The Encouraging Crafter

As we begin this new year, I can’t help but to be thankful that the chapter of my life called 2018 is over! I am ready for the God-filled pages of 2019 to begin. I don’t know yet what is in store, but I have faith that He will be with me every step of the way. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

My family had some major losses last year, and I know I have focused a lot on those. I hope that in my writings I have been able to help people to know they are not alone in their grief. I have had people reach out to me telling me how strong they think I am. I truly appreciate all of you who have reached out and encouraged me. I always get nervous putting my thoughts and feelings out in the world. I can say that there is one person who got me through this year, and that is Jesus!!! My greatest hope is that I can be a light in the darkness for someone.

Through our grief, I have seen my family draw closer. That brings me great joy. We have group texts going pretty often, keeping in touch with each other. I love that we do that. We found out this year that we have some family members we didn’t know about. That was an amazing experience to see unfold. My middle son has been working super hard in college and was able to transfer and started his Jr year at UGA, Go Dawgs!! I fell in love with some amazing anti-aging, natural hair care products and decided to take the leap of faith and become an independent consultant. Those are just a few of the things that have brought me joy this year.

Even though I know that there will be more painful moments this year, I will still continue to choose joy! With pain, you know you have lived. With hurt, you know you have loved. God never promised us a pain free life, but we do know that joy will come in the morning for those that believe in Him. In Romans 8:18 it says ““For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

So for this year, I will work on continuing to choose joy. I would challenge you to do the same. I would challenge you to find at least one thing everyday to be joyful about, no matter how little. Write them down so those things will help you through the dark days. Pray for the Lord to open you eyes and heart to the joy around you. Romans 12:12

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Lord, I come to you now thanking you for sending your son to die a death that I deserved. Thank you for the time we had with my mom and father-in-law. Please continue to be with me and my family as we go on with our lives as hard as it can be at times. Help us to continue to choose joy for we know that you are always with us…Amen!!

Hugs

Katrina