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grace in this valley
A JOURNEY OF HOPE & HEALING
Joy in the Morning
amy • March 5, 2023
Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
Throughout our lives, we will all go through situations and seasons that can either make or break our faith in God. Any follower of Jesus can attest to experiencing nights of hardship that seem long and dark and at times, almost hopeless. For some, those nights are short and brutal. For others, they may last years and decades, slowly wearing away at earthly hopes and making joy that much harder to find. During those times, you can't put trust in circumstances changing in the way or timing you desire, but you can trust the One who rules over them. He cannot be unfaithful to His promises.
Faith teaches us to believe in things that we are yet to see, things we are yet to experience. To keep us going and believing in the love and grace that our Savior has for us. His word is still true and His mercies endure forever regardless of what we may be currently facing. For the one who remains steadfast in faith and endures, the day will come when light finally begins to dawn, when weeping is turned into a song of praise and sorrows into joy. God is always working towards a good ending for the story of our lives.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
The verse above is best summed up for me as "the pain that you've been feeling, can't compare to the joy that's coming". Words that continue to breathe life into my weary soul. Oh how I've held onto this precious promise. After so many years, it can often seem like a new day will never arrive. The last few years have been a roller coaster of the beautiful and the utter heartbreaking for our family. Through tears and laughter, the joy and mercy of the Lord has sustained us. Joy through Him can be found in every season of life.
Health Update
My mind this last month has been restless with so many thoughts. Trying to put these thoughts into complete sentences that make sense has been a struggle. Even just being on my computer has once again proven to be more of a challenge. This is one of the many impacts of chronic neurological Lyme and it comes in waves for me, so I apologize ahead of time for how my words may land on this post. If you aren't interested in a short health update or hearing a little more about neurological Lyme, feel free to skip to the Joy in the Morning section to read what my heart truly wanted to share. Some parts of these next two sections may be triggering for those who are walking through their own health journey.
I started a new Lyme treatment a few weeks ago that compliments what I have already been doing this last year. As in the past, I'm not going to share any details about it yet until I am further along, but it's been another testimony to God opening doors and making a way. My body was starting to have some scarier symptoms pop up and stick around again as the winter season progressed. Since December, things have been slowly getting worse the longer I was without sun and warmer weather.
It took me a while to realize that God wanted me to go down this new treatment path, because it isn't a commonly recognized treatment nor something I ever thought I would try... But the LORD kept bringing it to the front of my attention and placing a few sweet individuals on my path who are seeing great success with this specific therapy. I finally had to recognize that it was something I should consider since it was appearing in so many areas of my life.
The increase of symptoms and other significant changes that have shown up lately is very encouraging and shows us that this new therapy is doing something. It's a blessing but is also horrible all at the same time. I can tell the treatments are currently hitting my co-infection Bartonella the hardest because of all the brain and neurological symptoms I'm experiencing, along with the cat scratch marks that are once again appearing on my body.
Bartonella is also called cat-scratch disease and is a co-infection of Lyme disease. It's one of many that I have been diagnosed with. And yes, you can get this infection from cats. The marks can also look like stretch marks that come and go and are the oddest thing to experience. My son has them all over his legs and back. Mine are always the worst on my chest, stomach and up and down my spine in areas where I would never be able to reach.
I remember back before I knew I had Lyme, I would be at my acupuncture appointments to help relieve my symptoms and the practitioner would comment almost every time on how I had so many scratches all over my body. At the time, I just thought my husband was scratching me while we were sleeping... The things I wish I had known back then about these diseases.
As the pages of this blog continue to be written, you will see I don't focus very much on what I walk through daily. I've never been one to want any sort of special attention or sympathy, especially in the midst of suffering with something that is so misunderstood. My sufferings have brought me near the painful sting of death. Yet, they have also led me to greater hope and greater faith. That is what I choose to place my focus on and what I want to share the most on these pages.
One day, I hope to share more intimate details of my story, because my heart's desire is to help others who may find themselves on a similar lonely road. I'm an open book though if you ever have a question - feel free to reach out! When I do mention symptoms, just know it took a lot to get me to actually write them down and I've probably minimized what I am experiencing.
A Glimpse of Neurological Lyme Disease
I'm often asked what my neurological Lyme specifically looks like. That's a loaded question and varies based on the day and even the season of where my treatments are or what infection is currently flaring. I can thankfully say that my brain symptoms have gotten SO MUCH BETTER this last year, but they are still far from what remission would look like. Some of my first symptoms of Lyme, even a few days before I "became sick", were coming from my nervous system and brain. I am no stranger to how horrible they can become. This illness will fight you tooth and nail to not go down.
When my neuro symptoms flare, I continue to struggle with intense tremors, nerve pain, blurred vision, electrical zingers in my head, numbness, migraines, eye floaters, severe weakness on the right side of my body, mini-seizures, vertigo, losing my vagal muscles and ability to swallow, bell's palsy, slow speech, gut paralysis and stroke-like symptoms to name a few. My symptoms usually get worse as the day progresses. I often struggle until the wee hours of the morning just trying to fall asleep, but I know that if I can fall asleep, even for just a couple hours, many of my symptoms will reset for the next day. God made our bodies amazing like that. The lyrics from the song I mention below say "there's new mercy, every morning, hold on till you see the sun". This has held true hundreds of times in my own life over these last years. God's faithful mercy as the sunrises has been such a gift.
I am still not able to move very much. Not just from weakness, but also because my brain just doesn't know where my feet are in this world and the fallout from that can be hard and unpredictable. I have had to relearn how to walk several times in the last few years and it can still be a struggle. My spine has also been severely compromised and weakened from where Lyme attacked it along with the surrounding organs. We've noticed over the years how much my smile has even changed from this disease. There are days that I can hardly get my facial muscles to give me a glimpse of my real smile. But it is coming back more frequently this year! I am also thankfully starting to eat small amounts of rice once a day that aren't blended with my other food. Such a big praise to not choke or aspirate and actually be able to chew some food for one meal.
The ALS / MS like symptoms are the worst neurological ones for me. Trust me when I say chronic neurological Lyme disease is absolutely horrible. I won't go into what mast cell activation, mold issues and other infections add to this mix. At one point a couple years ago, I had over 100 daily symptoms from these illnesses. No area of your body or organs go untouched. My heart especially goes out to anyone with chronic late stage neurological Lyme Disease. I pray you have a strong support system and people in your life who believe what you are going through. Please reach out to me if you don't or if you just need a friend who can relate.
Ok - enough with health updates and the gloomy, but very real side of this valley...
Joy Will Come in the Morning
A theme that God has been speaking into my heart this new year from almost every angle is the phrase "JOY will come in the morning". He normally gives me a word for the new year, but it seems this year the LORD spoke a phrase to my heart instead. Our family hasn't had much joy the last several years and it is starting to really wear on all of us. Yes - we find joy any way we can and the joy of the LORD is truly our strength, but overall the heaviness of this life we are living has grown heavier this past year. I think we are finally starting to come out of the constant fight or flight mode we've had to be in just to survive. We can actually start to comprehend what these last years have held. Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes.
The new rendition of Joy in the Morning by Tauren Wells, featuring Elevation Worship, has been life giving to me this last month. "If it's not good then He's not done." Amen and AMEN. God has been showing me that yes, the nights may seem endless and feel like they never end, but He tells us that JOY will come in the morning. This phrase sounds so encouraging and uplifting, but for many of us there may be a thousand long nights before we find our joy in the morning. It's not just a pretty phrase you put on a sign to look at - it's what God has told us.
If you are in the middle of a season where you don't know what's next, this is where your faith truly becomes real. Faith often feels like you are walking forwards blind and falling backwards blind while trusting that God's plan for you is far greater than the circumstances currently surrounding your life. I continue to remind myself that when God says joy is coming, then it will come. Faith is trusting what we do not see.
I find especially when my neurological symptoms become worse, I will start to feel fear try to creep back in and tell me that nothing I am doing is working and everything is going to start spiraling out of control again. Falling backwards blind is one of the hardest parts of this valley. It becomes a very weary cycle.
During times like this, I've had to learn to actively take my thoughts captive. Instead of looking at my circumstances as evidence to prove that my thoughts are right, I've learned to really stand firm and go to the word of God. To find His truth over what my eyes currently see. It's the only truth that I can stand on and trust when it feels like I am surrounded on every side. If God says joy comes in the morning and if He says He is working all things together for my good, then I believe it will come. It's always darkest before the dawning of a new day.
