Just a Little Background...

Reading through my blog posts, you might notice that I am grieving the loss of my little brother and that for many years I was praying furiously through infertility treatments.  Those are trials, but life is filled with joy as well. Enduring painful life circumstances has taught me that while we are here on this earth, it will surprise you in joyous, terrifying, heartbreaking, and hilarious ways.  It is what we do with those surprises that shapes us...

I am a Chicago girl at heart, now living in the suburbs with my husband, newborn son, and golden retriever.  I have survived the renovations of a 100-year-old home, cried through losing my brother and best friend, jogged to the lake hundreds of times, sweat it out on the tennis courts, gotten on my knees in prayer for babies, and found joy in cooking for my family and friends.  I love to curl up under blankets with good books and write with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon.  The snow makes me feel peaceful, and the summer invigorates me.  I get frustrated over making my garden beautiful in the spring, and I am excited as the first fall leaves change color.  I love getting dressed up, and the theater, and date nights. Country music makes me smile but oldies make me happy.  

Life is blessed, in the midst of it all.  It changes in ways you never expected.  You heal in ways you never thought possible.  

I found that writing this blog, even if only for myself, is the thread that has kept me connected to our healing God.  As I write, the words that I believe in my head begin to resonate in my soul and soothe my aching heart.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  

James 1:2-4