2016 was a tough year. Perhaps it was even the hardest of my life. Endurance became the name of this game, and much wasn’t even something I could write about. Just… life.
The year started with the birth of Stellan, now nearing his first birthday in a few weeks. He’s been incredibly difficult, though recent months have been far better. He cried much of his first many months. Feeding him enzymes improved his outlook dramatically, though he continues to be incredibly needy. I haven’t slept through the night since he was born… Neither has he. Close a couple times, but no.
Our church lost its pastor this summer. For my husband, an elder in the church, this has been a huge change and call on his time as he attempts to fill in some of the gaps as we search for another pastor. The church has changed, lost many members, at least for a season. Friends have moved, and others just moved on. It’s been a season of growing, changing, and learning to rely more fully on Christ.
I’m homeschooling six kids this year. It’s been interesting. Chaotic. Stretching. The Refiner’s fire is a painful experience.
Puberty. Girls. Crazy. Hormones. Arrgh!!!!
I have no idea what the future holds. All I do know is that I serve a big God, I’ve been incredibly blessed thus far, and all I have to do is the next thing, then the next, then the next. Funny thing about the past – so many things I wouldn’t have chosen, had I been given the choice. And yet, hindsight what it is, I’m so incredibly thankful I didn’t have the choice. My greatest joys, my greatest blessings, have come from circumstances and trials I’d have avoided, and then I’d have missed it all.
Praise Him from Whom all blessings flow. Even when those blessings come through the Refiner’s fire.
It does sound like a challenging year for sure. It is hard when things happen in a church. The very place that should be solid as a rock can crumble sometimes. We never know the plans GOD has in store and we may never understand. On thing for sure, HE does have it all in HIS control.
PRAY you all will be blessed with a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous 2017.
So, the teen years and all that goes along with that sort of scare me. You’re not making me feel any better about it! lol Following your lead because I really like how you parent. 🙂 Ugg-sorry about your church situation! I totally feel your pain. Over the summer/fall we have experienced similar stuff. My husband is a deacon not an elder so it hasn’t taken it’s toll on him so much….actually more on me, I think. Many have moved or moved on. There are almost no kids except ours anymore and basically no support for a mom who would “waste” her life having babies and staying home to raise ’em. Going through a difficult pregnancy and then continually facing that has been trying for sure! But, yes, we serve a big God and He sees the big picture. Hope 2017 is awesome for ya!