From Our Family

As we are in the middle of this holiday season, our family has much to reflect upon. This past year was full. Full of joy, full of change, full of love, full of growth. 

The first half of 2011 was what we could call a "perfect time" in our lives...if ever a time actually exists. We were soaring--children were awesome, homeschooling was going better than ever, I felt like I was living the dream of a stay-at-home momma, finances were doing well, David's career was finally going somewhere, marriage was amazing. Life was trucking along. There was no cause for complaints.

The second half of 2011 brought with it change--change which we thought was going to be good. We had sought the Lord beforehand, and we believed and still do believe that God's hand was upon us and that His wisdom was guiding us. That change wasn't all we thought it was going to be. Disappointment and frustration set in, hearts were hurt, and our situation seemed hopeless. We don't, for a second, believe that we somehow missed God's perfect plan for our lives just because things didn't turn out as we'd hoped. Through it all, marriage was still amazing, children were still awesome, and our family was still strong. It was the storm that swirled around us that we had a hard time dealing with. I am certain of one thing: what we went through together strengthened our bond as a family more than anything ever has. I think we all, even our children, learned the true meaning of holding each other up through difficulty.

We have spent the past six months getting our wits about us again, remembering our identities as a family and in Christ, and healing. It hasn't been easy, but we are still here, standing and believing more than ever that GOD IS GOOD.

So here we are, about to close out this year wrought with joy and trials, happiness and sorrow, laughter and tears. And I can honestly say that GOD IS GOOD. HE IS FAITHFUL. HIS LOVE IS UNENDING. HIS GRACE AND MERCY ARE UNSTOPPABLE.

If I ever doubt those truths, it's not because God isn't who He says He is; it's because I'm human and my mind is an ever-raging battlefield.

From our family to yours, please know those truths. Please remember that God's wreckless love for us is the reason we celebrate this season. No matter what trial or difficulty you may be experiencing right now, please know that God is the same as He was before your trial started; but you just might have a new perspective of Who He is when you're on the other side of your test. And be encouraged!

From David, Lindsey, Ryan, Addilyn, and Layla, we wish you all the best of this Christmas season, as this year comes to a close and a new beginning is right around the corner!