Happy Birthday, Samuel

My heart leaps for {joy} yet sinks at the same time when I think on how fast this year has gone by and how much our sweet Samuel has grown and developed! It was one year ago that Joshua and I went into the hospital (almost exactly as I write this post at 6:45am) to welcome our first son into this world. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! WHAT A JOY!!!

 I never really knew all the precious and tender moments we would experience in a year's time, but let me tell you: It has not only been the sweetest year in our marriage, but probably one of the sweetest years of our lives. God has blessed us beyond what we could have EVER imagined or hoped for by giving us Samuel Norton Clutterham. He brings so much joy, enthusiasm, laughter, and like I said PRECIOUS moments into our lives and we are so grateful that God has made us stewards over this little life.

As I scroll through the many pictures that have been taken of this awesome little guy (trying to give you all just a taste of joy that we get on a daily basis :),  my eyes fill with tears as I am humbled by God's favor that He has bestowed on us! Here are just a few from Sam Sam's first year!

Soundly sleeping his first day in this world :)

Go Gators!

Our lil Monkey!

LOVES his monkey!

Silly guy!

 

Thank you so much for letting me share our joy with you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAMUEL!

Read More

The Joy Dare

As most of you know, this past year I read a book entitled, One Thousand Gifts which really impacted my thinking about joy. Although I started a journal of 1000 gifts - things that I love, that I'm thankful for, etc. - I have to admit it was hard to remember my notebook or to have it handy at all times. The habit soon became an old habit. {sigh} BUT, at the beginning of the year (and boy, do I wish I had seen it sooner), Ann Voskamp posted a challenge on her blog that seems manageable, fun, and inevitably joyful :) 

I've decided to take the {Joy Dare}, so each day I will be writing down, or taking pictures of, three gifts (in a year I'll have 1000!) What's neat about this Dare is that Ann Voskamp has strategically appointed each day with specific gifts to look for. This is especially helpful if you 1) are pressed for time, or even more so 2) have a harder time opening your eyes to the beauty of God's graces in ALL of life, including the hard things. I pray that this Dare will open my eyes to the smallest of God's gifts to me as I diligently fight for more of the joy found in Him.

If you'd like the full PDF, click here!

So, today is January 12. I'll be keeping my eyes and heart peeled for:

       

       1) Something above me

       2) Something below me

       3) Something beside me

Who's in with me? Who will take the Joy Dare and count at least 3 gifts each day? Let me know if you're up for the challenge! I'd love to share our gifts :)

May this month {and year} be full of counted -- named -- gifts!

Read More