Reflections

We had a great time celebrating Jarrod and Stephanie's wedding (more pictures to come). It was such a great time to bless Jarrod and Stephanie as they begin a family together and see lots of family and friends. The bad weather they were calling for held off until after the happy couple left! Praise God! Then we headed up to a beautiful cabin in the woods with some family from Kentucky. We had fun hanging out and playing some fun games. Thanks Uncle Darryl! If you are ever looking for a nice hangout spot for some family time-this is the place!






Oh how time brings change! While we were celebrating with Jarrod and Stephanie, it came to my mind last year during the same time, we were celebrating my graduation from JMU. We are so thankful that period of our life is over and we are on to the next! Angel framed my diploma for me as a surprise Christmas present. He said it is a reminder that the Lord truly carried us through that time. I have enjoyed much more family time without having homework constantly in the back of my mind. We are thankful for what the Lord taught our family during that time, about forgiveness, grace and mercy, and depending on each other. Little things helped me through each day like Alisia's sweet notes, or Caleb's infectious laugh. Angel always encouraged me those last few weeks each semester when I was ready to give-up. And mom and dad were always willing to offer a ride to class in the rain or watch a sick child. Our family also had a lot more encouragement from other friends and family as well! I'm also thankful for working at the OB/GYN office and them being flexible with my changing schedule. The Lord's providing these people were ways of Him showing me His love. So ThankYOU for letting the Lord speak to us through you!

After graduating I enjoyed a great summer with my family filled with fun activities and short vacations. I started working with Healthy Families through Rockingham Memorial Hospital in November. It seems to be a great fit for us right now with flexible hours and home visiting for first time parents. It's challenged me in my own parenting and I'm learning how doing little things like reading a book or playing a game helps give me more patience with my children. Angel enjoys being outside at the golf course and being apart of nature. Sometimes he brings the camera to capture the beauty of the leaves changing and the sun rises.

A thought about work from Elisabeth Elliot:

Work is a blessing. (YES! A BLESSING!) God has so arranged the world that work is necessary, and He gives us hands and strength to do it. The enjoyment of leisure would be nothing if we had only leisure. It is the joy of work well done that enables us to enjoy rest, just as it is the experiences of hunger and thirst that make food and drink such pleasures.