Reflections {2013}

For many years, our family has made a list of the past year's highlights. And for the past several years, I have also noted some of the memorable moments of our year as recorded through my blog.

Reflection is a good thing. Often we see better through hindsight. We can see how the Lord has directed our paths as we look back at where we've been. As I have looked back at 2013 through my blog, I can see how He was preparing my heart for what would lie ahead. I see His faithfulness. 

JANUARY
I began the year with some quiet reflection and a New Year's Prayer. 

New Year's Prayers Are Best

Homeschool was in full swing as I wrote about enjoying

A Feast

FEBRUARY
This month, I told you about "Special Days" With Papa and Gran  and then shared two of this year's "special days" with you.

A Special Day {In Which Maddie Goes to the Spa}

and
A Special Day {In Which Gavin and Owen Visit the Lego Store}

MARCH
In March, we hosted a gathering, a ladies' game night. Some of you were curious about the details, so I responded with 

Gathering {Follow-Up}

I also told you about some of our favorite homeschool books.

The History Books of Genevieve Foster

APRIL

We celebrated Bekah's 12th birthday, I ended my winter-long blog series of bread recipes,

Bread On Tuesday {Round-Up}

and I began a new series with this post

The Hidden Art of Homemaking {A Book Club}

MAY

We were blessed with lots of family togetherness. We had the nearby grands for the weekend...and then we spent a week with Ryan, Sarah, and the faraway grands in Maine! Oh joy! (There was a bonus in that trip to Maine too!)

I also told you about my hair transformation in Raising the White Flag. And somewhere along the way, the Lord began to whisper to me here and there about gray and gloom and growth.

Refreshing Drops

JUNE
I kicked off my summer recipe series, Fruit on Tuesday, and mused about honoring fathers and the fellowship of food.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking {Chapter 8: Food}

JULY

Continuing with our summer reorganizing, we spruced up Bekah's room. I also shared some photos of our summer deluge!

Rainy Days

AUGUST
Ahhh...the month of numbering our days.  There were a whole host of birthdays, which I wrote about here and here and here and here and here. And then there was our anniversary getaway, celebrating 35 years of marriage.

But there were also musings about the "small" things, the simple pleasures.

Giving Thanks

SEPTEMBER
September was new beginnings and doing some house projects and (of course!) welcoming my favorite season.

Hello Autumn! 

OCTOBER

For 31 days in October, I challenged us to have a renewed vision for celebrations.

CeLeBRaTe!! {31 Days}

NOVEMBER

I had lots to share this month! We marked Kati's 20th birthday with a celebration. I showed you our front porch makeover. I told you all about our DIY island. We had a wonderful visit with our son Ryan and his family, including a birthday party for Peter and our Thanksgiving gathering.

But in the midst of all the fun, our hearts were heavy and I felt the need to focus on the important.

Enough

DECEMBER

Oh, December.  I announced our special project, shared our special day with the Rabes, invited you along on our Farmhouse Christmas Tour...and then I told you about the joy and sorrow that marked our celebrations in

Celebrating Christmas

And so I end this year with the idea that has permeated my thoughts and my heart these past months...Ebenezer.

"Thus far the Lord has helped us."