Well it has been a LOOOONG time since I have posted anything on our blog.  Almost forgot I had it!  A lot has happened in the past 8 years.  We still are in Gilbertsville, but we moved last year into a new home.  Very exciting!  Part of the reason for that was that Joceline was getting married!  She married her high school sweetheart, Jeramey, in September and they continue to live with us in our finished basement (complete with their own bedroom and full bath).  Here is a pic from the wedding:

Also this summer of 2020, Alyssa graduated from high school!  It looked a lot different this year as the coronavirus hit us in late February/early March, and shut down schools mid-March (right after her senior class trip...so glad they got that in!).  Graduation was a "virtual" ceremony, so all the family came over to celebrate together.  Here is one of my favorites from Alyssa's senior photo shoot:

So as you can easily see, our girls are growing up and moving on with life.  LIFE.  That word has taken on a whole new meaning this year due to the virus.  What truly makes up a LIFE?  It is the activities we do, the places we go, the jobs we have?  Yes and no.  It's all those things and so much more.  For the believer in Christ, it is also the "one shot" we have here on this planet to make a difference for HIM in the lives of others.  In our daily interactions, be they through work or when out running errands, we have an impact on others.  What kind of impact do you leave?  When you leave, do others find themselves going back over your words and actions and smiling, or thinking more deeply about what you shared?  Or do they think good riddance, glad that is over?  

Life is a struggle from day 1.  As babies, we are totally dependent on our parents for literally EVERYTHING we need.  We can do absolutely nothing by ourselves or for ourselves (except to cry and scream).  As we grow, we learn to fend for ourselves, to find "our way in the world".  Hopefully we become "independent" and no longer need the daily support of family for the day to day needs.  Also hopefully we find meaningful work in this world, work that not only supplies our needs physically, but also mentally and maybe emotionally on some level.  More than that though, we need to find God's meaning and purpose for our lives.  Is it easy?  Not necessarily but He has given us tools to do so.  Is it worth it?  100% yes.  And is it always clear?  No.  But we do have His Word to help guide us along the way, and other believers more "seasoned" than us to call on when we feel lost and confused.  The main purpose of my life is to give glory to God in all I do, say and am...as a wife, a mother, a daughter, an employee.  Do I fall short?  More times than there are grains of sand by the shore.  But I press on clinging to the promise of Romans 8:28 among others:  For we know that God causes ALL THINGS (emphasis mine) to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  If I keep my focus on HIM and HIS PURPOSE, then even the things way beyond my control that impact me from day to day are HIS to work for good in my life and in the lives of others I come into contact with.  This LIFE is temporary...my soul will live forever.  My prayer every day is that my focus remains on HIM.   What is your focus on?  As a friend who is a pastor recently posted, You move toward that which you focus on.  May the LORD always be my focus.