a year of beauty.

2010- what.a.year.

A year of loss.
A year of firsts.
A year of providence.
A year of love.
A year of blessings.
A year of beauty.

Hightlights and gifts of this year:
Hawaii with the Hamiltons.
A beautiful niece born on December 1st.
This list could go on. But...
More than anything- A good God. I am beyond confident when I say that. I couldn't have asked for better siblings, a more wonderful family, a job where I am surrounded with love for sweet little boys and a "second family", and friends that have been more than intentional and unbelievably consistent, especially this year. I don't deserve them. Thank you,Lord.

A year ago, doubt was surely overwhelming. Doubt of being able to function. Maybe I should rephrase that. Doubt of an ability to function the way that we used to. Immediately the Lord showed His greatness. I'm not sure I truly knew what that meant, until I lost someone that was such a huge part of me.

This year has consisted of vast growth. Thanking the Lord for how great His plan is and praising Him for not believing the opposite. I have met and known several individuals who have experienced this particular loss, in the past twelve months. Every part of me aches for those who have had to go through this, at such an early age. But, how grateful I am for them. Conversations and their friendships, have been a blessing beyond belief. So much of this year's growth, is due to the ability of walking with others in similar pain. Beautiful testimonies that fill your heart with strength and hope.

Psalm 147:3 says, "The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds". 2010 paints a huge picture of this verse. I miss my mom every single day- she is the first person I think of when I wake up and the last person I picture before I go to bed. I still hear her voice, her contagious laugh, and long for her hugs. Some days, I wonder if it will get easier and then I stop myself and think... that overwhelming doubt is gone. I had no idea how the Lord would use time in my life, for good. Honestly, I was not sure if it was even a possibility. The God I know is bigger than I ever thought possible; bigger than the pain, despair and brokeness in this world. He is the God of all comfort and healer of all things.

Thank you Jesus, for a year of such beauty.