The Intentional Father
Hey River!
With the close of 2025, I'm reflecting on everything the Lord has carried my family and me through. The last two years have been wild, to say the least. But somehow, I can look back at every moment and see His hand, His heart, His intentionality. Nothing has wrecked me more than discovering, in my limited understanding, just how purposefully every event of my life has been weaved together. In all of time and space, to be considered at all by Him is incredible. But He doesn't merely consider—doesn't merely tolerate our existence. The Holy, Omnipotent One has somehow mapped out my whole life and in His patience, kindness, and miraculous grace still given me the gift of freewill.
I can tell you that every single thing that happens in our life MUST work out for the good as we attempt to love Him as much as He loves us.
I can tell you that Nate and I had so many offers rejected when we were looking for a house as an engaged couple—then, this year, two years later, we discovered that the location of the house we bought has been the provision and favor we never knew we needed—in a way that is too specific to be an accident.
I can tell you that we were in one of the most difficult seasons of our life so far when we got pregnant for Benjamin, but the Lord marked Ben's name in our hearts long ago and we finally get why. With his birth we have experienced so many timely blessings (even besides how wonderful this baby boy is).
I can tell you that the Lord heard my prayers at twelve years old, in the nights I would cry myself to sleep because I was terrified I would never have children. But Adalynn is the gift that reminds me that He has always listened, even in my fears.
I can tell you that somehow He has weaved together everything so beautifully that I can't unsee how intentional, purposeful, and precise He is.
I can tell you that God sent His only Son as a precious baby boy on purpose—that every season is important and precious to Him because it was specifically designed to bring you closer to His arms, to His heart.
Thank You, Lord, so much for how intricately you have crafted each of our lives. Thank You for taking the time to mark each season with Your heart. How could we need anything else? How could we want anything else? Father God, we surrender each season of our lives to You alone— because You can redeem even the past seasons that left us in shambles, and because the seasons to come are under Your command and therefore must end with life and life more abundantly.
We love you all—can't wait to worship with you on Sunday!
-Kaylah and Nate
Set:
Hark the Herald Angels Sing—Jeremy Riddle version,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rIOx5UEblo
Seasons—Hillsong,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFEwV77n1Ng
Hard Fought Hallelujah-- Brandon Lake,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN83y32oTjA
Joy—Martin Smith