2019 Christmas Letter

My 2019 year in Review

As I look back on 2019, I find that it is full of smiles, good laughs, tears, stressful days, overwhelming days, joyful days, and EVERY SINGLE DAY was full of BLESSINGS. 

Because at the end of every day, whether it was good or bad, I had much to be thankful for.

I know some years I haven't always seen the blessings. BUT...this year was different. This year my eyes and heart wanted a more joyous year and I looked for the good. The good that God gives. Even on hard days I always tried to remember the good.

Why is my perspective so different this year? I'm not sure. I've even wondered if this was an "easier" year. But if I shared with you all my "down" days it really wasn't as if every day was all "peachy wonderful." This year was full of growth, change, and many FIRSTS!

#1 First: In January I went to Disney World!

My first time going to Disney World and being in Florida for that matter. My family went on our first family vacation since my sister-in-law joined our family and it was a very fun trip! 

Animal Kingdom was probably my fav. Look at that beauty!

Climbing around Swiss Family Robinson's Tree House

 Emma was a trouper and did really on our 10 day vacation.

Family photo with Minnie and Mickey.

Crazy enough the weather was nice only 4 out of the 10 days and I ended up wearing winter type clothing more than once! 

We also got to eat lunch at Belle's Castle. <3 

#2 First: First time kayaking down our family creek in APRIL!

Also first time experiencing "rapids" in a kayak.

#3 First: Turned a decade older. A good year to turn 30 and see many beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

#4 First: First official girls weekend with some of my KC friends since I moved back to SD. Also first time using Airbnb to rent our lake house. Loved the lake house and would totally do it again!

We don't talk everyday but these three are soul sisters. I'm so thankful for them.

#5 First: First time being a published Author!

This year was the year that my book, "God is good, even when life is hard" finally got published! It's been a long, healing, hard, and growing experience. I have grown so much through the 5 years or writing the book. I officially became an author in September when my book became available for purchase at Westbow Press and Amazon. Amazingly you can now find it at other bookstores! :)

#6 First: First time starting my own business and getting an LLC. Sunshine Fresh, LLC cleaning services will sure be busy in 2020. Whoop! :) The job change has been smooth and I really enjoy the new job and being an entrepreneur. :)
(Sorry, I don't take pictures of toilets and dirty floors so no picture. haha.)

Lastly #7 First: Well, not necessarily a first, but a full year of being an auntie. And a few other wonderful moments from the year.

First time showing Emma about the wonder of Essential Oils. She does love her "kid kit."

This summer my friend Cindy came with me to Branson to join my KC church for there women's retreat. These ladies are a joy and blessing!

The Sunsets were so beautiful this summer.

And even this winter has had much beauty in the sunsets.

This year has been full of these blessings and highlights as well as many more. 

I am so thankful for a good God who never gives up and never leaves. 

I'm excited to see what 2020 will bring and am reminded to count my blessings and not my grumbles. 

I am so blessed. 

So blessed to write. 

So blessed to smile. 

So blessed to be able to count my blessings. 

And I am so blessed to find joy in life.

God is good everyone!

We all have a story to tell, and this is mine, A story of God's goodness!

Merry Christmas and may you find hope, true hope in Jesus Christ!

Blessings to all who read.

WHY I SMILE

Hello dear reader!

Today I thought I'd share with you why I smile. That might seem a bit odd to you reading this but let me explain.

Most people think you smile only when your happy. But I have found that smiling, for me, means so much more.

I do have a chronic illness. And most days I don't feel good. I'm not one to complain, cry, or "look" sick. I look pretty normal.

See...

But let's be honest just because I'm smiling and look normal doesn't mean I feel well.

I have found through the years that counting my blessings in the midst of hard times has brought me more joy. From the joy comes a contentment, peace, and smile.

So why do I smile? Because I have come to understand that life is better counting my blessings. That God is bigger than my circumstances and He can do anything. That by smiling and looking on the bright side my spirit even feels better even if my body is sick internally.

Which brings me to another point. I pray that God heals my body. I know that He can! But even if God chooses to use my sickness for His glory, MY HOPE IS STILL IN HIM!

These two songs are some of my favorites that make me smile. That bring me peace knowing that God is good and He is faithful! They help me see that life is all about God and glorifying Him in EVERYTHING!


Check this out!
Bethel Music wrote a beautiful song called, we will not be shaken. This song is one of many that has become a theme song for my life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KHPIZOdrjI


Check this out!
Mercy Me wrote a song called, Even If. It talks about even if God doesn't answer our prayers how we want it, He is still faithful! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y


I hope and prayer dear reader that you can learn to smile in the midst of your circumstances.
That you will find God's goodness, truth, peace, and love.
Life is better with Jesus by your side.
Count your blessings and your life will be full of SMILES!

God is good!
Blessings to all who read!