hope, hope, hope

I received this quote in an email the other day from a friend who had lost his friend, mentor, and pastor after a long battle with cancer. It's a quote from a book that I don't remember by an author that I don't know. But, it made an impression on me that I can't shake, so I thought I'd share it here. As the Christmas season is here, and joy and peace are words on our lips more now than in any other season, I can't help but think of all the family and friends who are hurting. Doesn't it seem like hardship is all around us?? Maybe it's just us, but it feels like every time I talk with a co-worker, friend, or family member, they share some sort of trouble or family crisis. How is it that my little family and I have been spared? I'm so thankful for that, but also wonder at the grand injustice of those who have such long uphill battles ahead of them. Anyway, here is the quote I received:

"Hope and despair are not opposites. They are cut from the very same cloth, made from the very same material, shaped from the very same circumstances. Most of all, every life finds itself forced to choose one from the other, one day at a time, one circumstance after another. The only difference between the two is that despair shapes an attitude of mind; hope creates a quality of soul. Despair colors the way we look at things, makes us suspicious of the future, makes us negative about the present. Hope, on the other hand, takes life on its own terms, knows that whatever happens God lives in it, and expects that, whatever its twists and turns, it will ultimately yield its good to those who live it well. When tragedy strikes, when trouble comes, when life disappoints us, we stand at the crossroads between hope and despair, torn and hurting. Despair cements us in the present; hope sends us dancing around dark corners trusting in a tomorrow we cannot see. Despair says that there is no place to go but here. Hope says that God is waiting for us someplace else. Begin again." Joan Chittister

Thankful!

Wow, this year has brought so many changes and new things to be thankful for! I'm excited to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family and be thankful to the One from whom all our blessings flow. I am thankful for...

My awesome husband who not only takes care of our family, but loves his girls so well.

My healthy, happy, and adorable little girl.

My job at the hospital and my fantastic co-workers. I love working part-time, and some days I can't believe that they pay me to be there.

Bryan's job-not always easy, but Innotec is a great company to work for and we are delighted to be a continued part of their unique business.

The H1N1 vaccine.

Grandparents who love Elise to pieces and take care of her often so that her mom and dad can have a night out or a weekend away. They take good care of all three of us.

A church that has a continued passion to reach lost people for Christ. We are so blessed to be a part of that ministry and to see God at work in Holland and Zeeland, furthering God's Kingdom each week.

My sisters-they are who I call when I need a sitter in a pinch, have a question about their newest fabulous recipe, or I'm wondering what to do about the beads that Elise swallowed. Sisters are a HUGE blessing, and I have TWO!

Friends, friends, friends! Playgroup, high school girls, college roommates, innotec connections, small group....I am so blessed with great friends!

My new-found love of cloth diapers. Yes, a strange "thankful," but I really do love them, so I had to include this one.

Okay, the list could go on and on and on. Blessings to you this Thanksgiving, and I pray that our hearts would remain thankful to God as we head into the new year.

Happy Halloween!

What a fun weekend! Dress-up for playgroup, visiting daddy and Aunt Abby at work, Trunk or Treat at church, stopping in on the Hoekstra's pumpkin carving, passing out candy, visiting the neighbors, and having our friends over made for a great weekend. Here are a few of Elise in her bee costume...... and one at the end of her scary daddy.