My Eternal Hope is in the Kingdom of Heaven
Over the years, I've wrestled with how to manage the tension when the reality that you are experiencing doesn't look like what God has promised in His word. When the situation you are in just doesn't seem to change. I've had to really lean into the character of God, because the cliché sayings don't often work after so many years of walking through such a difficult valley.
When it all gets too heavy and you feel like the faith filled words just can't come out of your mouth anymore... What do you lean on? You have to lean on God's character. Who He actually is. Who His word declares Him to be. I remind myself of all the times He has shown up for me in the past and all the times He has shown up in other people's lives. I remind myself of how His promises have been steadfast and faithful to get me this far. I remind myself that God doesn't change regardless of my season or symptoms. If He showed up back then, I can trust that He will show up now.
The beautiful thing about the character of God is that it is multi-dimensional. He is transcendent and He is also imminent. He is higher and above, but He is also so close and personal. God is beyond all sin, guilt and temptation. And yet He chose to step down from His throne into our broken world full of pain, dysfunction, sadness and loss. The reality that He is beyond AND He is also here with us is where my hope rests.
My ultimate hope is not of this world - it is in the Kingdom of Heaven. A place that is everlasting, unchanging, unending and endures for all eternity. My hope is that one day I will leave this world full of suffering and step into eternity with my Savior where I will experience the peace, the grace and the joy that flows from the goodness of our Heavenly Father. Yes - my weeping may endure for a night, but because of my God, I know that joy will come in the morning and one day it will last for all eternity.
Keep Believing Even in the Middle of the Unknown
I am currently holding on to the truth that no night or season lasts forever. The sun will always rise and with the dawn comes the blessing and favor of our Heavenly Father, who is hard at work to strengthen and deliver His children. No matter how dark life may seem, God has promised that joy will come.
David, who wrote the Psalms, experienced many ups and downs in his lifetime. He was known as "a man after God's own heart". His own heart is poured out in the scriptures talking about the experiences he walked through. David learned that any valley he went through was only temporary for "a night". It was just a season. He had seen time and time again how God delivered him in multiple ways. He trusted that God was always with him, for him, beside him AND ahead of him so he could count on joy coming.
God doesn't change - no that's not who our God is. He is steadfast and faithful. This life might not look like the way we thought it would - but in the end, it will actually be far better than we could have imagined. When we get to that place of full surrender where our hearts cry is: God you lead me... God you speak to me... God you show me.... God you fill me... God you use me... God I need your strength... God I trust you... That is the best place to be. Open hands that are surrendered to His perfect will. God knows your heart and He knows what's next. You can trust His plan for your life and that it will one day all make sense. I am so thankful that His mercies are new every morning - just hold on till you see the sun.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
My friend, you and I can experience these harder seasons of life knowing that they do have an end date. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can be sure the morning light will come. Remind yourself what your soul already knows. God is for you. He's got you. He hasn't forgotten you. This is not the end of your story, but just a chapter. If it's not good, then He's not done! Keep holding on - JOY is on the horizon.
Amy <3
Joy in the Morning
By: Tauren Wells featuring Elevation Worship
Everything happens for a reason, but you don't know what you don't know
And you'll never have peace if you don't let go of tomorrow
'Cause it ain't even faith till your plan falls apart but you still choose to follow
If it doesn't make sense right now, it will when it's over
And there will be joy in the morning
There will be joy in the morning
If it's not good then He's not done, no He's not done with it yet
There will be joy in the morning
Giving in to your feelings is like drowning in the shallows
Oh, you've gotta keep believing еven in the middle of thе unknown
'Cause grace will be there when you come to the end of your rope, when you let go
It may feel like you're going down now, but the story isn't over
So lift your eyes and know, that there is joy
You don't have to stay where you're at
There's light at the end of the tunnel
There's new mercy every morning
Hold on till you see the sun
Sing through the night, lift up your eyes
Joy is on the horizon
Oh, I feel it coming
I feel it stirring up deep inside
Keep holding on, keep holding on
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy is coming
Grace in this Valley
Nine years ago today, a line was drawn between before and after. Life changed completely for our family and the hard began in ways I never could have imagined.
Remedy was born from our personal journey to soothe and bring relief to our daughter’s severe eczema. What started as a simple way to care for her skin has grown into something deeply meaningful for our family.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23
"How beautiful are the feet of the man that came for me. How beautiful are the scars that tell me just how kind you are... My Jesus."
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22 years with my Valentine. 🌹
The last nine have held more than we ever could have imagined and this past year has carried a weight we never saw coming. Yet through it all, you have been steady - loving me, leading our family, standing beside me through the hardest and darkest days.
Marriage in the trenches isn’t easy, but by God’s grace, we are still here. Still holding on. Still choosing love. And through every unknown, Jesus has been ever so faithful.
No matter what, our hope remains in Him. Grateful to walk this road with you, my love. You are the clearest reminder of God's grace in my life. I love you. ❤️
#bygodsgrace #valentinesday #jesusatthecenter #enduringlove #marriage #graceinthisvalley
“Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting - for he will never disappoint you!” -Psalm 27:14
#inthewaiting #trustgod #psalms #hopeinhim #trustinjesus #godstiming #hopeandhealing #godspromise #strengthinfaith #invisibleillness #lymedisease #chroniclife #pressingon #wildernessseason #healingjourney
Chasing peace 🤍
My soul finds rest in Him alone... Pslam 62:1
#slowingdown #chasingpeace #restinjesus #surrender #faithjourney #chronicillness #invisibleillness #lymedisease #myhealingjourney #trustingod #faithandhealing #natureheals #healingseason #nervoussystemhealing #christiansmallbusiness #holistichealth
N I N E T E E N ❤️
incredibly beautiful, refining, sanctifying, priceless, challenging, and grace-filled years. The moments that built us aren’t captured in my posts, but they are the ones that have deepened and strengthened our love the most. We’ve walked through many fires and this wilderness season often feels unending, yet God’s goodness and mercy continue to carry us. He is still my absolute favorite soul and the one I would choose again + again.
Happy Anniversary, my love... I can’t imagine where l’d be without you. I love you and this little family we’ve built. Thank you, God, for this treasure of a husband I get to call “mine.” xoxo
#anniversary #myperson #marriedlife #bettertogether #healingjourney #insicknessandinhealth #lymewarrior #invisibleillness #godsplan
Leaning into less noise + more peace. Stillness can be so healing. 🤍
Thankful that His burden is light, even when life + symptoms are heavy.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9
#chasingpeace #stillness #healing #faithjourney #chronicillness #invisibleillness #lymelife #hisgraceissufficient #boundariesarehealthy #trustingod
healer > healing 🕊️
#Psalm130 #HealingJourney #HopelnGod
“How beautiful are the feet of the man that came for me. How beautiful are the scars that tell me just how kind you are… My Jesus.”
He is RISEN, dear friends! 🕊️
I pray wherever you are this week, no matter what you may be facing, that the empty tomb and resurrection of our Savior would breathe fresh hope over your life. That you would find Jesus in unexpected places.
If you woke yesterday caught in a season that still feels like Saturday and your praise looks more like tears, know that He sees you. In the midst of fighting for joy, in merely showing up, in feeling the weight of pain or loss — you are seen and deeply loved.
He left the grave so He could be with us - in every season and in every struggle. He came to redeem it all.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” - 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Hugging you in my heart,
🤍 amy
Oh friend, I can’t tell you how much I love this quote above written by @hannahbrencher - so much beautiful truth of the journey many of us know all too well.
In a season that feels like one long Saturday, where grief holds space with expectancy and questions outnumber answers, the LORD continues to remind my heart that beauty is born from the ashes of waiting.
What might feel like silence in this shaky, uncertain middle, is really the quiet groundwork of God’s faithfulness. His promise to complete what He started.
Though there may be silence right now and what we see doesn’t seem to match His promises, trust His process. Even when it feels like going backwards, remember He really is in every detail. His ways, not always understood, overflow with goodness because He is good. Always.
Our Redeemer is restoring and redeeming piece by piece. Nothing is ever wasted.
Hold on, our Sunday is coming.
Let hope speak louder than the silence.
🤍amy
The cross on Good Friday. A place of profound sorrow where hope seemed hidden in the shadow of such overwhelming loss.
Carrying the weight of the world’s sin, the pain of betrayal, and the sting of death, Jesus embraced it all, out of a love beyond our comprehension.
In His surrender, we see the heart of our Savior - willing to endure unimaginable human suffering to bridge the gap between Heaven and earth.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” - Isaiah 53:5
The breaking of Jesus’ body and shedding of His blood led to wholeness and abundant life. Assurance of every promise kept.
