“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19)
I am struck by that verse every year. This year is no different. In some ways I identify with Mary. She did not choose to carry God’s Son. She had no choice. But she did have a choice on how she reacted to the situation. I feel that way with so many things in my life. I have no control over it, but I do control my own attitude in the situation.
So, this Christmas I am choosing to have joy. I am choosing to be truly thankful to be together as a family. Even if it is our last Christmas as a family of four…I am thankful for what a special gift it is. I am choosing to enjoy my children’s pure excitement and see Christmas through their eyes. 
Merry Christmas everyone! May God’s peace fill your hearts and minds.
Beautiful Things 
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. You have two very special little ones. We continue to pray for your family.
Ps. 100:3 He made us, and we belong to Him: we are His people, the sheep He tends.
Merry Christmas
Jan
Dear Josiah and Jess,
Wishing you and your family a most wonderful and blessed Christmas! We loved seeing you guys on Thanksgiving and we had so much fun. We are fervently sending many prayers to our Heavenly Father for you for peace, strength, comfort and joy; and if the Lord wills for Josiah; a healing miracle! You two are truly an inspiration to us and to so many others whose lives you have touched through your tremendous faith and strength through so many trials… and through it all; giving glory to God! This Christmas hymn just came to my heart…”God rest you merry gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day!….O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy”! You are always in our thoughts and prayers… Love, ~ Aunt Mona and Uncle Tom and your cousin, Jeremy
I have been praying for you! I love the pictures and just so you know the prayers aren’t stopping!
I prayed for you many times yesterday. The pictures are beautiful–I love Ava in front of the Christmas tree, looking so precocious as well as the family shot. I too am committed to keeping the prayers going, trusting that you will feel God’s presence and love every step of the way–just like Mary, treasuring “these things” along the way.
What wonderful pictures! Your entire family continues to be in our prayers.
We send your entire family our love! Thank you for sharing your very inspirational thoughts and burdens. You have been a real example to us! Praise God for your strength and the way you have been able to reach so many others. This world is not our home, and we are just passing through. “How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.” Love & prayers, Dick & Carol
Love the pics!! And, of course, I noticed the tinsel tree–how cool!! The pics of the kids do look like “joy personified”! Oh to be young again 🙂 Jen