Rejoice Always . . .

Sometimes it is hard to rejoice, isn't it?  Life throws us curve balls . . . sadness and worry and sin weigh us down . . . we are overwhelmed . . .

Today when I thought about Naomi and how life changed in hard-to-imagine and heart-wrenching ways after her "arrival" two years ago, I thought about my favorite verses in the Bible.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always.  Never stop praying.  Give thanks no matter what happens." 

These verses are my favorite because they are so challenging to me.  When you meet a person who truly lives these verses, you know it immediately -- it can't be helped.  I've only known a few such people in my life, and what a blessing they were/are! 

The kids have been memorizing these verses, and when they have struggles or want to gripe about who got the biggest pancake or who didn't get to sit next to dad at dinner, we talk about these verses and put them into practice. 

Now if I can only remember to do the same myself . . .

Naomi -- We are thankful your entire life will be spent living out these verses.  One day we'll join you and our other babies and loved ones in heaven in your continual praise of our Heavenly Father!