The ultimate reminder that darkness is never the end.
With His last breath, Jesus declared, “It is finished.” His mission fulfilled, a path to redemption secured. In those three words, there is a love so profound, it forever changed the world.
We see the depths to which grace will go and the lengths to which God’s love will reach each one of us, finding hope in the promise held by the cross. A hope that refuses to be silenced by darkness.
Thank you, Jesus.
Thank you for the cross.
Thank you that in our own brokenness, we find You.
It may be Friday, but hope + redemption are on the way, my friend. The One who gave it all is waiting to meet you right where you are today.
♡ amy
“The pain that you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.” Romans 8:18 whispers this promise into the weary corners of our hearts.
God continues to remind me that He treasures our raw and unedited prayers, our honest tears - our true selves. He didn’t create us for mindless adoration but for a relationship that’s alive with choice. A choice to seek Him, no matter what circumstance we encounter.
It’s in these raw moments that I often find my deepest conversations with God. He could have made us immune to sorrow and pain, yet He gave us hearts that beat with the fullness of emotions.
I’ve been in the Psalms lately, where David’s unguarded honesty through every trial continues to speak to my heart - his uncensored cries alongside songs of praise.
Full. Honest. Real.
David’s words echo across time, reminding us that in the act of surrender, of leaving it at the feet of Jesus, we find the truest form of worship.
It’s not about masking pain or sadness with a smile but about laying all of ourselves and whatever we are carrying before Him and trusting that despite what our earthly eyes may see, despite how we feel, God is working and joy is on the horizon.
“Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” - Psalm 30:5
It’s a promise, friend.
If your heart aches today, come to Him just as you are. Pour out whatever is on your heart or weighing you down. And then stand in the hope that a joy as profound as the trials you are facing is being etched into your story - not despite the pain, but because of it.
♡ amy
02.26.24
Turned the page to this next year. I’m expectant for all 42 will hold. God is bringing beauty from ashes, my friends.
Thank you for the sweet birthday love! Blessed to have each one of you in my life! 🤍
xo,
amy
He has made everything beautiful
𝓲𝓷 𝓲𝓽𝓼 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮
Thankful for glimpses of spring. ♡
One day at a time. Trust in the Lord’s promises. 🤍
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” - James 1:12
G o d i s a b l e
Starting the week with this powerful reminder.
There’s something about knowing that God is never limited. He can always do more than we could ask, think or imagine. Our biggest longings, our deepest prayers. All of it. His power and grace know no bounds and are never constrained by our circumstances. He is always able to do more!
I’m keeping this close to my heart this week and I pray you do too!
🤍 amy
#godisable #graceinthisvalley #ephesians320
It’s 54 degrees today,
in Minnesota,
in January.
Just when it seems like it is too much, God gives me days like this. Such sweet mercy + sustaining grace.
“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait.” - Isaiah 30:18
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” - Isaiah 58:8
It’s just so like God to have my Bible reading plan end the year with this chapter and this verse. A clear reminder of His meticulous hand in every detail of our lives.
The LORD spoke these words over me early in this valley. A verse that has since carried me and continues to give me a hope that can only come from Him.
This year was tougher and more challenging than I had envisioned, especially in terms of my health. It was a year where hopes for improvement often met with setbacks. Yet there were countless unexpected blessings, moments covered in grace that caught me by surprise.
God may have not given me all I had hoped and prayed for, but He provided all that I truly needed and His goodness was etched in every moment. When I look back at this year, I want to only remember how good and faithful He was.
Today, my heart was gently yet powerfully reminded once again that no matter what I face, no matter what this life forces me to endure, no matter how much I don’t understand, my God is faithful. He is good. And that’s all I need to know.
My hope continues to rest in the One who promises to use each part of my story, no matter how difficult or unexpected for my good and His glory.
And so, as this year closes, I cling to this promise that in His perfect timing, not only will my light break forth, but so will my healing. Yours will too, friend. God will never fail and neither will His word.
♡ amy
MERRY CHRISTMAS, my sweet friends!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13
Emmanuel - God with us! He broke through the darkness and changed everything! Thank you, Jesus!
I pray this day, no matter what you face, this truth will permeate your heart. In your waiting, in your silence, and even in your darkest moments, may our Savior fill you with, above all else, hope.
Sending so much love from our family to yours! I’m incredibly thankful for each one of you. ❤️🎄
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:5
This song has been one of my favorite Christmas songs for many years. It always makes me pause and reflect on the way Jesus came into the world. Without fanfare or demonstrations of power, but simply as a tender infant, cradled by the quiet of the night. Humble, unhurried, unadorned on a night filled with the anticipation of something miraculous. He lived His life on this earth in a similar way. It could have been so different.
“You could’ve come like a mighty storm. With all the strength of a hurricane. You could’ve come like a forest fire. With the power of heaven in Your flame.”
“But You came like a winter snow. Quiet and soft and slow. Falling from the sky in the night to the Earth below.”
My current season has caused me to hear this song in such a new way then when I first listened to it. The meaning has evolved and now the words whisper deep comfort to my soul.
Is it possible that God’s way of bringing His Son into the world reflects how He often chooses to work in our own lives? Quieter, softer and slower. At times He almost feels hidden - so distant from the place we are currently standing.
Even then, I’ve come to realize that God is always working. His purpose evident in our stories not in a loud flashing way, but instead in a gentle and constant manner. In the stillness is often where our Heavenly Father will be found the most.
In the midst of any season you may find yourself, know that God works in the hidden and steady just as much as He does in the grand and glorious. He has a plan for our future - one that is full of hope and His goodness. Just like a soft falling snow, God is often quiet, soft and slow in His ways, but He is there in the fabric of our daily lives. Choose to make space for the one who matters most these next few days and know that He is with you no matter what. Come thou long expected Jesus. We are ready for you. ♡
———
To read more of this blog post “Winter Snow”, click the link in my bio or visit www.graceinthisvalley.com/blog
Temps in the low 50s in December – a rare gift in Minnesota. Savoring these fleeting moments of unseasonable warmth amidst waves of harder days. Soaking in every last healing sunray before winter whispers its imminent arrival once again.
Even when the cold + snow descends, grace remains. And in that, I find my strength.
“For You light my lamp; the Lord my God illumines my darkness." - Psalm 18:28
#lymejourney #strengthfromabove #faithinspired #winterreflections #graceinallseasons
“Remember today, when you're in Christ, you're secure even when your feelings tell you otherwise. You don't have to feel well to be strong and courageous. You don't have to feel bold to be brave. You don't have to feel accepted to live loved. You don't have to feel faith for your faith to be real. And you don't have to feel God's presence for Him to be near. He's closer than your next breath and He lives mightily in you! He pulled out a chair and gave you a place at the table of grace. God is always near and you are always loved no matter how you feel. You've seen too much to turn back now. Keep marching onward. Whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving alone or with others today, remember that you are so loved and have a seat at the table of grace.” ( Susie Larson)
Happy Thanksgiving, friends! I’m beyond grateful for each one of you!
xoxo,
amy
My heart needed this. As the sun set tonight, the words ‘Through it all, my eyes are on You; through it all, it is well with me.' filled my soul.
In each color of the sky, there's a whisper to stay focused on Him, no matter what the day or week may have held.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.”- Isaiah 26:3
Each sunset is a vivid reminder that beauty can always find its way in no matter what you may be facing. Pause. Breathe. Get lost in His wonders. Let His peace cover you.
Grateful for the moments that remind me that in every high and low, He is there and because of that, it is well.
♡ amy
#graceinthisvalley #itiswellwithmysoul #myhealingjourney #sunsetreflection #gratefulheart
This summer was a hard-fought battle. The physical symptoms that raged were completely unexpected.
My nature isn't to focus on the hard—I tend to look for the good and speak from a place further removed from the struggle. I've received so many sweet messages checking on me, so I wanted to give a brief update.
Healing isn’t glamorous; it’s more of an unfiltered, raw kind of beauty where even the painful, unglamorous moments, somehow have their own distinct beautiful grace.
I was reminded once again that there's no set formula or path proven to work for everything I face. So many ebbs and flows. It often feels like a squiggly, roundabout route I would never willingly choose. And the cycle can be exhausting.
Over the years, I've learned that you have to be willing to try something different and continue trying if you truly want to heal. It's worth the risk, even if it doesn’t always work out. Something that “should” have helped left me feeling as if my body was unraveling at its core, while my worst infections whispered their presence once again. I was left with very little fight or strength.
