Faith Family Mackenzie

Choosing Joy

March 24, 2015

It’s been awhile, friends. I have been challenged to have a new post up on Thursday that I’m actually looking forward to writing and sharing with you, but it feels as if some sort of segway or transition is needed.

I hate that the title of the last post was “Worst Month,” and that it has been sitting up there for over six months. The last six months have been full of ups and downs, sure, but also so, so much good. We are truly blessed. I suppose that it’s just that I haven’t known what to say, or found the energy to find the words.

I’ve gotten away from myself a bit.

Last year we put a lot of effort into things that mattered to us – buying the house, putting in the garden, trying to start a maker space, figuring out Mackenzie’s schooling, trying for a baby. There were a lot of small victories, but we took a lot of blows, though, too, and after a while I just didn’t know what to say.

There were many days that I forgot to choose joy, to trade what might be discouraging for what is beautiful and blessed. I forgot to trust God’s plan, His perfect care, and His provision. I committed to hanging in there, to believing that God is good and faithful. But joy? That seemed to be reaching a bit.

So let me right that wrong and share with you just a bit from our lives over the last six months that has been beautiful and cause for so much joy.

   

    

    

    

    

 

Over the last six months we have worked visited family in Missouri and Colorado, been to two Notre Dame games, gone to Shedd Aquarium, played in the snow, worked on the garden, decorated our home, and enjoyed a wonderful visit from by brother and his friend Sara.

We have experienced God’s abundance and provision, and many answers to prayer… the biggest one being that we are expecting our second child this June.

I should follow that with exclamation points, right?

!!!

We couldn’t be more thrilled. Mackenzie is over the moon about being a big sister, and Chris and I are still a little in shock and awe that this is really happening. Pregnancy is hard for me, so in the midst of all of the busy and tired and working things out, I sometimes have to remind myself what an incredible blessing and gift this second child is to our family.

More on all of that soon enough. There are nursery updates to share, a bit of garden renovation/reveal. In the meantime, tell me, what is bringing you joy lately?

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2 Comments

  • Reply Carolyn Allen May 11, 2015 at 8:46 am

    Love reading your if equip insights and so blessed by this ministry. The new feature to learn more about each other brought me to your blog. I am praying for you today as you have so much going on in your life! We are all clinging to Him and thankful for His love and care.
    Your title reminded me of Choose Joy by Kay Warren- it’s 30 days of 3 minute videos delivered to your inbox each day. I loved their simplicity and practicality. http://kaywarren.com/devotions/

    [Reply]

    Dee Reply:

    Hi, Carolyn! I’m sorry- I just saw your comment. Thank you for stopping by! And thank you for that link. I will check into it!

    [Reply]

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