this season...

I wrote this blog entry way back, the day we announced the pregnancy on Facebook, and I didn't feel ready to post it. After leaving it for awhile and coming back to it now, I am.... My pastor is doing a sermon series called "Practical Miracles" .... while listening, I have been reflecting on the last 8mos and the ways God has shown up for me and my family. I am so incredibly grateful.

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Today, we announced the coming of our little boy arriving in early November. It was fun, it was time for celebrating this little life with many more friends! 

This season though, wow.

It hasn't been all glistening and pregnancy glow.

Chaos, tears, and confusion were there in the beginning, before the pregnancy was known. 

It has been a continual deep reliance and trust in God.

It has been an amazing journey to see where God has shown up and provided in ways I never could have conjured up on my own. And in JUST the nick of time, in most cases!

Though there has been grief, anger and sadness at times, there has also been laughter, joy, and freedom!

Growth in me, the life inside of me, and the VOICE inside of me.

Strength. Courage. Confidence.

All of these thoughts, these truths, couldn't have come to fruition or understanding, without the pain, without the loss or struggle of life circumstances.

This season also couldn't have been done without community, without my people. My people come from all different parts of my life, some of them know each other and some don't. But, what I've learned in the last few years or more, is that you can't do life alone. And, when talking of "friends or community" it's the ones that go into those dark hard places, they don't leave you when life is messy or complicated... and they challenge you to keep going and ask the hard questions. And, they hold you with their fervent prayers.... and point you to the God who sees, and loves deeply.

This post may be rather vague, but I felt it important to share that, this announcement is super exciting and so worth celebrating, and that also...

life is hard. life is messy. life right now is not where I ever dreamed for myself, but God is so good, and He is faithful to complete what He has started in each of us.

"that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"
-Philippians 1:6