These last months have been marked by the intentional daily decision to keep fighting and believing. To put my faith in not what I see in front of me, but in the One who holds my future. Some days, it felt like I had to make that choice every five minutes
At some point, I decided I wouldn't give up. I chose and continue to choose daily to put my hope in the One who is the author of my life. He continues to carry me through. And I slowly see Him turning my pain into a purpose that will glorify His name.
This body of mine has started to rebalance once again and things are calming down. I’m praying this will maintain through the shift of seasons as cold temps settle in. We had hoped I would be strong enough to try a warmer location this winter, but it seems that now isn’t the time. One day.
As winter approaches and fear tries to creep back in, I’m continuing to trust my Heavenly Father, surrendering my grip and resting on the promise that He's working everything out for my good and for His glory. Trust Him, my friends. He's working it out for you too.
♡ amy
No better place than at the feet of Jesus. When the world feels overwhelming and the journey ahead seems uncertain, let His grace be your sanctuary.
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” - Psalm 62:5-8
#graceinthisvalley #trustinhim #hopeandhealing #chronicwarrior #hisgraceisenough
A u t u m n glory 🍂
Soaking it in. Beauty is balm.
#GraceInThisValley #ThankYouJesus #Psalm23 #FallColors #NatureHeals
Stillness on my deck with the sun’s warmth pouring over me. A little pause, a deep breath and a dose of gratitude.
“Be still and know that I am God." - Psalm 46:10
#bestillandknow #gratitude #thanksgod #waitwell #seekbeauty
God is always seeking you. Every sunset. Every clear blue sky. Each ocean wave. The starry hosts of the night sky. He blankets each new day with the invitation, “I am here”. - Lou Giglio
I love this beautiful quote and reminder that God is not only near, but the works of His hands are always surrounding us.
He is in the details. Every single moment. God sees it all. The whole timeline from the beginning straight through to eternity, His gaze never waivers.
Even in the silent shadows of life, where solitude looms, His whispers of love and presence can be felt if you look for them.
As you go about your day, let nature's beauty be a gentle nudge, a reminder of His continuous love and presence. Let every sunrise and painted sky remind you of His steadfast promise: 'And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' - Matthew 28:20
#thanksgod #promisesofgod #godisinthedetails #faithandhealing #lymejourney
A brief glimpse into my heart and journey over the last couple months that has impacted the frequency of my time on here. Trusting Him with every step and surrendering my grip while resting on His promises that remain my lifeline. THANK YOU for sticking around during the ebbs and flows of my posting. Your support and love mean so much.
♡ amy
“And the God of all grace, who called you according to eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself restore you, and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” - 1 Peter 5:10
As the summer days wind down, these blossoms from our little garden become even more treasured. A reminder that God will give you His beauty when all you have are your ashes.
Isaiah 61
"He bestows on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
The homeschooling journey continues. Hello to grades 7 and 10!! ✨
As we started our 11th year of homeschooling this month, I stand in awe of how God continues to sustain us. This season, these moments with them, are beautiful reflections of God's gentle grace in our lives.
Embracing this school year with gratitude and anticipation, humbled by what God has entrusted to me.
♡ amy
“Your promises are where my hope is found.” @bethelmusic
I’ve been saturating my heart with this song the last few weeks, holding tight to promises whispered deep within my soul early in this valley. Letting His peace surround and sustain me regardless of how loudly my body currently tries to tell me the opposite.
God holds all of our tomorrows. I may not know what the future is going to hold, but I know His plan never fails. He is making a way and has already gone ahead to prepare and provide, guiding every step toward His promises.
I’m believing this for my life and yours my friend.
We wait. We hope. We trust.
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” - Luke 1:45
♡ amy
E I G H T E E N ❤️
Feels like a lifetime ago. The years have brought us more than most face in a lifetime. Yet, through every fire and battle we have walked through (and are still facing), God has been ever so faithful.
I’m grateful to have this man by my side - as my husband, my caretaker, my best friend and my main source of support. I know God is bringing beauty from all the ashes and scars. Our marriage stands as a true testimony of His unwavering grace and love.
In sickness or health. For better or worse. We do.
Then. Now. Forever.
Thanks for being you and for being mine. Happy Anniversary, my love! xoxo
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” - Romans 15:13
Whatever you may be facing this week, I pray that God would fill your heart with His unwavering hope.
He stands as our peace, strength, joy, provider, healer—and so much more. His promises are steadfast.
This song's been on repeat over here today, a balm for my soul. Dwell in His hope, friends and let Him carry you.
xo,
amy
So why would I fear the future? For your goodness + love pursue me all the days of my life. Psalm 23:6 ✨
N O T H I N G ♡
#nothingisimpossible #withgod
“The battle is not against who we have been. It is an all out war against who we are becoming.” - Lisa Bevere
Treasuring every memory made with my loves! The simplest moments have become gifts I will never take for granted. So much beauty and joy can be found amidst all the hard. ❤️🤍💙
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” - 2 Corinthians 3:17
Grateful for our freedoms in this country that always need preserving and for the steadfast freedom that I have in Christ.
Hope you had a good 4th of July, friends! 🇺🇸
#independenceday #july4th #freedom #graceinthisvalley #memories #mypeople❤️ #freedominchrist
I've been dwelling in the book of Job this month. It’s a part of the Bible that often leaves us with more questions than answers, yet it’s profoundly comforting, especially during challenging seasons.
The book of Job tells of a righteous man whose life was completely overturned when God allowed Satan to test him. He lost everything dear to him through no apparent fault of his own. But he remained determined to trust God’s goodness and sovereignty, even in the midst of pain. The book ends with God restoring and redeeming Job’s life and all he had endured. His latter days were greater than his former.
A life restored.
The story of grace and redemption my own heart longs for.
Like most of us in our trials, Job never understood why he suffered. He asked why, but God didn’t directly answer him. Instead He gave Job a glimpse of who He was beyond all the pain and brokenness.
The LORD allowed painful and prolonged suffering in Job’s life to give him a fresh vision that extended beyond what Job could have otherwise understood. The only meaningful answer Job receives is from God Himself who reminded Job that he’ll never fully comprehend what God is up to.
So many experiences in life leave us longing for answers and relief. We ache for full restoration and healing. Yet, even in the midst of suffering, God's grace is always present.
Job’s story is a reminder that even in our darkest hours, when we're filled with hard questions and uncertainties, God is always at work. He's shaping us, guiding us, and fulfilling His greater purpose.
Trials may come, but God’s grace remains. Let His peace comfort you today, knowing that our Redeemer lives and He will see us through.
“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.” Job 19:25
This week I find myself praying for renewed strength and fresh vision over my own life. If you're on a similar journey, I'd be honored to pray this over your life too.
♡ amy
We can find pieces of our own stories woven into Job’s journey. To read my latest blog post, “Job’s Journey: From Ashes to Grace,” click the link in my bio or visit www.graceinthisvalley.com/blog
“I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for him to rescue me. Only God is my Savior, and he will not fail me. For he alone is my safe place. His wraparound presence always protects me as my champion defender. There’s no risk of failure with God! So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? God’s glory is all around me! His wraparound presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength. Trust only in God every moment! Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him. Believe me when I tell you—he will help you! Pause in his presence.”
Psalm 62:5-8 TPT
This man carries the weight of the world on his shoulders most days. I will continue to say that he remains the clearest reminder of God's grace in my life. His sacrificial love is something our family will never take for granted. We are blessed to call him ours!!! Happy Father’s Day to a wonderful man and father! ❤️
Hey friends - There are some new faces here in my little corner of the internet, so I wanted to say “hi” and share some things about myself!
• I’m Amy - I fiercely love Jesus, my family & the truth. We just finished our 10th year homeschooling. My world came to a halt 7 years ago when I lost my health & then most of our family's earthly possessions to mold just a few years later. I’ve been housebound for the last several years. 2022 brought the biggest shifts in healing & I have such a peace with the path God has placed me on.
• I’ve been married 17 years to my Super Man, who I call Randy. He somehow does it all & keeps our families heads above the waters. Believing this season of “in sickness” will shift soon.
• I’m a Mom to my two kiddos who are my world. Both have been greatly impacted by their own Lyme and mold illnesses. BUT God… He has been healing them so much this last year!
• We have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Cooper who thinks he’s one of us & a Miniature Lop bunny named Ollie who has convinced our dog that he’s not allowed to look him directly in the eye. He’s “Top Bun” apparently!
• I’m into all things holistic, organic & natural. I have a background in psychology, but through this valley God has prompted me to go back to school. My heart is to simply help restore hope while pointing people towards natural healing and the One who created it.
