CHOOSE JOY

Though the fig tree may not blossom, 

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

And there be no herd in the stalls-

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength;

He will make my feet like deer's feet, 

And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Habakkuk 3:18

Today marks another milestone.  Nine months have gone by since David's passing.  There have been many long nights of loneliness, but praise be to God, there have been many more precious moments of peace and healing.  And I feel an excitement and a ball of joy brewing inside of me that can only be described as the joy of the Lord.  In two days, I will retire from my job I have worked at for 21 years.  God has lead me to this place at this time for such a time as this.  

I feel that at times over the past nine months, there have been no blossoms in my life and I have been cut off from the fold.  But I have had a peace that passes all understanding.  God has been my strength and my salvation and I feel like I am about to walk on my high hills.  I don't know what those high hills are going to be, but I know that God has brought me to this place for a purpose and I can't wait to see where it leads.  

The boys and I made a decision that this year I will not be spending Christmas at home.  I will be leaving Monday for Thailand and will be spending some time with Joseph and his family.  I am excited about that and can't wait to see what that adventure holds.  Christmas will be different for all of us this year and maybe not being at home will be the easiest thing for us.  I am not sure, but it is the decision we have made and we are happy with that decision and that's all that matters.

I will be sure to keep you posted on my adventures and update you on where God is leading me next.  I know He has a plan for me and I pray I will be faithful to hear and follow His leading and will for my life.  I told someone the other day, we all face trouble at some point in our lives and every day we have a choice to make as to what our attitude is going to be.  I pray that no matter what adversity I face that with God's grace and mercy, I will continue to choose joy.  And that is my prayer for you as well.  God bless you all and Merry Christmas!