I am posting two days late because we all got sick this weekend and some of us recovered slowly (Me. I’m still getting my voice back). I don’t feel old, but I am rather shocked that I’ve lived so many years…it does not seem that so much time could have possibly gone by.

This past year of my life has probably been my hardest year (read here), yet in some ways it has also been one of my best years. I have been able to transition to focus on Isa (and my nephew Jax) and our home, while doing a few very part time things from home. We moved away from dear family and friends, but close to other dear family and friends. I’ve been able to watch my best friend (Phil) embrace and thrive in his career calling, while also having more time for our family (after a intensive nursing program). I’ve had moments where I’ve felt so distant from God, but He has also shown up for me in so many ways and drawn me closer under his wings than I’ve ever previously experienced. So here are a few things that I have learned (or have come to more fully understand) over this past year.

-Men and women (usually) process everything SO differently (which I’ve known…but specifically I am thinking of grief here). This has been so challenging for us, but I think this year has drawn us closer together. Step back. Talk things through. Be patient with each other.

-Moving part way across the country is significantly more expensive than it was two years ago (and I probably have WAY too many books, so I’m partially to blame with our increase in truck size). Make sure you are prepared for the cost. We weren’t lol.

-Toddlers are HILARIOUS. I knew this, but something about it really hits home when your own child starts to verbalize more fully. Take the time to REALLY listen and interaction with your (or other people’s) little ones. It’s a breath of fresh air.

-Family is SO precious. Take advantage of all the time that you can get; allow your children to really get to know their elders and cousins, if possible. If you don’t have blood family, pray for and find that family.

-Grief can consume you if you aren’t careful, but it’s also important not to ignore your grief (read here). It’s okay to cry sometimes, it’s okay to cry out to God and ask Him Questions, but also find things to smile about and keep praising Him through those questions. Allow yourself to feel, but keep giving Him your pain.

-Children grow WAY TOO quickly. You blink and a year has gone by. Don’t sweat the small things-appreciate the little moments and take it all in. Don’t wish away seasons because of tantrums or attitudes, rather be consistent in training them and relish in the beautiful moments.

-The world is big and scary…but the power that God gives the home and family is BIG. What happens in your home matters and it has a powerful impact.

-Homemade and homegrown food are vastly underrated-gather around people that can teach you (if you don’t know). Garden, can the applesauce, bake the bread, make the Bonebroth, buy the chickens. Knowing how to do these things is invaluable.

-God’s ways don’t always make sense in the moment. Just one example: I felt frustrated and broken when we found the ‘perfect house’ and prayed and prayed, but we didn’t get it and ended up moving to PA not knowing where we would live (read here). But later it made complete sense and the plan He had was WAY better than our own plans. Trust Him even when it doesn’t make sense and keep moving forward in obedience. He will provide.

-Joy can be found in the littlest of moments. Something I’ve always known. But, man, I appreciate more. When my two-year-old says I love you, unprompted, when our neighbor brings warm homemade bread, when we gather to worship with other believers, when we find acorns and bird feathers on a hike, when I snuggle up with a warm blanket and good book. Slow down enough to take in these things. Find the joy and beauty in what the Lord surrounds you with.

-Focus on your OWN story. If we look at what God has given others and what we don’t have it can be painful and seem very unfair. But we need to remember that someone else’s life is a different story and focus on what God is doing in our own story. The more we focus on God and what He is trying to teach us, the more that comparison and confusion will fade away.

This year has been HARD and simple: at the same time. This year has been SAD and beautiful: at the same time. My heart has hurt and my love for others and God has grown. I appreciate my little family, my home, and so many blessings even more than I did previously. We look forward to seeing what this next year brings. I pray that God continues to draw me closer to Him, that He teaches me to be an even better mother, wife, and friend, and that He uses me to encourage others and point them to Him!