• Worship music is one of my greatest weapons. Music has always been hardwired into my soul, but in this season it has become my warfare.
• I have a cupboard full of mugs that I love. Gone are the days of drinking yummy lattes, but they still bring a smile to my face as I drink my tea.
•I love reading & learning. Never a moment where a bunch of books, notes and my Bible aren't surrounding me. I ask a lot of questions and tend to try to figure things out. I consider myself a life-long student.
• I’m a Southern girl at heart (even though I’ve only ever lived in MN). You’ll still hear me say “y’all” any chance I can to my sweet southern friends!
Your turn! I’d love to know you better. Tell me something about you in the comments! Thanks so much for being here! ♡amy
Today is a new day. God has you! 🤍
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” Lamentations 3:21-23
It’s the last day of Lyme Disease Awareness month. This is the first year I’ve had the desire and physical strength to even address one of the many monsters inside my body during this month. I wrote a blog post a couple of weeks ago, but I never got a chance to publish it as my body has had a mix of good, bad, and all the in-between kind of days lately. I almost deleted the entire blog post last night as that would be the easier path, but God wouldn’t let me. I just hit publish.
Lyme disease is brutal. I’m not sharing for pity or sympathy. The choice of silently healing would be much easier. One day, I hope to write my full story from the beginning to help someone else know that they aren’t alone and so others can realize how devastating this illness can be. Please understand that it is worth being careful when you are outside.
For now, all I want to add is that I can’t wait to be whole again. I can’t wait to not feel sick every day. I can’t wait to walk more than a few steps each day without severe consequences. I can’t wait to sing again. I can’t wait to sleep upstairs in my bedroom again. I can’t wait to cook my family a meal and actually eat the food with them. I can’t wait to drive again and go someplace other than my doctor’s office. I can’t wait to wake up and know how my body will function for the day. I can’t wait for this invisible illness to no longer feel like it is hurting every single aspect of my life. I can’t wait for the redemption and restoration that I know is coming.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” - 1 Peter 5:10
Sharing a small glimpse into one of the diseases that I face. To read the rest of my newest blog post, “Lyme Disease Awareness,” click the link in my bio or go to www.graceinthisvalley.com/blog
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” - John F Kennedy
Remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our great country. True hero’s. Grateful for the freedom they sacrificed their lives for.
Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇸
All I ever really wanted to be when I grew up was a Mom. They are my greatest blessing and purpose. The reason I continue to fight so hard. I adore being their Momma!
Being a parent is hard, it’s messy but yet oh so glorious! Its a beautiful reminder of where I end and where God begins. The unseen struggle of chronic illness makes that grace even more of a blessing.
Harder weeks of healing mean harder days… regardless of what we may be celebrating. Yesterday wasn’t what I would have planned, but a heart of gratitude keeps hope alive. And time with these two makes it easy for me to be utterly grateful! Maybe next year we’ll remember to get some treasured photos.
If yesterday felt hard, I pray today you would let the LORD remind you that He is with you. Always. Our Heavenly Father is a safe place. Let His tangible love breathe fresh hope and grace over whatever you are currently facing.
Remember God sees within you and He can redeem anything. He will carry you through whatever seems broken or hopeless. You are loved my friend. Always here if you need prayer or just a friend in the thick of it who can listen.
🤍 amy
#mothersday #graceinthisvalley #hardday #gratitude #godseesyou #godisable #redemption #chronicillnesswriter #lymelife #healingishard #motherhood #chronicillnessmom #realityoflife
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I've known You as a Father
I've known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
🎶Goodness of God (partial lyrics)
@bethelmusic @jennjohnson20
#goodnessofgod #worshipmusic #songlyrics #bethelmusic #allmydays #faithfulgod #worship #myweapon #faithfulgod
There is nothing quite like coming out of winter hibernation. Breathing in fresh spring air + healing beams of sunshine. Blessed by God’s sweet gifts. 🤍
#hellospring #breatheinnature #breatheitin #natureheals #getoutside #breatheyourbiome #vitamind #spring #healinglymenaturally #sunshineheals #graceinthisvalley
May we be those who dwell in secret with Him. The one we love.
a b i d i n g
r e s t i n g
d w e l l i n g
All words that require us to trust God with His timing and wherever He currently has us. In our healing, our mountaintops, our valleys and our lives. He knows the end from the beginning.
“My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2
#psalms91
Making my own sunshine today after a week filled with dreary weather and a flare. One of my favorite combos to diffuse (stress away + citrus fresh)!!
I read this life-giving truth in my journal this morning from @aubsamp
“God invades the most difficult of situations with His unstoppable hope.”
U N S T O P P A B L E H O P E
See the word “able” within the word unstoppable. Yes!!! Our God is able. He can invade, cover and redeem even the hardest parts of our lives.
In deep valleys where it can so often feel hopeless, may your heart be reminded today that God is faithful and His power has no limits.
“Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope.” Romans 15:13 TPT
I can’t promise you God is going to move in all the ways you’re longing for Him to today or even in this lifetime. But remember with God there is always hope, there is always redemption and whatever He touches, He is able to transform for our good and His glory.
♡ amy
I can’t… But I know HE CAN.
I don’t know how… But I know WHO.
How often we forget, in this world where it’s easy to feel overlooked or forgotten, that our Creator has never once taken His eyes off us.
He is El Roi - The God Who Sees Me.
God reminded me again yesterday that He takes note of every single detail of our lives. He knows each longing, setback, victory, failure, sickness, need, tear, dream and thought. Nothing is ever too big or too insignificant for Him.
God is watching every moment and gently drawing us into His capable and loving arms. He sees us right where we are and He meets us there. I remind myself to look for Him everywhere and in everything. I continue to find that He is in it all.
From the random text a sweet friend sent to the unexpected week of sunny summer weather.
Hearing my children laughing together.
The worship song my heart just needed to hear.
A gentle nudge to add a forgotten supplement back in which calmed some unpleasant new symptoms.
And the unexpected generosity of a dear friend, walking through her own valley, that will pay for my upcoming blood tests.
He’s in it all.
You’ve just got to take time to look and listen.
I love to see the encouragement God continues to sprinkle throughout my days and the reminders that show how He truly is carrying our family. It gives me such comfort knowing He’s the one who’s got this.
Wherever you are right now, as you draw near to God, He promises to draw near to you (James 4:8).
You are seen by a God who knows each and every detail of your life and He loves you through every single moment.
Look for Him today.
♡ amy
✨I encourage you to listen to the song below - it’s been on my daily playlist for a couple years and is anointed and powerful! Link in my bio.
🎶 Speak (partial lyrics) - Bethany Worship
“I wanna hear you, louder than the noise. I wanna feel you, closer than the air I breathe. Deep within my soul burning.
Speak to me let my heart be awakened by the whispering of love. Pull me close to your heart, let the silence now be filled with your voice.
You're with me.
You're for me.
You have a plan for me.
And I will never walk alone.”
#godsgotme
“He is not here; He is risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Luke 24:6-7
My Redeemer lives!
Neither death nor the grave could hold Him. Jesus fulfilled the greatest promise He ever made. This is the hope we can cling to.
N O T H I N G we face is too hard, too hopeless or too far gone for our Savior. Whatever God has come to accomplish in each of our lives, it will be done. He who promised is faithful!
Pain can be transformed into purpose. Weakness into strength. Hopelessness into joy and trauma into a testimony!
God’s heart is for us, in every way. Let His all-sufficient grace cover you today.
Happy Resurrection Sunday dear friends!
♡ amy
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#heisrisen #myredeemerlives #eastersunday #easter2023 #resurrectionsunday #hopewriters #faithwriter #graceinthisvalley #promisekeeper #thankyoujesus #nogreaterlove #greatestlove #goodnewsfeed #hopeinjesus #storyofhope
Thank you Jesus for the cross. I will never look at the crucifixion the same way again after my last few years. There are so many details leading up to the last days that Jesus walked the earth that astound me as I have reflected this week.
The sorrow, the pain, the depth of His love & even the fear that was felt in the somberness. Jesus shows us what true strength in the midst of unbelievable pain & tragedy really looks like. How fear & love can hold space together and supernatural peace can surround even the most difficult circumstances. We see His humanity and the great sacrifice He paid for our sins.
Jesus was sinless. But He understood suffering, despair, pain, betrayal & abandonment at a level we can't comprehend. The Savior of this world even questioned His Father’s plan while he hung on the cross. He wrestled with thoughts like so many of us do, asking God to “take this cup from me” because He knew that with God it was possible.
