Storm!!!

As I was driving to work today, I was reminiscing about this past year.
All the good, the bad and the ugly! This past year has been an AMAZING year as well as an EXTREMELY CHALLENGING year!

AMAZING in ways that I can't really put into words.(but I will try) AMAZING watching my dad care for my mom as she went through surgery, chemo, the loss of her hair and all the emotional ups and downs. The way my dad was there for her through EVERY step and EVERY emotion. He not only drove her to all her appointments, but sat with her and held her hand when she needed, cried with her, laughed with her, protected her, held her, served her, and above all... gently turned her face to the Lord when she was overwhelmed. My dads strength throughout this journey has been inspiring!! I know my dads strength only comes from the Lord!!
AMAZING friends that have become family!! Sweet friends that have walked the infertility road before me and can offer not only support, but a shoulder to cry on and hands to pray with. Crazy friends that we can laugh with, friends with wisdom to walk beside us.

CHALLENGING in so many different ways. I (Carey) have had more dental work done this year than my whole life..(slight exaggeration). BUT, we don't have dental insurance, so that hurts more than just my mouth!
CHALLENGING financially. Due to lots of car trouble, lots of medical expenses! Loss of friendships, that I thought would last forever. Loss of my precious doggie Fugazi, and loss of hope. Hope that someday I would be a mom. I'm still working through this one because this one is heartbreaking.
CHALLENGING in the fact that through all the infertility testing we have gone through, they still cannot find a "reason" that we can't conceive.

No matter what this past year has thrown at us, one thing has remained calm and consistent...The Lord is the glue that holds my family together!!! I would call this last year a "STORM", and as I listened to the words of this song by Casting Crowns, I am reminded that:

I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands
For You are who You are no matter where I am
And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn
I will praise YOU in this storm!!

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

I will praise You in this storm
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

So I will praise Him and thank Him!!!! Thank you for ALWAYS being there for me and praise You, for You are ALWAYS in control!!