Love.

I've recently had a beautiful thing happen to me. It involves a storyline that goes back way too far in history and includes way too many details (I'd just as soon forget) to share.

I'm sorry. It's a pretty good story.

But the moral of the story is something that I do, however, feel compelled to share.

And it's simple and something you've heard a thousand times...

Love never fails.

If there is someone in your life who you don't feel like forgiving much less loving, let me encourage you to step out in faith and just do it anyway. Extend the grace you didn't think you had. Forgive the person who doesn't deserve your forgiveness. Take a chance on someone who doesn't deserve a second chance.

As my Dad has said...

"The strongest healing agent God uses ... is love. Unconditional love. It isn't always accepted. Sometimes it is abused. But the one who loves, as God does, can be certain that He is honored and people can be healed."

And to that I would add...

You just never know, the person who's healed might actually be you.

Miracles happen in places you never thought they possibly could. And sometimes, it takes us stepping up and reaching out and living out the change in others we hope to see. If you take a chance and do it, you might be surprised at what God can do in peoples live- beyond what you'd ever imagined possible.

Someone once gave you a second chance when you didn't deserve it and it if you accepted it, it saved your soul. On a human level, loving the "unloveable" is the least we can do to honor what was done for us.

When you don't think you can, just make the choice first. The feeling will follow. I promise. Because God's word is true.

Love never fails.

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Thank you for sticking with my blog. I know my posts have been few and far between in recent months, which is unfortunate because I love blogging. Not a day goes by where I don't think of something I'd love to share. I create the post in my head and then by the time I've finished my day and put the kids to bed, I'm just so tired I can't get the words out on the screen. That being said- I am not going to quit blogging. I'm going to try to step it up and post more. Not because I think readers are waiting for it- or because I feel compelled to check off blogging as a "to do" on my checklist. No- It's because I go back to the whole reason I started this blog, which was to keep a record in thoughts and pictures for my children to have. I gave up scrap booking long ago. This is my "scrapbook." And in recent months I've left too many holes!

This has been a busy time of year, preparing for Christmas- for Florida- for hosting family gatherings. Nevertheless, I have still found opportunity to pick up my camera to capture some snippets of a "day in the life" of us in our home.

One of my favorites is of this moment when Daddy hugged the kids goodbye to catch an early flight for a recent business trip.

Before they said goodbye, he sat on the couch and snuggled with them and told them a story or two.

This man loves his children with every ounce of his being. There are few men I know who tear up at having to leave their kids for a night or two for a business trip. You'd think that after years of traveling, it would become common place to say goodbye and return with little fanfare and no regret. But that's not the man I married and I thank God every SINGLE day for the father he is to our children. I'm so grateful that my children have the privilege and blessing of having him for their Daddy.

It's been cold outside and ridiculously snowy. So we are forced to find ways to entertain ourselves inside. Even I get cabin fever and go a little stir crazy.

Exhibit A.

Balancing Christian on my knees and playing "airplane" while manhandling a (more heavy than light) DSL camera and snapping pictures. But it was fun while it lasted.

As far as the girls go, all they need to do to entertain themselves is open up their closets. Give 'em a hat and presto... we've got a coupla cowgirls and a few hours of dancing and singing and performing "shows" around the house.

And just for fun, because people often ask me, "Does Ariana ever stop smiling?" I thought I'd answer the question for you all right here...

So... Yes.

But of course, not for long.

See?

She just can't help herself. God hard wired this girl with 99% pure joy. It's in her DNA.

And though big sister is much more the "serious" type, I can get her to crack a smile, too. Maybe not quite as often... but that's okay. It makes it that much more special when it does come out.

Have a wonderful week. Enjoy your family. Enjoy your blessings. Forgive the unforgivable. Watch God move and miracles unfold before your eyes.

Love.