In comparison, last year my word was a full and joyful "Abundance"! I felt at peace, strong in my faith, in relationships and even physically. And although at that time I didn't anticipate the enormous change our life would take this year I felt good about the year and whatever came I knew we'd be more than ok. Through our move and all the decisions leading up to it we saw an abundance of blessing that continued through the year.
John 16:24 "Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."
But this year on New Year's Day as the words came out of my mouth, "My word for the year is 'apprehension'," God did something special. He let me witness a miracle on the first day of the year. Although Annabelle was born December 29th to Tricia and Jonas, her fight for life continued for 6.5 more days - 150 hours. This was a miracle. The fact that she was carried to term was a miracle but outside the womb living, breathing, 2 chamber heart beating, noisemaking, milk tasting, being held by mother brother father family, preemie clothes wearing, knit hat sporting baby doll kept on going my apprehension turned to complete aw and my WORD for the year? Uh yeah - chunk that out the window, my WORD for the year is Annabelle.
Instead of wondering and worrying about what the Lord has in store for us this year, I trust in a God who makes the impossible possible. And whatever I was worried or unsure about I'm going to hand over to Him. And while I don't know what the year holds, no one does, I am trusting that God's will is good, pleasing and perfect and it's going to be ok.
Annabelle means "joy" and she is in the fullness of joy now with our Lord and Savior, the giver of blessings and life and the Healer of broken hearts. Join our family in praying for Tricia, Jonas and Big Brother Cameron, that the Lord would carry them through this time.
Andress, I was so happy to hear from you and find out that you have been writing again about all that has been going on in your lives lately! I have missed you and hearing about your sweet family! We are hoping to move back to Texas after the baby is born this summer, and then spend the next year or so there before heading to Ethiopia. We will have to get together many times during that year, if we are able, and catch up on all that we have missed! Praying for you all! Love you!
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