The Dearness of Life

 

Life. True life. The life that shines bright and warm in the midst of trial and hardship. The genuine smile, the kind word, and the unwavering friendship. The life that comes only from a heart and mind given to God, and His blessing on it. It's all that really matters, and it goes beyond the mundane of everyday. I've been keenly realizing this in the last weeks as we've come through some dark moments~ but also, moments of pure joy and charm. Our little ones, our family, bless their hearts~ have become even more dear to me. Their little souls~ the dearness of life.

In the last month: 

We saw our sister off to flight school again, after a rather lengthy and wonderful break here at home. I love and miss that girl so much, words cannot express. Oh for another evening with her, just to talk the night away~ under the covers, snug and warm in our bed. <3

We are seriously house hunting. Not for just another house, or somewhere else to live, but for a home. Somewhere to really call our own. So when you think of us, pray that we'll find just the right place. 

Our baby boy was born! That and in it's self has taken up all my spare time. ;) The Good Lord knew just when we'd need a bit of encouragement and sweetness. He certainly has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. Because the instant you pick him up, all the cares of the world vanish away. 

Josiah Elias. I'll tell you about his name in another post, which will be all about him. 

To put it plainly, he is the cutest little cheesecake I ever saw. 

B&W  <3

He'll be the most photographed muffin in the world. :)

So look around you and see the dearness of life. Don't let a precious moment, however small, slip by, simply because you're having a rough day. That will never do, never. ;)

P.S. I'm scarce around here, and I know it. But thank you all for reading my posts anyway, and sharing in the bits of my life that I post. Your comments mean much, and I appreciate y'all. ;)

The Golden Times of Yesteryear

This year went entirely too fast, and I confess that I'm sad to see it go. The blessings, fun times, new friends and beautiful memories are things I will cherish always!

Highlights of 2012~

Getting to go and visit one of my bestest friends, in June. Love that girl so much, and miss her tons too! (you know who you are *wink*)

Last summer. I just love the warm, flip-flop-short-sleeve wearing days, cool evening sunsets, and nothing to do but pick flowers and skip through your day. :)

Watching my little siblings grow up. I can't tell you how much I love these kids~ the things that they say to make me laugh and all their funny antics + cheeky charm. <3

And of course, my trip to MI, to work with the crew on Beyond the Mask movie. I can't begin to describe what it was like, but I'll try really hard in the next few posts to tell you how amazing it was. :) And there were the days that we just got together and had fun.

All of us taking a walk. Me in the foreground. :) Credit: Stacey Bradshaw.

Me, instructing Michaela how to pose. Credit: Stacey Bradshaw

One of my favorites. ;)

Another highlight for me was when I received a 50mm f1.8 prime lens for Christmas. :) I've been wanting and dreaming of one for a long time! And it's been a huge blessing since!

Looking back,  I'm thanking God so much for all the blessings of 2012, and the things he taught me. It wasn't always easy; I had a lot of down times. But he really brought me through it all! My favorite Psalm for last year, and probably will always be so, is Psalm 20~

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 

The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; 

Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; 

Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. 

Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. 

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our 

banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. 

Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his 

holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. 

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 

They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

 Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

This psalm is full of promises & hope, and I think it's a good reminder for these troubled times. :)

Our friend Nathaniel B. He was walking towards us and I said "Hold it! Stay right there!" This is the shot I grabbed really quick. One of my many favorite photos I took in MI. ;)

So as far as 2013? I hope and pray that it is a beautiful year, full of blessings, encouragement, and good times. I hope to do some traveling and spend time visiting friends. I'm really, really looking forward to the birth of our newest little brother, come the end of January. And most of all, I'm excited for all the new things God has in store for me. I think this is going to be an amazing year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU! Bring- it -on. ;)