"Out of difficulties grow miracles." -J.Bruyere

I've always admired the Duggar family (of 19 Kids and Counting) and the way they've used their show as a platform to spread the Lord's word and glorify his name. I didn't realize what an impact the season finale of their show would have on me. My boyfriend hadn't been paying any attention to what I was watching and looked over to find me bawling my eyes out like a little baby. I can't even express the overflow of emotions I was experiencing. These were tears of distress and sorrow yet at the same time tears of joy. The Duggar's suffered a miscarriage and lost their 17 week old baby girl, Jubilee Shalom Duggar. My heart truly goes out to all mothers who have suffered the tragic loss of a child. I can't even imagine what that would be like. Michelle repeatedly quoted the scripture, "The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21 Despite such tragedy, the Duggar's never once doubted God's plan for Jubilee and they never questioned his unfailing love for us. I know that sweet baby girl is in Heaven rejoicing with the Lord. The song below was played at her memorial service and it truly touched my heart. 

Life here on Earth is far from perfect but we should always remember, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

Its so easy to forget what a gift life is. I have been so blessed and I find myself truly humbled by our Lord, all the opportunities I've been given, and also by my amazingly incredible one of a kind family. I know I crammed a lot of adjectives in there but those words can't even begin to do them justice. I want to cry when I think of how lucky I am! (I'm an over emotional mess in case you didn't know that by now) As I was writing this blog post I remembered all that my Aunt and Uncle went through when their baby/my cousin was born prematurely. I was in middle school but I can still remember it like it was yesterday. Despite her initial struggle being born as a preemie, Sophie has grown to be the spunkiest and sassiest of all my baby cousin's! I am so overjoyed to have Soph in my life. She is the cutest thing EVER and to be so young and to already have overcome so much is just an absolutely incredible testament to God's grace. 

[Then & Now]

She is the most beautiful little girl ever! I could go on and on because I am just SO thankful for her and her parents, my parents, basically I love my entire family too much for words. 

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I've been so emotional while writing this post but there could not be two more perfect bible verses to wrap it up. 

"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." Psalm 68:3

I hope you've all had an awesome week so far! Remember to forgive, apologize when you're wrong, and always say I love you because you aren't guaranteed tomorrow. :)

     xoxo,