Yet the cross wasn’t the end. It had a purpose. Good Friday was just the beginning of a story full of redemption, restoration and the resurrection power of the cross that is available to change your life. His pain held promise.
No matter what you are facing in your own life - it may be a part of your story, but it doesn’t have to be the end. Today is a reminder that even when the darkness of this world seems to take over & life feels anything but good - hope is coming.
The blood of Jesus speaks a better word!!! Nothing is wasted, even our greatest pain.
Jesus bore the sins of the world & through all the suffering & betrayal, He loved us anyways. Because of Him we can have hope. He was forsaken so we could be forgiven.
This is love.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
I’m overwhelmed once again. He did that for you. He did that for me.
The greatest love we will ever know.
Today He invites us to hold space for all our suffering & brokenness - His & our own. But to know that Sunday is coming where all that is heavy will be made new. Hold on my friend. Hope is on the way.
♡amy
Before I even opened my eyes yesterday, I knew the day ahead would be one of those extra challenging days. My body told me so in countless ways. I did what I knew to support it, but when my nervous system goes off from Lyme, it tends to send my spine and every other system right along with it.
So here we are today - thankful for this clinic and Functional Doctors who think outside the box, take appointments even on their no patient days and know how to help my body reset to reduce symptoms.
One of the hardest parts of this healing journey for me? It’s not the hard days or even the pain. They are expected.
It’s the unpredictability of it all.
Never knowing what tomorrow may look like, how big the waves will be or how long they will last. There is no control or even knowing fully what I did or didn’t do that may have set things off.
It’s one of the things God has been teaching me through this long valley. Letting go of control. All of it. Trusting that He can and will take care of me and every single detail way better than I ever possibly could.
I keep doing whatever I can do when I can with my earthly abilities and surrender the rest all to Him… over and over again. However many times it takes.
So no, I didn’t have this appointment or additional symptoms in my plans for today. I wish I never had to. But I am very thankful for the relief an adjustment will bring and that I was able to walk in and out of the clinic on my own with a strength that continues to grow.
I extend grace. I quiet my mind. And I remind my heart how far I have come.
There is a peace and a comfort God can only give knowing we don’t have to figure it all out. It’s too heavy a burden.
Let Him guide your steps. You can trust that whatever He has for you, it’s far greater than anything you could do yourself! It’s a daily surrender and one you may have to do multiple times a day. But the LORD will be right there with you.
“I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11 MSG
♡ amy
R E N E W I N G
A cup of hot rooibos tea.
Fresh clean air.
Time with Jesus.
Sunshine.
Birds singing.
Worship music on shuffle.
Stillness.
What renews your heart in this season? Here’s to more of that my friends!
♡ amy
Happy FIRST day of spring!!!!
It may be only 34 degrees here in Minnesota, but I am excited to officially welcome back my favorite season!
It’s been a long winter. But today, I’m celebrating the coming of warmer and brighter days and praising God for sustaining me.
Regardless of how much snow is still piled in my front yard, I am reminding my heart that spring will not be canceled and this tree will once again bloom. Just a little longer.
A reminder for my own life.
If you are in a harder season, try to remember that just as the winter turns to spring with beautiful blossoming flowers, given time, you will flourish again too.
“Beautiful things will bloom after the longest seasons of waiting.” - Morgan Harper Nichols
♡ amy
Learning and then relearning again how to wait well in this valley. I want to be a woman that trusts God’s plan, even when I don’t understand it.
To trust God is to trust His timing + His ways. Choosing to trust, even when the answer is wait.
His timing is perfect.
Just praying this over my heart and family today. Would love to pray it over yours too.
God has a plan. And it’s good.
“The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.” Psalm 111:7
“Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act.” Psalm 37:7
♡ amy
“For we walk by faith, not be sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
#keepwalking
Some days I write.
New blog post is up AND it’s a long one. Sharing some thoughts on “Joy in the Morning” along with a glimpse of my Neurological Lyme Disease, as I am often asked to share more about it by those who aren’t familiar with these illnesses. Feel free to skip over the health updates to read what my heart truly wanted to post.
I’m grateful God’s mercies are new every morning - just hold on till you see the sun.
♡ amy
To read this blog post “Joy in the Morning”, click the link in my bio or visit www.graceinthisvalley.com/blog
NATURE HEALS.
Even during the chilly winter months.
Even surrounded by endless piles of snow.
So get outside when you can and feel the sunlight on your face. Breathe in the crisp fresh air. Allow the stress you’ve been carrying to slowly leave your body.
Let God’s beautiful creation help heal, restore and renew you.
Any chance I get, this is where you’ll find me and my furry friends!
♡ amy
This is 41 … +1 day now.
Nothing fancy to celebrate this birthday - just lots of love from my sweet little family and deep gratitude for this body of mine that continues to fight so hard for me. I don’t take another year of life for granted.
The LORD has been so good and faithful. Every step of the way. He blessed me yesterday with clear skies and a sunny winter day that I could sit out on our deck for a couple hours. I was able to recharge, get some natural vitamin D and even catch a good little tan!
I’m continuing to learn how to wait well and trust this next year to God. He is restoring and making a way - however that way may look, we are expectant. Our family has never needed more clear wisdom or divine direction then we do in these next few months. Asking Jesus to continue parting this Red Sea and to make a clear path.
God, you’ve never made a promise you couldn’t keep, ‘cause you don’t lie to me. I’m holding onto that. (Numbers 23:19)
To those who text and sent me messages yesterday, THANK YOU so much, you bless me so. ♡
I love this excerpt found in Dr. Tony Evan’s book Pathways that I read in my journal today. Hope it encourages you in some way.
“Your responsibility is to remain tied to His Word and in close proximity with His Spirit so that each step you take is the one He’s guiding you to take. Step-by-step you’ll get there. Yes some steps are harder than others. Some hills are steeper than others. Some tracks are more treacherous than others. But all are necessary in getting you where God wants you to go. You don’t have to see the destination when you set out on the journey. You just have to know the One who can. He’ll guide, direct and sustain you as you just stay close to Him every step along the path. He knows the way. He knows the play. He’s writing the script. He’s setting the stage. He’s changing the scenes. Casting the characters. You just need to obey His direction in this grand, spectacular story known as your life.”
Really grateful for this community that the LORD has given me! Love y’all!!!
xo,
amy
#thisis41
Happy FRIDAY friends.
I’m heading home from a Functional neurology and chiropractic appointment that my body desperately needed! Extra grateful today for the Docs God has placed in my life.
My birthday is in a couple days and it’s filling me with lots of emotions. Special days have just been harder lately. But regardless, I can say that God is very much in control despite my unchanging circumstances or disappointments. He continues to fill me with unexplainable peace, hope, expectancy and a strength that can only come from His hands. I know to continue waiting on Him and trusting the process as He leads and carries me through this valley. And yes, I still fully believe that he will carry me THROUGH to the other side. Prayer and worship have been the soil to grow my faith and hope in Christ as I trust Him.
I’m choosing to continue trusting and having full faith in what God has shown me, is showing me and has promised our family. One day I believe I will look back on these years and see His promises fulfilled in my life. It will be solely because His grace sustained me, I believed the Word of the Lord and I heard His still small voice guiding me.
I wanted to encourage you today with some of the truths the LORD has been showing me these last few years.
⇢ God will give you the grace, strength and peace needed for whatever road you may be walking. One step at a time.
⇢ Nothing in your story will be wasted.
⇢ God is able to still use you in the most beautiful ways while you are in the middle.
⇢ The LORD can transform pain into purpose and a trial into a testimony.
⇢ You can stop monitoring whatever you have placed in God’s hands. He’s got it covered.
⇢ God is able to do more. Always.
“God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20
It all comes down to fully knowing Him and believing that what He says is really true.
And it is.
God has walked with me through it all - the good, the bad and everything in between. Knowing Him is the greatest joy of my life.
♡ amy
#trustgod
“God, will restore everything you lost; he’ll have compassion on you; he’ll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered. No matter how far away you end up, God, will get you out of there and bring you back to the land your ancestors once possessed. It will be yours again. He will give you a good life and make you more numerous than your ancestors. God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your children’s hearts, freeing you to love God, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live.”
Deuteronomy 30:3-6
♡ amy
#restored #ingodshands
My body just breathed a huge sigh of relief!
It may only be 21 degrees outside in Minnesota right now… But it was the first day that the sun was finally close enough to help my body make natural vitamin D.
Praise the LORD!!!
This is still my happy place. Even surrounded by endless snow..
Everything in my body just works better when I can be out in these healing rays.
