Praise!

"O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!

1Chronicles 29:13

I have so many thoughts and words rushing to my mind. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness, appreciation and amazement... yet, the only thing I can think to type right now is the word "Praise". I want to praise the Lord in every way and in every aspect of my life.With a holiday like Thanksgiving you would expect that we have taken some time to reflect on all the things we are thankful for. Sometimes we unfortunately think those thoughts are isolated for that day alone, which is a shame. This year, more than I think any other, in the days following Thanksgiving I have been so blatantly faced with blessing after blessing and love, so much love, that it can't be ignored. I am not saying that everything is perfect, that there's no problems, or things couldn't be better... but, I am saying that Jesus is so real and so evident in our lives.

A year ago our family was serving in South Africa, I was pregnant with precious Reese, and life was very uncertain. We were in the midst of one of the greatest trials. In a year, the Lord has taken His mighty hands, picked us up, and not just carried us but wrapped His arms around us. We have learned what God's faithfulness feels like, seen how He uses our parents and our closest friends to meet needs, cared enough to bless us with our wants, protected us by

surrounding us with people who love and fear the Lord, guided us, opened doors, and shut doors.

We certainly don't have it all figured out, but I am sure glad He does! Just feeling so thankful, ya know!

Here are a few photos that make me see how blessed we are. From our beautiful daughters, to life long friends, Grandparents, an amazing daddy, an amazing husband (who uses his gifts and talents for the Lord and isn't ashamed to sing it loud for all to hear), and sweet, little friends for Emerson. Praise the Lord!