While at lunch with our cousins this week, Lisa challenged Scott and I to think of a word for 2017. The word that has been on my heart all year is Hope. 

Involved in 2016 has been change, uncertainty, adventure, joy, new friends, sadness and hurt on behalf of close friends losing loved ones, our first home investment, renovations, sanding...lots and lots of sanding, yummy food from Yellow Bird Cafe, grad school, learning patience, witnessing the birth of my niece on my Birthday, celebrating my youngest sister's pregnancy, trying to build a business network in a new place, frustration, a nasty election process, laughter, prayer, a new church family, puppy parenthood, wondering, waiting...and HOPE through it all. 

Directly after lunch with our cousins, Scott and I did some shopping in Beaver for Christmas sale items. Let's be honest...the best time to shop for Christmas decor is AFTER Christmas. Anyway, Scott came across an ornament that we couldn't resist. It was the only "Hope" ornament dangling on the tree. We will hang it in our home all year as a reminder to seek 'strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow' from our God who loves us, blesses us, cares for us, and wants the best for us. 

May peace, joy, love and hope be with you in the New Year!