We rung in the New Year with a few friends and a house full of kiddos, playing Pictionary and Guesstures.
2010 was a year that will always feel symbolic for me.
There's a verse in the Bible that says, "Count it all as pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
I've seared that verse into my little pea-brain.
I've repeated it over and over (and over again) while trying to ward off tears.
I've recited it to my husband and my kids.
I've prayed that it be so in my life.
I've prayed that it be so in the lives of my kids.
I've fought it.
I've said it aloud with more joy in my heart than I've ever felt.
I've dissected each and every word of it.
I've sobbed it.
I've questioned it.
I've decided I'm willing to face anything because of its truth.
Because I want to be complete.
I love that verse, too. Have you seen this shirt? http://www.wildolivetees.com/consider-it-joy/ You'll love it. (I promise, this isn't spam.)
Posted by: Christy | January 01, 2011 at 09:32 AM
This might be my favorite New Years Day blog post. Thank you.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Atkins | January 01, 2011 at 09:33 AM
Happy New Year Karen, i love reading your christmas posts and inspire me to be a better mom in the process!
Posted by: Jacqui | January 01, 2011 at 09:35 AM
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing Karen.
Posted by: Lynn | January 01, 2011 at 10:00 AM
May God bless every day of 2011 as only He can make you complete! :) Thanks for sharing this most wonderful post today, Karen! Happiest of New Year's to you, Josh Downs, Annie, Courtney Lee, Coley, Ross and Cali!
Posted by: Amy | January 01, 2011 at 10:01 AM
It's a wonderful quote. Moving post...thank you for sharing this. May 2011 be filled with joy for you and yours.
Posted by: MichelleGB | January 01, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Happy New Years, Karen! All the best to you and your family in 2011~
Posted by: Cori | January 01, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Best post of 2011 so far......thank you. And may it sear into my brain, too.
Posted by: Theresa Grdina | January 01, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Beautiful...I love that verse. Happy 2011 to you and your beautiful family...I hope that it's full of good things and joy and peace and love! :-)
Posted by: barrentree | January 01, 2011 at 11:19 AM
love it. thanks for the inspiration you provide in so many more ways than just photography. happy new year!
Posted by: dawn | January 01, 2011 at 11:28 AM
Happy New Year, to you and your family, Karen!
Posted by: Gekakel | January 01, 2011 at 11:54 AM
May you find great joy in your path to that completeness....for the first time ever I can say I'm on that same path. What a gift.
Posted by: Cass | January 01, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Amen! Thank you for sharing. Can I recommend a great book on contentment? Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. Changed my walk with the Lord.
Posted by: Jennifer Officer | January 01, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Beautifully put, Karen! Happy New Year! May God bring you huge blessings in 2011. :)
Posted by: Kris | January 01, 2011 at 01:00 PM
You are sooo inspiring Karen, in so many ways!!! Thanks for being real and for sharing all that with us, your loyal followers! I feel so blessed that I got to meet you in Greece and am so thankful to have learned all that I have from you. I hope that 2011 brings wonderful things to you and your family. Blessings.
Anita
Posted by: Anita Guthrie | January 01, 2011 at 01:13 PM
I also wish to have the desire to be complete in Christ. What a great way to start 2011!
Posted by: Carrie P | January 01, 2011 at 02:13 PM
Great photo, Happy New Year
Posted by: Kathy | January 01, 2011 at 02:33 PM
Hi Karen. He will surely bless you.
* Love the way you crept away from the game & framed this pic!!!
Posted by: caro | January 01, 2011 at 02:39 PM
My blog's title in "Count it all Joy". I know the verse well. Living it is another story. I recently heard a sermon on this. We are to do this to advance God's kingdom, to make us more like Jesus, and because not everything is about our comfort or happiness.... What, it's not? Not about me? That is the part I struggle with!!!
Love to you Kathy b
Posted by: kathy b | January 01, 2011 at 03:18 PM
Meant to write..title is, not title in!
Posted by: kathy b | January 01, 2011 at 03:19 PM
Happy New Year and thanks for all the wonderful photo sharing! LOVE every.single.one. of them! :) And...I just enjoy reading your blog so much! Thank you!
Posted by: Cindy Johnston | January 01, 2011 at 03:47 PM
I love your verse.
I love your blog.
I love your photos.
I love your stories.
Posted by: Mandy Smith | January 01, 2011 at 03:49 PM
Amen. : )
Posted by: Holly S. | January 01, 2011 at 04:31 PM
thank you.
Posted by: amy | January 01, 2011 at 05:57 PM
I'm right there with you Karen.....sometimes in the middle of "life" I have to remember my purpose and where I put my trust. I hope this new year is filled with joy for you and your precious family. However when the hard times come, because they will.... that we look at those valleys as an opportunity to be still and know that He is God.
Posted by: Shonna | January 01, 2011 at 06:31 PM