I’ll just be that crazy neighbor on my deck the rest of this winter with her pants and sleeves rolled up any day we have sunshine and clean air!
Love my infrared sauna, but there just isn’t anything like the sun and fresh air when your body is healing from some really hard stuff.
Happy FRIDAY my friends!
♡ amy
God has spoken countless verses over me these last 7 years of my sickness that have become my war cry and lifeline. One of the first was a verse from the book of Isaiah that He gave to me early on. I heard His still small voice in my head over and over again saying "your light will break forth and your healing will arrive"
At first it didn't dawn on me that it was a verse, I kept thinking it was a song lyric or a line from one of the many health and healing books I had been reading just trying to figure out what was going on in my body.
After a few more times of hearing these words spoken louder and very clearly not my own thoughts, I discovered what verse it was from and that the Lord was speaking it over me again and again. Life giving doesn't even begin to describe what this word felt like.
As I have walked through these last years, this verse has been one of my declarations regardless of what my eyes may see or how I feel. The meaning of the words in this specific verse have come up in countless doctors visits and conversations confirming just how applicable this promise truly is with what I am going through.
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear.” Isaiah 58:8
Here is what I know - we can't lose hope. All of us at some point in our lives will go through seasons of waiting. Some longer than others. If you don't have expectant hope where you believe that things WILL change, it will hold you back from being all that God created you to be & will also keep you stuck in a place of despair.
Hope is rooted in the truth that God is working all things together for good regardless of what our earthly eyes may see.
Hope leads to joy.
Hope leads to strength.
Hope shifts the atmosphere.
Hope changes things.
Choosing hope is a daily decision, but it makes all the difference. Yes, I'm still waiting... But I have expectant hope and I still believe with all my heart that my light will break forth and my healing will one day appear […]
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Excerpt from my most recent blog post “Believing for a New Season” - click the link in my bio to read the full post or visit www.GraceInThisValley.com/blog
♡ amy
Just because it’s Friday and the weekend is almost here AND this adorable bun named Ollie wanted to say hello!
I’m grateful for this new month. Hoping February will be kinder to my body. This last month was a bit of a doozy. Very happy to see it leave and to know that we are closer to SPRING and warmer days. Minnesota’s endless winter and trying to heal just aren’t a good combo as I seem to say every year around this time.
Our family has been in a long season of letting go (of what was) to make room (for what God has for us). We still don’t know what that’s going to fully look like. Healing is hard friends. On so many levels. Trusting with open hands is even harder after so much loss… I’ve been trying these last few weeks to really focus on the good cause let’s face it, sorrow can just suck the life right out of you.
I know that God has already gone ahead of our family and is making a way. We are waiting with expectancy for what’s to come and praying for clear God breathed direction. There are no easy solutions, so we know that God is going to need to be front and center doing what only He can do! BUT my soul is restless and ready, which often is a good indicator that something new is on the horizon. This body of mine just needs to catch up!
I can promise you friend that the journey God has you on may be hard, but you’ll never walk alone. He is always faithful to do a new thing in your life.
God is trustworthy.
He is steadfast.
He is faithful.
He is good.
That’s where my focus will be until He opens these next doors for our family. Believing it will be soon.
How about you?
What are you trusting God for?
Would love to pray for you tonight while I’m sweating it out in our sauna! It’s my favorite place to worship, pray and heal. Drop your request below or even just raise your hand if you need prayer. 🙏🏻 I’ll be sure to check my messages too!
Happy weekend friends!
♡ amy
“God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20
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#godisable #graceinthisvalley #faithinthehard #faithinspired #mygodisable #chronicillness #healing #lymejourney #moldillnesswarrior #moldillness #cirs #mcas #faithingod #trustinjesus #yesandAmen #trustingod #scriptureoftheday #ephesians320 #encouragement #chronicillnessblogger #faithinspired #wednesdaywisdom #inthevalley #godcares #godcandoanything
HOPE in Jesus 🤍
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23
Just a little encouragement for your Monday morning. Grab hold of any little glimmer of hope you can find and let our Heavenly Father carry you.
Always here to pray for you.
♡Amy
#hope #neweverymorning
Holding onto this truth as we head into the weekend ❤️
#waitonthelord #yesandamen
“The most defining moment in a miracle is often in the middle where your faith is tested and challenged. The miracle is in believing - not seeing.”
Sharing some thoughts after 7 years of sickness.
To read more of this blog post “Believing for a New Season”, click the link in my bio or visit www.graceinthisvalley.com/blog
♡Amy
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#newseason #hope #believing
Hello sleepless night - it has been a season filled with so many nights just like you. Grateful they are becoming less frequent in my life.
I am currently holding on to this truth that no night lasts forever. The sun will always rise and with the dawn comes the blessing and favor of our Heavenly Father, who is hard at work to strengthen and deliver His children. He has promised that joy will come.
David, who wrote the Psalms, experienced many ups and downs in his lifetime. He was known as “a man after God’s own heart”. His own heart is poured out in the scriptures talking about the experiences he walked through. David learned that any valley he went through was only temporary for “a night”. It was just a season. He had seen time and time again how God delivered him in multiple ways! He trusted that God was always with him, for him, beside him and ahead of him so he could count on joy coming!
My friend, you and I can experience these darker nights and days of life knowing that they do have an end date. Seasons of pain are always followed by seasons of JOY! When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can be sure the morning light will come.
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may endure for a night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
Holding on to your promises Lord.
♡Amy
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#joycomesinthemorning #morninglight #sleeplessnights #psalm30
Seven years ago today, my body crashed for the first time. My life has never been the same since. That night as I went to the ER, in what would later be countless more visits, I didn’t expect that I would still be in the hardest season of my life all these years later.
So much on my heart that I want to share. Taking time tonight to be still and feel all the things that a day like this can bring. Giving God space to remind me of His faithfulness and the promises He has spoken over my life. Hoping to write more soon on my blog.
As you head into this next week, hold onto this: God has the power to change circumstances and seasons in our lives that seem impossible. I believe it even more today than I did seven years ago. From waiting to walking… at any moment God can choose to move. Rest and trust my friend. He is faithful!
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear.” Isaiah 58:8
♡ Amy
#waitonthelord #isaiah58 #inthewaiting
Image Wording from Amy Kratzer
Maybe your heart needed this encouragement today too.
♡Amy #faithfulgod
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#promisekeeper #psalm138v8 #versefortoday #graceinthisvalley #myjourney #faithinthefuture #beautyfromashes #christianblogger #womanintheword #faithinspired #chronicillness #lymedisease #moldillness #cirs #finishwhatyoustart #faithingodsplan #faith #hopeinjesus #wordsthatinspire #thewordofgod #godslove #chronicillnessblogger #housebound
Woke up to another beautiful Minnesota winter wonderland this morning! ❄️ #stillreadyforspring
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#snowglobe #mnwinter #minnesotawinter #winterwonderland #snowday #godsartwork #beautifulsnow #wintersnow
Hey 2023, choosing to see what a beautiful first day you are. ♡
I’m leaving A LOT of room for God’s direction this next year. His plans are always greater than our own. From strength to strength and glory to glory… ready to embrace this next year with expectancy!
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8
Happy New Year friends!
xo,
amy
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Image from @andrearhowey
#welcome2023 #strengthtostrength #glorytoglory #embrace #divinedirection #purpose #graceinthisvalley #faithinspired #christianblogger #womanintheword #newyear #scripture #psalm143 #trustingod #godsplan #faithinthefuture #myjourney #myjourneytohealth #lymefighter #chronicillnessblogger #godisgood
In every season, we can stand firm on this truth: God has a plan. Whether we can hear His voice loud and clear or we're leaning into just a whisper, God is working. 2023 is a new year, but our Heavenly Father’s promises are always the same and they are always good. God is still writing your story - redemption is a beautiful storyline woven through history.
To read more of this blog post “God Is Still Writing”, click the link in my bio or visit www.graceinthisvalley.com/blog
♡Amy
Morning by morning new mercies I see!
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#newmercies #morningbymorning #hoperestored #lamentations3 #unfailinglove #lordisfaithful #graceinthisvalley #christianblogger #scripture #womenintheword #womanintheword #faithinspired #godisfaithful #faith #hopeingod #wordbeforeworld #myweapon #myjourney #chronicillness #cirs #lyme #lymedisease
Beyond grateful. ❤️🎄
#christmas2022 #grateful #graceinthisvalley #beautyfromashes #healing #praisethelord #healingjourney #myjourney #christmasmemories #cherishmyfamily
MERRY CHRISTMAS from our family! The weary world rejoices!! May you be reminded even more today of God’s love for you. He is faithful and keeps His promises. Jesus came first to prove it all true.
