Peaks and Valleys

We recently went to a renewal celebration for my husbands brother and his wife, (pictures to come) and it made me contemplate my relationship with Chris and the kind of life we are making with our family. Very courageous and tenderhearted words were spoken by them about peaks and valleys that we all experience in our marriages, and it is these ups and downs that strengthen us and bring us closer.

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While Chris was away last year working for eight months I camped out in a very low valley. I struggled by myself during the week trying to hold everything together, but on the weekends when he would come home we realized how much we needed eachother and our love was renewed. The distance had made us grow fonder and had brought back the spice that kids and routines had taken away. There were also valleys during his tumors and radiation complications. When you have a sick spouse, there is no more dark and frightening thought than that you might be left to face your journey alone. In God's own time, Chris pulled through and we climbed a peak out of harms way. I have also felt great sorrow through heartbreaking family circumstances and Chris has carried me in these deep valley's. Then there are those times where we simply get in a groove and feel like we're living with a roommate. Couples drift apart persuing their different interests and each person is left feeling disconnected and misunderstood. Jon and Les made sacrafices in cutting out activities important to them to make more time for their family. Jon took dancing lessons just to be with Leslie even if it wasn't his thing... at the party they danced together inspiring others to come together and leave selfishness aside.

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If there is one bright lesson in all of this, it is this;

family is life's greatest joy.

Togetherness and service nurtures our relationships no matter where life takes us. Whether you're living in a tiny apartment abroad, a gorgeous home in the suburbs, or a fixer-upper in the country... whether you are jobless, childless, moneyless, or brainless:) My happiest times have been spent with my family. I am excited and recommitted to face each day with a fresh outlook never to forget my countless blessings.

No Reason

by Cori Connors

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I'm yours in the sweet in the bitter

I'm yours if you soar if you fall

Love keeps no account of the winners

Ask why I love you, I'll tell you

There's no reason at all

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After all of these years I'm still crazy in love

If you want reasons there's more than enough

Times going to change them and life rearrange them

But one thing will always be true

That's the way my soul rises to you.

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Gorgeous photos taken by

www.scenesfromthewild.blogspot.com