Isaac began a business- DonVintage- started from the ground up and sold his favorite truck to get started. I am so proud of his determination- teaching himself the business and skills necessary to not only get the job done, but to do it excellently. He continues to improve as he moves forward. In addition to growing a business and all that entails, he got a part time job at the outlets to provide some steady income for the family. Even through all of this the family has been his priority- we know we are so loved! And speaking of our family, we added one to our number by welcoming little Liviya Pearl to the world in September. How can I truly say just how much I love my husband and our little family? (yes, a cheesy rhetorical question.)

Of course we are not "an island." One of the many ways God has blessed us is through family and friends. We are so incredibly grateful for those who have been on their knees for us, praying for this time of transition, for peace and guidance as we withdrew to a quiet season in our life. We began this year with such wounded souls, desperate for the healing that can only come from His Word; spoken sometimes through family, sometimes in reading, sometimes from old friends that we love as our own, and sometimes in new friendships that were unexpected but such a gift. I only hope that with all of this "refilling" of our cups, we can spill over and give God the glory by blessing others, and still we wait to see how God wants to use us in the future. Yes, Lord, get me ready!!

I am excited about the coming year. So many opportunities just waiting to be discovered. So many moments with precious family, so many lost that need to be found. And yet we don't know the number of our days. Let's make the most of every opportunity, starting always with prayer and a deep gratefulness for the work of the cross.