Beautiful Joy!

Psalm 42. “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”  In 2011, I was able to smell the refreshing and crisp air of the Dan River, where this psalm is thought to have been composed. It was like a small glimpse of heaven. The freshness and vibrance of the air and the beautiful sound of the waters was pure and wonderful. The contrast of this little haven with the busyness, clamor, noise, and interesting smells of the city was beautiful. I have felt great comfort and peace within my heart from this psalm. My faith and trust have grown deeper, my love for my Savior more tried and true. Although the chapter ends with no heard response from his God, it’s like you can hear the heart of the one who writes. A heart of trust in the One his soul loves, A heart whose steadfastness is set on the One who holds him together, A heart whose love is swelling with hope as he longs for the One who truly satisfies him. The psalmist’s words have resonated with me during this season in my life. 

It has been a season of great joy and a season of  dry heartache. About the dryness, I trust in the Words of my King and say to my own soul, “Hope in God.” And I rest. I will behold. And when I do, the waiting will be all the more sweeter. He brings me quietness with His perfect love. Now, on to the JOYS....

We have been given the most precious gift of our first daughter, Anna Cate Gossett! She was born January 11, 2013 at 4:39 am, weighing 6lb. 3 oz. We have absolutely fallen in love! She is a pure delight!  Here is her story....well at least some bits and pieces of it.....

  David made me take a pregnancy test....this was my true first reaction when I saw it....

After a really long time of the first face...I gradually progressed to this face....

 Then came this phase.....

Then this beautiful little first glimpse of our little girl! 

Then we did everything to get her out....hot spicy mexican from the taco bus...and more spicy mexican for dinner.....oh yes we did....and I was sick all night...nice. 

 My sweet family came in and my sisters tried to help.....but nothing.....

We all waited.....

And we loved the waiting....

Then we had to say good-bye to our North Carolina crew...

Then when it was the perfect time for the most precious little girl...God gave us beautiful 

Anna Cate Gossett

What a most wonderfully pure and lovely gift. We are so thankful. 

Anna Cate's delivery was beautiful. Jesus's presence and love was so very sweet. The remembrance of it brings a smile and an increasing trust in my Savior. 

David and his little girl

 We are so thankful for our family and friends and for all of their love, encouragement, and help! There were so many people who came up to the hospital, who helped us with meals, and who blessed us with  gifts for this sweet little addition. We are so thankful for each of you! 

 My wonderful mom stayed and helped me for the first week. She is amazing. Again, so thankful.

Zephaniah 3:17

Yahweh your God is among you,

a warrior who saves.

He will rejoice over you with gladness.

He will bring you quietness with His love.

He will delight in you with shouts of joy.

I love the way that our God weaves beauty into the dryness. He weaves it so beautifully that you can truly say that all is joy, beautiful beautiful joy.