Hi friends!

How’s your December going so far? Fast? Mine is!

December for us is not only the celebration of Advent as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas, and the finish line of the year, it’s the ramp up for our kids’ birthdays. Judson turns 3 (THREE!!) a few days after Christmas, then Ayla turns 6 (Also.. SIX!!!) the second week of January. We’re doing a combined party for them for the third year in a row, which we’ll continue to do as long as we can get away with it!

I don’t know if you’ll remember this, but way way back in March I mentioned an article I submitted to Thryve Magazine. It was supposed to be published online in June, but it was delayed until just last week. So, reallyquickdrumroll, it’s out now!

Here’s the link: http://shop.thryvemag.com/pages/the-harmony-issue

Right below the picture of the laptop, it says “View Harmony Here,” so click on that and then it opens the magazine in an app called Issuu. My article is on page 106.

I wrote about a time when I was drowning in anger and didn’t know it, how much I don’t trust God and also about elephants. It’s a fun piece.

This is the longest and most spiritual and serious piece I’ve had published and I’m feeling both excited and vulnerable about it. I’d love for you to read it and give me some feedback if you have time. The format of the magazine doesn’t allow for comments, so please come back here or email (annasjoy at gmail) me. I can take constructive criticism and I’m always looking for ways to be a better writer and communicator, so I could use more than just “likes.”

My friend, Brandy Lidbeck, who just published an amazing book for survivors of suicide called The Gift of Second, is on page 130 with an article about the lies we believe (but shouldn’t).

Thank you for your love, encouragement and support this year. I’m planning to post a few of my Advent/Christmas related writing in the next few weeks. In the meantime, I’d love to hear about what you’re up to.