

_____________________

Lastly, you HAVE TO check out this song. I cannot get it out of my head. The words and truths contained have been so encouraging and inspiring:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0Vz8fvIhE

"I am the Lord your God,
I go before you now.
I stand beside you
I’m all around you
And though you feel I’m far away
I’m closer than your breath
I am with you
More than you know

I am the Lord your peace
No evil will conquer you
Steady now your heart and mind
Come into my rest
And oh, let your faith arise
And lift up your weary head
I am with you
Wherever you go

Come to me, I’m all you need
Come to me, I’m everything

I am your anchor, in the wind and the waves
And I am your steadfast, so don’t be afraid
Though your heart and flesh may fail you
I’m your faithful strength
And I am with you
Wherever you go

Don’t look to the right or to the left, keep your eyes on me
You will not be shaken, you will not be moved

I am the hand to hold, I am the truth, I am the way
Just come to me, come to me
Cause I’m all that you need"

Wishing you the best this year, whatever that may be for you and your family. 

Sincerely, Jen.