This day.

The past couple of mornings the first thing I have thought when I awoke in the morning is, "This is the day that the Lord has made...let us rejoice and be glad in it". July is always such a reflective month for me as our family marks the incident which claimed Teagan's life and altered the plans and dreams we had for our future. Each year since July 2001 I have looked back and remembered, but also looked at the present and been truly amazed at how far we have come and how God has blessed our family in ways I never could have imagined.
I awake to 4 kids and a husband and another one kicking inside me and it's hard to believe how our 'life story' has turned into such a beautiful thing. Simple, not without struggle, not perfect, but something to be grateful for each day.
The pictures here today are just a few I snapped last week as we played outside and enjoyed the sunshine and relaxing days of summer. {Remember when Chip cleaned up the front landscape awhile back? Here's how it looks now.} I try not to take such little things like days in the pool and flowers and just being home and healthy for granted- ever.
I have reasons to thank God and rejoice in what He has given me everyday. Somedays it's easier to be more grateful than others, but even on the difficult days I am finding that there is always something in life for which I can say 'thanks'.
Some of you know and are following Jaymun's story and know that he continues to need our prayers. I think of the whole Kaat family at times when my own kids are just being kids and life is easy and comfortable in our home. I think of the questions and decisions that they must make- and I know their heads and hearts ache. But I continue to rejoice and thank God, because I know that He can bring them through and show them beauty even in the midst of something as big and unknown as cancer.
God has brought our family through so much. I am thankful that I can share through words and pictures the truth- that God can see anyone through anything- it's a matter of trust. Even when we don't understand, we can trust that God has a way...God has a plan...God has a future for us. And it always includes blessing and beauty. It may take time. It may demand more of us than we think we can handle, but in time there is beauty and Joy. May you find it as you journey throughout your own life.
Yes, today and everyday we can say, "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."