Word to LIVE BY...

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. -C.H. Spurgeon

I received the book "The Duggars: 20 and Counting" for Christmas from my parents. I was thrilled when I opened it. I have been wanting to read this book for a while now. This family inspires me.. It's not necessarily the fact that they have a big family it's how they are as a family. Their love for the Lord and their happy outlook on life. I haven't even gotten through the first chapter and I am blessed by it.
We have had a wonderful Christmas day.. we made wonderful memories as a family. It was Scotties first Christmas and it gave us great joy to see the joy on his face while opening his gifts. I wanted this Christmas to be a very happy one. For one it is Scot's first Christmas and two my dear husband leaves for Iraq in just one month. It's been a bittersweet time. We received many phone calls from family members wishing us a Merry Christmas. While C.J. was on the phone my heart kept sinking each time he explained when he would be leaving and how long he would be gone for. With marrying a soldier I knew this day would come when we would have to be apart but I'm not sure I knew how hard it would be. My family is being torn apart for a whole year. After the phone calls were done I looked at my husband and cried. He held me in his arms and let me cry telling me not to be sad yet because he's still here. To make the most of the month left before his leaving. After a little while I heard Scot crying, he was up from his nap. I went to get him and took him downstairs. He sat and ate a cookie while I picked up my new book and started to read. What a blessing.. In my time of sadness in feeling somewhat sorry for myself this book showed me in just the first pages to be happy! To find joy in everything. Michelle Duggar wrote this..

" My parents were still in their teens when they met and married. Shortly after their wedding, much to their joy, Mom became pregnant- right before Daddy went off to fight in World War II. It was three years before he saw his wife again and met his first born."

Tears flowed as I read this.. It was like God was telling me that even though it would be hard my dear husband will be gone for just a year. Our love will carry us through this. Oh how I will miss him but there is so much I have to be thankful for! The quote at the top of this is also from this book. It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
I loved this! Because I may not in the coming months have my husband by my side but I can enjoy the fact that I have a husband that loves me. I can enjoy the fact that I have peace knowing God will take care of him. Oh there is so much to be thankful for! I can enjoy the fact that God gave me my precious son.. who reminds me so much of his Daddy. This little man is going to fill so much of my time in the next year. He is going to bring great joy in a time of sadness and separation. Most of all I can enjoy the fact that I have a Savior who loves me and who will never leave me!!
In this Christmas Season I encourage you all to enjoy your blessings! Enjoy your family. Treasure every moment with them! Be thankful for what the Lord has given you!
I hope you all have a blessed New Years!
With love..
Emily