Joy

This post is a part of the 31 days of encouragement.  Each day, a word will be given to reflect upon.  Today's word (JOY) is one that is close to my heart. #31daysofencouragement

The word Joy means many things to me.  Peyton's middle name is Joy.  She is named not only after the camp we met at but also because of the fact that in the future she can think about her name and remember that Joy is a choice.

James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy, 

my brothers and sisters, 

whenever you face trials of many kinds, 

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance

Often, when you come along trials in your life- whether they are the daily ones you face time and time again, or the ones that seem to come out of nowhere- the ability to choose joy seems far from reality.  But God promises that these tests of faith will develop perseverance.  If we are able to make the choice to choose joy regardless of circumstances, God will sustain us with His strength (Psalm 55:22).

Ashlynn 5 Months

Likes:
Tickle Time
Her fox stuffed animal blanket
Being in her ring sling
Bathtime
Singing

Dislikes:
Carseat trips
Sleeping on her back (would much rather sleep on tummy no matter how many times I put her on her back)


New Steps This Month:
Rolling over both ways
LOTS of talking and babbling!

Ashlynn is Half a Year!

Likes: 

• Bath time 
• Her Swing 
• FOOD (a great eater)
• Her sister (honestly Peyton can make her laugh so easily)
• WAZZZ UP (think 90's... ya.....)
• Sleep.  I can finally say it with out jinxing it.  We have been sleeping 10+ hours for a few months now

Dislikes: 

• Cold 
• Taking away a bottle (even when empty will cry no matter how much she has ate)
• Car Seat

New Steps this Month:

• Eating every day 
• ALMOST sitting up

God is Good

Do you ever have one of those days where you just step back at the end of the day and think....
Wow!  God is so good!

Yesterday was rough for Wes and I.   We are pretty sure one of our vehicles may be done in a few weeks, our kitchen tap started leaking, and then we had some water damage that went through the roof from the bathroom.

It was one of those days.

But, then God reminded me of his goodness.

One of the songs that we played on worship team was this:

Hallelujah You have won the victory 

Hallelujah You have won it all for me 

'Cuz death could not hold you down 

You are the risen King 

Seated in majesty 

You are the risen King

So often I find myself worrying about the things of this earth, 

but God has already won the victory and He is good, faithful and just.  

He will never leave me or forsake me. 

What an amazing promise that is. 

We spent the day with family, and just relaxing. 

We are all safe, healthy and alive. 

And for that I am thankful. 

God will take care of us, 

His love is truly amazing and He shows his goodness in mysterious ways.  

If you- like me- have one of those days where you think one more thing can't go wrong

take a step back and look at all the amazing things God is doing around you.  

Peyton is 3!

Peyton is already 3 years old? 

I know it sounds cliche but -- time goes by way to fast!

Looking back at her 2 year old pictures- I can't believe how much she has grown in the past year! 

Likes: 

Singing 

Dancing 

Going for long hikes/walks

Hugging people 

Playing with her dolls

Dress-up (the bigger the dress, the better)

Reading 

Baking

Dislikes:

When she is told she is not the boss

Not being able to pick up her sister 

Vegetables

Big Steps this Year: 

Counting to 15 

Naming letters (about half of them)

Learned how to scooter 

Went into the big swim class by herself 

Peyton, 

I want you to know how special you are to Daddy and I. 

We pray that you will continue to seek God in everything that you do, 

and come to know him as your personal Lord. 

You are going to move mountains, 

and we are so glad that we get to be a part of your life to see that. 

Love, 

Mommy 

I can't believe this little girl is already 3 years old!