God creates life

So we have some news in our household. An interesting development that we found out about in December, but that has definitely changed how 2015 will unfold. We are expecting baby #6! It's been nice to sort of keep this news to ourselves a bit longer than we usually do, but it's becoming a little obvious now as I approach 12 weeks along.
We have a busy life. Lots of little ones here, lots of chaos. But God saw fit to bring another life into our home right now. His ways are not our ways! We are excited to find out who this little one is and all that he or she will add to our family. The kids are so excited to welcome another baby. Well, Hannah's not too sure what to be excited about, but she sure does love babies:)

We know we'll probably hear some comments..."Oh wow, 6? Thought for sure you'd stop when you got your girl." or, "Are they all yours? Are you trying to be like the Duggars?" or a personal favorite, "Do you know how these things happen?!" I'm sure there will be some that we've not even heard before. That will be interesting! The thing is, God creates life. He absolutely created each one of these boisterous blessings under our roof, and he is creating this one now in my womb. It is an absolute miracle. That doesn't mean life with a big family is easy. It's hard...and messy. But God is absolutely growing our faith and trust along the way--that HE is our provider, and HE is our sustainer. We know we have to trust him to give him the strength and wisdom we need to raise each one of these unique children. His grace is sufficient.

Our desire is simply to be faithful in raising these little people for His glory. Our absolute greatest desire is that they'd each give their lives to--and be little boy and girl warriors for--HIM. That they would stand for truth and against evil, and follow hard after Jesus all of their days.

So it will be another busy year. If you're reading this and you think of it, prayers are always appreciated! I've been feeling pretty yucky with the nausea, and some days survival mode is about all that's happening around here. But God is faithful. I know He will equip us for these 6 just as he has and is for these 5. He's refining us all in this glorious chaos:)

"For we have all received from his fullness one gracious gift after another."

~John 1:16

A word for 2015

I asked the Lord to give me a word--literally, just one word--for this year. Last year I did that too, and he impressed upon me a few words, "I press on" (from Phillipians 3:12). That was very relevant and helpful for me in many ways last year. So I believe He faithfully showed me through Scripture yesterday that my word for this year is peace.

Peace.

Peace is sometimes hard to find in my world, as you may imagine. Boys are jumping and bouncing and making messes all around me at any given moment. Tasks that have yet to be completed are constantly swirling over me. Demands of time and energy and effort call my name. But I believe that God is telling me to rest in His peace this year. Despite all the chaos, all the demands, all the seemingly impossible things in my life...peace. One of the last things Jesus said to his disciples was "Peace I leave with you..." (John 16:33). It is ours. It is mine. Jesus said it. I just have to believe it, and then recieve it. Claim it. Let peace rule in my heart (Col. 3:15).

So that's what I'm going to be focusing on this year. You have permission to remind me if you're reading this. I know I will tend to forget;)

No matter what craziness comes my way in 2015, I want to remember that the Lord is faithful, and he is my God of peace.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7