so much to hope for.

Sometimes, I wish I could expand a minute, an hour, or a day. 24 hours seems to be getting a lot shorter than I thought possible. (I sound like one of my parents). But really, I'd like to make time to do more, ie blog :) This summer has been filled with so much goodness and growth-- what was I thinking with this not blogging business? :)

Great events of the summer: My oldest niece turned 15. Old enough to drive? I ruptured an eardrum. My little sister turned 21. Old enough to walk into a bar? Ha. Spending a week with my fun fam in Sunriver (nothing traumatic happened this year:)), leaving my Starbucks family after spending 2+ adventurous years with them, camping with life long friends Labor Day weekend... so thankful for the people in my life.

One of my most favorite parts of the summer: Spending it with two beautiful little boys. Luke and Dylan are such gifts from the Lord. :) When I became their nanny in July 2009, I had no idea that my love could grow so big. I can't even put it into words. Every day I ask, how did I get chosen to do this? I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love their hugs, I love their kisses, I love talking about John Deere tractors, balers, and combines. I love being called Nenna. I love them more than anything. I am incredibly thankful for this past year- the Haeners are amazing. I feel so extremely loved by them and I can't imagine what life would be like without this family. :)

Today, I am feeling thankful. Looking back on this past year-- without my mom has been so difficult. I often wonder how the process of grieving will get easier. Someone who spoke on loss at church recently, said that the pain, the ache, and the grief, will never truly leave you, until you meet again in Heaven. I wholeheartedly believe that. I sure am thankful that the healing goes hand in hand with grief. And I've seen it with my own eyes, in the 9 months my mom has been gone.

He gives us so much hope. Sometimes I sit, think, wonder and pray- do many I know and love, feel this same sense of hope? I have a friend who lost his mom yesterday. My heart absolutely aches for him. I pray, pray, pray for feeling of comfort, peace and hope amidst deep pain. And I can only say, mostly, the feeling of peace and comfort comes from knowing that someone I loved so dear, is with Jesus. I pray he is overwhelmed with a similar feeling.

Thank you, Lord, for hope. Thank you for never leaving. Thank you for your goodness, your unfailing love, and faithfulness. Thank you for my family- for my dad and stepmom who love us more than ever, my sibling who make life exciting, the Haeners, and my dear friends. How you've blessed me.