If I had one word to sum up 2016, I would say hard. This year I had high hopes that my health would be restored but things have not worked out that way. However, things have happened exactly as they were supposed too. One quote describes exactly how I feel. Kelli Stuart states, There is a lot of evil in the world but there is also a lot of good, so let’s focus on the good. In 2016, I have seen a lot of good in the midst of hard.  When I’m feeling down I remind myself of the good God has done. His grace is sufficient. I do not know what my future holds, or if my prayers will be answered in the way I think they should be. Although, I do know God will give me His strength to press on. Since being sick, I have begun to view life in a different way.

Life is short and none of us know what is ahead so instead of spending our days weary, bitter, or worried, we should be obedient to Jesus and live everyday to the fullest. Also, we need to live each day offering love and forgiveness to those around us. His yoke is easy and His burden is light, and we need to accept the peace that Jesus longs to give us.

I have started writing a list of what I call “Daily Joys.” Each day I write about the joys of my day and this helps me fight the battle of discouragement. I plan to chronicle my daily joys throughout 2017, and I hope you will do the same. You will be surprised how much cheer this  exercise brings to a difficult day. Below are a few of my “Daily Joys,” and the good I have found in this year.

– My Salvation – My relationship with Jesus makes life worth living, He is my Savior and the Lover of my Soul.

-God has literally walked my family and I through fires and have helped  us stand firm in the midst of difficult circumstances.

– Grace upon grace. Jesus revealed this to me in the deepest ways this year. One of my favorite songs says, “your grace abounds in deepest waters.” That is so true, and such a gift. This year when I’ve felt like everything was caving around me, Jesus always rescued me.

– Wondeful home health and Palliative nurses – This group of ladies bless and encourage me daily. All of my nurses and my palliative care physician have gone above and beyond what is expected in their care for me this year. I love each of you. Thanks for serving me so well and fighting for me!

– Everything has been stripped away. My health, job, finances, etc. While this may not sound good at first, it is. It is good because it has allowed me to lean on Jesus more than ever before, and I’ve seen a Him show up in amazing ways. He always provides.

– My Family – My parents have always been my best friends but during this trial we have gotten even closer. They take such good care of me, and I’ve treasured the extra moments we’ve had together. Also, I’m thankful for the extra time I get to spend with my extended family. My Gran stays with me two days a week to help out and my aunt and cousin Lexi visit me every Saturday. I’m so grateful for the extra time spent with them. They truly bring goodness and joy to my days.

– My Friends – When you experience trials, it shows you who are your true friends are. While most of my best friends aren’t local, they have encouraged me this year, and God has used them to bless me tremendously. They are my prayer warriors, encouragers, and counselors. I know I can always count o these ladies. They hold me up and are my tribe.

– My dogs Coco and Lucy – Animals are a gift from the Lord and they bring me so much joy each day. I thank God for them.

As you go throughout this Christmas week, take some time to reflect and thank God for the good He has given you this year.

Also, stay tuned to my blog as I have some new blog series that I will be announcing in the new year. In the meantime though I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I will see you in 2017!