The highlight of 2019 was easily our September trip to Disney World! We planned and prepared all year long and had the best time.
In addition to that, Paul really made an effort to plan lots of date nights for us this year. We discovered some great new restaurants and enjoyed the the benefits of good memories and intentional time spent together!
The great time we had together, especially at Disney, didn’t just happen. It was a direct result of God’s grace in our lives as we’ve worked very hard to extend love, grace and kindness toward each other. Marriage is hard work but is work that’s worth doing! ❤
My favorite family event of the year was spending July 4th at my parents’ house. We just hung out together, ate great food and had so much fun! This year we had lots to celebrate with my Dad’s 60th birthday, my 35th birthday and most of all adoption day for my precious nephews.
Personally, this was a year of leaning hard into God’s Word. I completed my goal of reading through the Bible in 2019 and enjoyed it so much.
The thing I’ve noticed this year is what the heroes of the Bible have to say when they’re given a chance to speak. Instead of responding with their own wisdom or complaining about the way they’ve been treated, they take the chance to point the audience to God and His Word.
(Click here to join me in reading through the Bible in 2020)
In April I started a new job that has been a blessing in many ways. It requires more of my time than before, so I’ve adjusted my routines and housekeeping tasks to keep things running smoothly at home.
On Monday I shared the most popular recipes from 2019, but here are a few non-food related blog posts that were favorites of yours (and mine!):
- How I fight the enemies of homemaking
- 14 days to a hopeful marriage
- Thoughts on divorce, marriage and hope
- How to have a clean kitchen at night
While I stepped back from YouTube quite a bit this year, there were some videos I really enjoyed sharing with you including several Dollar Tree Hauls and a few tips from our Disney trip. My series on making home life your first priority came right as I was transitioning into my new job and was helpful for me to think through along with you!
God is love – His will is always best.
God is all knowing – His directions are always right.
God is all powerful – He can enable me to do His will.
These pictures remind me that God gives joy when life is hard. They remind me that God doesn’t change even when circumstances and people change. Summer doesn’t last forever – trials don’t last forever, either. If you’re in a hard season of life that feels endlessly painful and sad, look to God. Open your Bible to the Psalms and praise Him along with David (who had his share of hard seasons, too). “Praise on our lips takes care of the sorrow in our hearts.”
“So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?”Ecclesiastes 2:24-25
“I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.” “Who would not fear you, O King of nations? That title belongs to you alone! Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the world, there is no one like you.” (Jeremiah 10:23,7)
God’s faithfulness to His promises in 2019 gives me hope for 2020! Happy New Year!
Previous Year-End Highlights: 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013
Come Home For Comfort 
Happy New Year, Whitney! Thank you for sharing all that you do. It’s been both an encouragement and an inspiration. I hope 2020 is filled with good tidings for you and your family.
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Thank you, Sheena! I’m honored that you spend time here on my blog! Happy 202 to you and your family! ❤
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What a wonderful year! I enjoyed following along with you and cheering you on. I’m so glad you were able to have so many celebrations with your family, fun date nights and sweet times with Paul. Hope 2020 is a year full of blessings for you!
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Thank you, Whitney! You’re always so kind and encouraging to me and it means so much. Happy 2020 to you!!! ❤
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