Typically, I send a letter with our Christmas photo each year, and since I didn’t this year I thought I would give a little update. Especially, since I didn’t write here as much as I had originally planned. In a lot of ways, 2023 has been one of the calmest years for our family. We didn’t have any big cross-country moves, career changes, or college enrollment. But it’s also been a busy and challenging year and we’ve been learning and growing a lot.

Phil continues to work as in ICU nurse, completing his first year at the hospital at the end of June. Not long ago he signed a night-shift contract, which has been challenging in a lot of ways, but also good for Isa since she is able to see daddy more than when he works day shift. It has been incredible to watch Phil take on new challenges and lean into the giftings that God has given him as a nurse. I’ve been so proud to see him grow and learn; becoming charge nurse at just over one year, representing the ICU on hospital council and being nominated for multiple daisy awards. I look forward to how God continues to use Phil as he learns and further develops his skills in the medical field.

In the fall, I began my fourth year working with My Father’s World and I continue to reflect on how blessed I am to be a part of such a wonderful company that allows me so much flexibility for our home and family. Having the opportunity to pray for families and walk through both the good and bad in life (I make calls to My Father’s World homeschool families to pray and check in on them), has challenged me to pray more consistently in my own life. I also enjoy working on their social media accounts and interacting with customers in that capacity. We also continue to watch our nephew, Jax, who is two and half, a couple days a week.

Our girl is three and half and consistently amazes us. Her understanding of the Lord, the amount of scripture she knows, and her faith in God goes way beyond her years. Isabel is such a joy to have around with constant singing and dancing (no music needed), giggling, and silliness. She loves to learn and is absolutely loving homeschool-especially the reading and art projects. Isa also loves animals, especially cows, and loves any opportunity to see them and learn about them. She has an amazing memory, shocks us by her vocabulary usage, and loves being with friends and family. I find myself continually thanking the Lord for the gift Isa is to our little family.

We’ve had some great opportunities this year including a wedding in Mexico, multiple opportunities to see long distance family (Phil’s side), returning to Sandy Cove (where we first met!), and a wonderful retreat to Missouri in October. One of our biggest highlights has been our church and the relationships that we are building there. Phil has been a part of the worship team for almost a year now and I recently joined the mission’s board. Isa, Jax, and I attend the Mom’s group on Wednesdays and it has been such a gift to grow in friendship with our group there. Phil and I also recently started a mentorship with a couple from our church which has been a great opportunity for us.

There are areas of our life that look different than we thought they would right now, and many hopes and dreams that we hold in our heart, yet we are continually pointed to God’s many blessings and provision in our lives. This has been a year where we’ve really been challenged and worked through some things, personally and as a couple (More about what God has been teaching me). I have been so thankful for our firm foundation in the Lord. He has been so faithful to us and I have been able to see the beginnings of fruit that is coming from the challenges that we have walked through.

We also have many people in our lives who have walked through great challenges (some we understand, others we haven’t experienced), and for some it has been a very hard year. Firstly, remember that even when you feel alone you are not-even if people do not speak about it publicly, many of us have walked through very similar situations and feelings. One of the most impactful things that we have learned over the last few years, is the importance of community and being able to support and lean on one another.

As you reflect on the past year, I pray that you can see the little ways that the Lord has provided for you. For this upcoming year, we pray that you (and your family) can lean into God and rest on His unchanging truth. As well as, cultivating deeper and more meaningful relationships with your family and community as you continue on this journey!

Love,

The Denners