In the bigger picture though, I’ve never been reminded more of the fact that we have hope for a future. While I grew up in a family of faith, believing in heaven and an afterlife with Christ, I know that everyone reading this doesn’t share our beliefs. However, that faith has gotten me through each day, sometimes each hour recently.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 ESV
While I’ve never hidden the fact that I’m a Christian, it hasn’t always been at the forefront of my writing on the website. And let’s be real here, I write about food and occasionally our travels, so it isn’t always the most relevant addition to a recipe for the best ever ranch dressing. I am always open to sharing more about my faith if someone is interested, but it’s never been my thing to be preachy or to beat someone over the head with it all.
That said, it’s been an honor to pray with you all this week as I’ve read your emails and heard your stories. My heart has ached along with many of you. It’s been a rough couple of years for everyone, and this year has started with an extra helping of pain for so many.
If there is something I can pray for with you this week, hit reply on this email or leave a comment to share it with me. It will be my privilege to join you in prayer.
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
If it interests you, Why I Believe: Straight Answers to Honest Questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity is a solid explanation of our beliefs.
While doing our best to take it easy and not do too much too fast, we’ve been spending a lot of time in front of screens. I’m pretty sure we’ve never watched this much tv or this many movies in our lives. I can’t complain though, what’s not to love about snuggling with Sean on the couch more than ever before?
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:1-3 ESV
Edited 1/29/22 to add:
I am absolutely thrilled to tell you that things are pretty much back to normal over here. I’ll be back to work this week working on some great new recipes for you – and I’m pretty excited about that! I remain so very grateful to have been able to take all of this time off work to be with my family and I can hardly wait to be back in the regular routine of our life.
Sean was able to go to all of his martial arts classes this week and his o2 levels remained solid. While he hasn’t attempted CrossFit just yet and that may still take a while, I have my healthy husband back and that has filled my heart this week.
The past month has turned out to be a gift of more family time, laughter, and memories than I could’ve imagined a few weeks ago. While I wouldn’t wish the scary days and nights back again, not ever, I am grateful to have had the chance to grow together through it all.
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Romans 5:3-4 ESV
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