Monday, December 12, 2011

Choosing JOY this Christmas Season!

Auntie Anna came down to Royston, Ga for a visit this weekend!  We made many memories & cherished our time together.  Anna read to my kindergarteners (yes - they thought she was famous!), played with Peyton, Christmas shopped with us (I think I'm finished!), tried new Roystonian restaurants, & relaxed in front of our tree watching our favorite Christmas movies.

We asked Anna to give her testimony at Royston Baptist Church on Sunday, Dec. 11th.  If you know my sister, you are aware her powerful testimony.  I was amazed at her grace Sunday morning, as she had to share her story -a car wreak, a brain injury, a miraculous recovery, & a decision to live in JOY on a daily basis.  Anna reminded the congregants (& me) that we chose joy...it is up to us to decide. Anna shared one of my favorite verses that my family has repeated over & over - Romans 5:3-5, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." This Christmas, my prayer for you - that you are able to rejoice, preserver, & hold closely to the hope that our Christ Jesus brings us on Christmas morning.

A few pictures from the weekend -


Our Tree!

Auntie Anna & Peyton

Peyton, Susan, & Anna

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing this bible verse! I love it! I am sure your sisters testimony is amazing!

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  2. Such a great reminder! And I love your tree - so pretty!

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