Joy-full

Counting my 100 joys this Christmas Season.

 

#44. Playing a new card game together.  We have all missed "together."

#45. Christmas party with our life group, followed by church together, and walking Candy Cane Lane.

#46. Driving the Jr. Highers to and from youth group.  Having silly, contemplative, funny, thoughtful discussions.  I love these kids!

#47. Taking my three Christmas shopping for each other, and watching how they are intentional and how each one delights in spending their own $ to treat their siblings. I am blessed.

#48. A fun Christmas party at new friends, the Lodges.

#49.  How sweetly my girls play together- a gift!

#50. That though there is tragedy, there is Hope for our world.
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the people, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you." Isaiah 60:1-2

#51. Listening to the girls practice Christmas music on the piano.

#52. Mama Holly's cheery words of encouragement to Emilie during her piano recital, and how Emilie forgot her mistake and focused on the words of delight spoken over her.   

#53.  Noah and Josie creating a Lego board game together.

#54. "He Met Me Here" service at The Well-  moving worship and testimonies at Christmas time.

#55. Geoff Black's sweet words.

#56. For a generous gift.
#57. As I began to share my "He Met Me Here' story at life group, Tristan (Jr. Higher from #46)  declared with delight, "I've heard this!"  

#58. That Michael is so intentional with each of us- praying with me in the mornings, taking the kids on a hike- giving us himself though he is so busy.

#59. The arrival of darling Christmas cards, and seeing the faces of the people we LOVE who sent them (keep an eye out for our card arriving Ground Hog's Day!)

#60.  For big kids who still like to slumber party by the Christmas tree.

 #61. These words- "She is clothed with strength and dignity" and "God crowned them with glory and splendor" (which means dignity) - "Notice that God did not put dignity in our hands... He wrapped it as a crown around our minds, just where we need it most." Amen! (from "So Long Insecurity")

#62. After spending the afternoon with Emilie running errands, on the way home she thoughtfully said, "I like you." *love*

#63. Listening to Noah play "God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Blind Man" on his electric guitar.

#64. For Josie, who generously made waffles (from scratch) for Noah and his friend.

#65. Texts with Hannah- so good to be loved.

#66. For darling  made-with-love Christmas dishtowels from Cindy.    

#67. For reconciliation.

#68. For the kids painting ornaments together.  I love that they still enjoy "together."