A Reminder in the Sky

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

I have been pondering this phrase for the past few days... pondering, what if the new year isnt happy? I mean... not to be all depressing or anything. But, what if it starts off with sadness. Such as, in my case, leaving family and friends and going 1600 miles away from them. I can not tell you how many people I saw on January 1st crying as they hugged their loved ones goodbye. 

Doesn't seem all too happy does it? 

Tonight, I am lonely. 

Tonight, it is quiet in the house. 

Tonight... I do not feel happy. 

Yet, I have decided that I can not let it overtake me.

I may be far away from my family, my in-laws, my siblings and dear friends. But I am not alone. Yes, I have my husband and I have our adorable little pup, BAYA...but it is even MORE than that. I have a hope. I have a purpose. I have a wonderful Savior who is continually showing me that He has me where he wants me. I was reminded of this a week before the start of this year.

On December 23rd, up in the air on a flight from Dallas to Boston I was given one of the greatest gifts. The opportunity to share my wonderful God with a 22 year old man named Henry. He had missed his first flight and ended up on a seat next to me. It was one of those moments you knew was completely meant to be and there was no other way to explain it. We began talking from the moment he sat in his seat and chatted the entire flight. I was given the opportunity to read Scripture with him and was prompted by God's leading to gave to him my precious Bible. That Bible was filled with notes, highlights, dates. I had that Bible since 2001. Some of my key growing moments were with that Bible. But I was asked to let go and allow another person to experience something beautiful as I did. 

It was the most surreal experience. To be flying in a plane, handing over one of your most treasured possessions to someone who you knew would cherish it. I had chills throughout my body as I handed it to Henry and tears welled up in his eyes. He told me he was speechless... what he didn't know is that I was also speechless in awe of a God who is constantly at work, even if we don't feel like the greatest example. With the craziness of holiday orders behind me... I had been feeling far from God as I hadn't had much time to spend with Him. That experience in the sky was God gently reminding me that He is EVER NEAR ME and will always be at my side. 

There are so many details of that flight that I will never forget and could probably keep writing about. But I will finish with only these thoughts...

I may not be "happy". I may "feel" lonely. But I am NEVER alone and I have a JOY inside of me that can never be taken away. It is my prayer for this new year that I never forget how much I am blessed. I pray that as I am being watched daily by customers, fans, family, friends... I am able to be a light that scares away the darkness rather than adding to the darkness.

Its a new year. I am filled with Joy. I am never alone. I am learning. I am growing. I am thankful. 

This is Baya. My new best friend who is at my side all day <3>

Live with the Wonder of a Child

My My!! I have been slacking ever since my birthday giveaway!! This summer has been great so far and even though its been VERY busy in the shop, I have still been able to enjoy the summer before we move to Boston as well. Last week, Andrew and I house sat for my parents and with their berry bushes, chickens and grand garden, I felt like I was on a farm!! 

Here's a little mash-up of the week! Thankfully, Andrew was a big help picking the berries!! <3

Several weeks ago, I had the honor of spending some time with my niece, Ruby, and nephew, Abel. They are alike in many ways and so very different in other ways. It was a very busy 3 hours as we spent some time with the kittens, the pond fish, the dog, the chicks, watching a movie(kind of), playing basketball, walking around the yard... and then everything again a few more times! I got a few cute pictures of the kids and this is a way that I can get them all to my sister-in-law's in a quick and easy fashion, plus they are just TOO CUTE not to share...so, here are some darling little pictures of their kids!

Love this one... looks like we are taking a grand adventure and Abel is leading the way for us girls!

"Live with the wonder of a child"

Abel tells the wildest and most incredibly imaginative stories... I can't wait to see what he will do when he gets older... I can only imagine!!

This one just cracks me up!!

All in all, spending a few short hours with them showed me how much we as adults sometimes miss. Our busy lives often cause us to not be able to stop and take in what is around us. The small details that we often miss. I am reading a great book that my mother-in-law gave to me and it is really aiding me in this idea of Giving Thanks for the simplest of things and allowing our lives to reflect a thankful heart and in doing so, will produce joy.