2012...

i always get nostalgic at the end of a year and can't help but feel a little emotional at how quickly time passes. i tried to make a list of some of my favorite moments of 2012, but i got overwhelmed because there were so many. i started reading through some of my old posts and i was just overcome with thankfulness for all that we've been blessed with this year. while reminiscing, i realized that even though there are plenty of "top moments" and "favorite pictures" there are also recurring themes within those snapshots that i think best describe my 2012.

grace. 2012 has been a year of grace. through the grace of God alone were we able to survive some days. i was reminded again and again that "He gives more grace..." (James 4:6) and i'm not sure i can ever express how grateful i am for that. 

faithfulness. 2012 has been a year that has tested my faithfulness, but at the same time it has solidified the faithfulness of the Lord. i am beyond thankful that when i am weak, He is strong. 

goodness. 2012 has shown me that there are still good people in this world. we have been touched by acts of kindness, gracious friends, and the generosity of others. when it's easy to get caught up in the sorrows of this world, i will choose to remember the goodness that still exists.

laughter. i do believe that i have laughed more in 2012 than any other year of my life. jeffrey makes me laugh every day, libbi is a constant hoot, and if i'm being honest, i laugh at myself quite a bit, too. ;) the laughter of our girls fills our home daily and there is no sweeter sound on this earth. 

love. it goes without saying that the best moments of my life are the ones i've spent with those i love. it's an amazing, amazing thing to be surrounded by family and friends that love us and love our children. we are beyond blessed.

provision. 2012 proved to me again and again that the Lord is truly Jehova Jireh - The Lord Will Provide. His timing is always perfect and He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. i'm praying that 2013 will bring more faithfulness on my part, because He's proved over and over that He will not let us down. 

2012 was full of life, love, heartache, loss, celebrating, and so much in between. through it all, the Lord has been so good to our family. we are blessed beyond what we could ever deserve. i'm praying that 2013 is full of opportunities to love each other, love others, and share the love of the Lord. Happy New Year, friends!