Family is so precious, and I love how the Lord reminds me to appreciate mine. The last few weeks have been filled with “family” events…Thanksgiving, Braelyn’s 2nd birthday and the upcoming Christmas holiday. The Lord has recently given the blessing of spending time with my father. He is in treatment for throat cancer, and events have required me to assist in his care. Although this diagnosis and treatment has been a challenge, it has given me a chance to reflect more on family.

It is so easy sometimes to get busy and forget what really matters. To sit at the dinner table and mindlessly speak, or in my case constantly say, “Sit down please.” But I am so blessed with the people God has surrounded me with.

My children blow my mind every day. I know. I know. Everyone says that about their kids, and I finally understand the feeling. Braelyn turned two early this month. She knows more than I did in kindergarten. I wish she would hug and kiss me more, but she would rather impress me with reciting the ABC’s. Brant’s face is too small for his smile. He is going to be one of those kids who can light up any room. He also loves to cuddle. I never appreciated a 24 degree morning until I had him snuggled up under my arm. Thank God for cold mornings!

God obviously knew what he was doing when He put Jarrod and I together! He challenges me to be a better person. He knows when to push me and when to catch me. In our journey we have focused on the Lord and had faith that He would provide for us exactly what we needed. I realize now that we don’t need a lot…just the support of each other.

I hope you see the blessing God has given you in your family. Have a love filled Christmas!