Along for the Ride: Where is the Year Going? January's Speedy Transition to February

As the title of this post suggests, January simply flew by, and I can't believe we're already in the middle of February. Good times. Really, God is so, so good.

The past weeks have been packed. Some highlights included a skiing adventure (Gubby and I had never gone before!), a trip to a semi-nearby German-themed "Christmas" town with our small group, a beautiful hike, and spending time with my nieces and nephew (baby Em has changed so much already!). Yesterday was Valentine's Day, and my Valentine and I had a fun, relaxed evening having dinner, exchanging chocolate, and watching The Incredibles 2 together.

I've been learning a lot about trusting Christ in all things. Or, I should say, have been struggling with this and am praying for grace to let go of my life and surrender all aspects to him. On Wednesday, the high school group I help lead broke out into small groups and discussed Hebrews 4:

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (English Standard). This passage was so encouraging, and also posed a challenge. We can, with confidence, hold fast to our confession of faith! Our Savior is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, loves us, and sits on the throne of grace! Oh, how incredible this truth is. We can draw near to the throne of the ETERNAL, OMNIPOTENT GOD; a throne of GRACE, offering us the underserved gift of MERCIFUL SALVATION and a relationship with the living God. Wow. Oh, for grace to trust Christ more. For grace to rest in the peace and joy he offers. For grace to share this incredible news with those who are lost. For grace to be on fire for Him, to put off my selfish desires and thoughts and truly make Him the throne of my heart, in all aspects of life.

Baby Em, making a hilarious face.

Me and Gubby (15) on our first skiing/snow boarding adventure. It was a lovely time, although Gubby sprained his wrist and sustained an impressive bloody/swollen nose.

All the nieces and nephews (one nephew) together!

Baby Em now -- she has changed so much already!

We took a lovely trip to visit my grandparents at the beach a few weeks back; we were so blessed with beautiful weather!

A beautiful sunset.

Part of one of the two waterfalls we saw on our hike at the end of January!

Dear, dear long-time friends.

Russian school -- learning prepositions!

The Christmas store in the little Bavarian town!

Sisters

Auntie times

Mozzarella (19) enjoying our recent sprinkling of snow

Sweet Pea (16), Pollywog (21), Mozzarella, and I are taking a 6-week ballet workshop together!

I don't think I will ever not like getting flowers!

Baby Lucy and I last weekend! Munchette and I babysat 6 children under five years of age for 2.5 days; it was an exciting adventure. It did help that three of the kids were Squish, the Chunk, and Baby Lucy.