On the eve of 2023, some of the less practical members of the family stayed up into the wee hours of the night, reminiscing over the past year and welcoming the new. We marveled over the amount of major life events that happened – the birth of a nephew and a niece, a wedding, a deployment, saying goodbye to dear family friends who moved miles away, walking with friends through their personal trials and difficulties, rejoicing in the Lord’s provision and His goodness in our lives.
We were grateful to have Daniel back in the USA and James & Julianna up in Connecticut for an extended visit over Christmas and New Year’s! While they were in town, James participated in his first Bennett concert and experienced some of our favorite Christmas traditions. He helped Daniel and Lydia edge the house with Christmas lights and listened to well loved Christmas cds. We decorated our tree and rehearsed all the stories behind the old and cherished ornaments. We savored a day spent celebrating Christmas with all the family together, opening gifts, sharing a turkey dinner and playing games. It was a merry Christmas indeed!
We stepped into 2023 by going to church. What a wonderful way to start off the New Year, with a service of songs and a message preached from the Word of God. And as we embrace this new year the Lord has given to us, what a wonderful time to draw near to Him and ask Him to work in and purify our hearts. The future stretches before us holding, as it always does, its measure of uncertainties. But may we say with David, “Oh God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee: my soul thirsts for thee; my flesh longs for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.”
Thanks for sharing your beautiful family moments! My heart is warmed. The Lord has not only blessed your family with godly musical gifts, but Lydia’s photography is gorgeous!
Thank you, Joy!