Waiting is hard - yet it is the waiting that makes the rejoicing so much sweeter. Because of Jesus, our family can rejoice right in the midst of the weariness and the waiting of our current season. For unto us, a child is born. Rejoice, God is with us!!
Happy first day of winter friends!
Thankful this means spring and warmer weather are moving closer to Minnesota every single day - right!?!? Yes - I know it’s months away, but this is how I survive hard things.
After today, it is starting to get lighter. LIGHT is coming. I’ll just keep focusing on that hope as we move into a few days of dangerous cold weather and blizzard conditions up here.
I’m cuddling in this afternoon with the last few chapters of this amazing advent devotional by @susielarsonauthor that I was gifted last year. My brain couldn’t handle reading paragraphs then, so I am even more thankful I can use it this year as I prepare for Christmas.
Slowing down everything and adjusting my focus and priorities. Appreciating even more of what I do have. Filling my heart with hope and expectation. Letting His light shine into all the dark and hard places this season can bring up. Creating space for the ONE who deserves it most.
L e s s stress and more intention.
L e s s hustle and more love.
L e s s stuff and more memories.
How are you approaching Christmas this year?
♡ amy
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#preparehimroom #myjourney #focus #lightiscoming #graceinthisvalley #slowingdown #christmas #adventseason #susielarson #chronicillness #housebound #quiettime #christmastime #perspective #mindsetmatters #wordbeforeworld #lightshinesinthedarkness #lightiscoming #hopefortomorrow
God shows us time and time again in the Bible that He is present. In every moment. No matter how big or small. He is in the details - the process - not just simply the final product. God wastes nothing. He can make anything meaningful.
Thankful that our Heavenly Father has His name written over every moment of our lives. We just have to choose daily to look through a lens of faith that is focused on Him. It is then we will see His faithfulness through it all.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him. Though he may stumble, he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Psalm 37:23-24
#godisinthedetails #faithinspired #faithingodsplan #faithfulgod #godisincontrol #yesandamen #godisinvolved #godknows #lensoffaith #graceinthisvalley #christianblogger #myjourney #chronicillness #moldillness #lymedisease #beautyfromashes #psalm #godsfaithfulness #womanintheword #christianreel #womenoffaith
The first snow of the season.
We woke up to a winter wonderland this morning. My body would prefer sunny warm days, but around this time of year, it is absolutely beautiful! Makes Christmas so cozy and magical!
Here’s to embracing where God currently has me! ❄️
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#winterwonderland #cozychristmas #freshsnow #snowday #freshsnowfall #snowfall #snowforchristmas #graceinthisvalley #perspective #myjourney #embracewhereyouare #choosejoy
Heavenly Father, You have brought me safe this far. Help me continue to trust you with the story you are writing for my life. Help me have pure unexplainable peace, joy and hope that can only come from You. Let the miracle of Your grace continue to surround me as I lean on You…
in the waiting
in the struggling
in the suffering
in the wondering
in the hoping
in the living.
In the middle of it all, you are my faithful God. ♡
Never ever will it fail. Ever.
Thank you Jesus that we can rest knowing that You hold it allll together AND….
You never fail.
Your word does not return void.
You keep every promise.
Thank you for being the realest thing we have to hold on to in hope of heaven one day. We can trust your faithfulness in our lives. ♡
Keep walking ♡
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
Yes! ALL things. Rest in this beautiful truth tonight. God has you my friend. You may not have a clue what tomorrow is going to hold. I know I sure don’t. BUT our Heavenly Father does and I know nothing is ever wasted when He is involved - even the deepest valley.
So, let’s not worry about tomorrow. God has been good. He is good. And He’ll continue to be good for all our days! Amen and AMEN!
Would love to pray for you as we start this new week. Message me anytime.
♡ Amy
#godisgood #yesandamen
Lord, glorify Your name!
Image Source: @amykratzer
Beautiful words. ♡ If I’m not on here some weeks, this is probably why. I read these words awhile ago and they stuck with me. Reminding myself these last few days that this is the greatest gift I can give someone when my heart just wants to be there with them.
Nothing like His presence.
God remains the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Let Him be your strength and refuge today too.
His grace truly is sufficient. ♡
AMEN ❤️ “… to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” Isaiah 61:3
“… but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us,” Romans 5:3-5
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#Romans535 #graceinthisvalley #faithinspired #promisesofGod #inthevalley #keepgoing #womenintheword #christianblogger #chronicillnessblogger #wordbeforeworld #myjourney #chronicillness #moldillness #lymedisease #chronicillnesswarrior
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
(Psalm 27: 13-14)
Starting our 10th year of homeschool today! We have a 9th and 6th grader this year. I didn’t ever plan on homeschooling my kids. I actually used to say when I was younger that I never wanted to be a teacher. BUT God! He dropped this path into our laps all those years ago and I am so thankful we said yes and continue to take that step of faith each year. It is such an honor and I am grateful that despite everything, God continues to sustain me. We are praying God’s hand would be upon this year. I am so proud of you Mason and Ella! Love you both so very much❣️[…]
To read more of this blog post, click the link in my bio or visit www.graceinthisvalley.com/blog and search for “10th Year of Homeschooling”.
Been waiting for this one… 🔥
“Your trials have trained you. Your mountains have strengthened you. And your dependence upon God has deepened you. If you could see what God has accomplished in and through your faith, you would release a holy roar and refuse to back down from another battle ever again.” 🙏🏻🙌🏻
#stronginbattle #susielarson
This. This. This. Nothing like Lyme, MCAS, CIRS and all that comes with them to weed out people in my life.
Grateful for those left who are willing to walk through this deep valley with me along with all the precious friendships God has given me through this little app. ❤️
Image Source: Pinterest
Amen 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Glimpses of healing, small shifts and tolerating things outside that my body would have had no tolerance for last year.
This was the first Fourth of July in years that I could be outside for part of the day to watch my kids swim. Yes- I still watched from afar but I was so grateful to hear them laughing with neighbor friends and have the sun melt away the pain in my body and to just be.
I think this is the first summer in over six years my body has let me "just be" for a few hours. What a gift it has been. I had to run inside later in the afternoon as grills started to be fired up and pre-fireworks started to go off around our little lake. If my mast cells could pick one thing they hate the most, it is is anything to do with smoke and fire. My body has no tolerance for either and that has not let up yet, but I continue to believe that this too will eventually shift. I am still not moving much or able to be anywhere but home, but my body has shifted to loving hours of heat and sun. I also have more strength than I have in a long time.
The new therapy I have been on since December has been working small and consistent miracles in my body. I continue to be amazed that the Lord literally told me what I needed to do and it has so far brought me the furthest in healing that I have found in six years. I don't need to worry what next year is going to look like in regards to healing. My job is to follow and trust Him. I've learned to embrace holding onto hope for healing with my palms open to heaven. I know that God can fully heal me even if the treatment stops working or I don't know what to do next.
The road is long, but God is ever so faithful. I continue to stand on His promises and so I know all of my tomorrows will be okay. He has never left me forsaken. He always protects. He always provides - not a minute late, nor a second too early. God's faithfulness never ends. What wonderful truth we can cling to even on the darkest of days […]
To read more of this post, click the link in my bio or visit www.graceinthisvalley.com/blog and search for “Glimpses of Healing”.
For your goodness and love pursue me ALL the days of my life… Psalm 23:6
Praise!! First day we were able to homeschool on the front porch this year! Oh how I have missed the sun, fresh air and green grass. Grateful SPRING has finally coming! ☀️🌷
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#gratefulforspring #hellosunshine #hellosun #graceinthisvalley #homeschooldays #homeschooling #homeschooloutside #freshair
Yes!! In ALL things He is good! What the enemy intends for evil, God will use for good!
It’s been a sad week at our house. My daughter’s beloved hamster Cookie died on Tuesday. Crazy how when you lose so much these animals truly become even more like family regardless of their size. Cookie was her first “just her” pet so we have a sad little girl. Would love prayers for her ❤️. One of the last nights Cookie was acting healthy he escaped from his cage upstairs. Ella was downstairs sleeping in the living room and Cookie found his way across the upstairs loft, down the stairs to the main level and crawled up to where Ella was sleeping. He then ran circles on her chest until she woke up. We couldn't believe it, but it shows the love 🐹 had for Ella too. It was almost like he knew or God knew Ella needed this special memory. We are extra grateful right now for the other furry friends we still have to love on!
