Reflections on the Year

It is the very last day of 2011.  I can't say I'm extremely sorry to see this year go. It hasn't been the worst of my years, but I can surely say it has not been the best either.   I am hoping that 2012 has good things in store.

I have a few highlights from this year.
In May, we celebrated 1 fantastic year with Ian. I can't believe how fast the time has passed - we're well on our way to 2 now!
In August, I took on the position of Zone Director at Sky Lodge Christian Camp.  I am so excited and humbled to take this position.  I have tremendous shoes to fill as I take leadership in this area, but I am know what a difference the Zone has made in my life, and I'm excited to be a part in it making a difference in the lives of other young people as well.
In October, Ryan, Ian, and I moved to Iowa and Ryan took a pastorate at a small church here. It's been an interesting ride thus far, but we are hopeful with what God will do here.  Since we've come, we've had a couple people leave, but we've also seen a young family come in, and we've done a couple community outreach projects.
There is, of course, the challenge for Ryan to be bi-vocational at this time. However, I believe he is handling it very well. Fortunately, he was able to find an outside job that he loves, and is very compatible with his work at the church.  Praise the Lord!  God has given Ryan many great ideas, and we're praying to see fruit from the work that has been done so far.

The challenges of this year have been very trying. I thank God every day for His faithfulness to me through the loss of Ryan's previous job, and more especially through the loss of Adaiah.  I know I still have a long way to go on that, but perhaps I can put some of those thoughts in another post.

I have high hopes for 2012 though.  I am looking forward to few things.

1 - That we get to stay in the same location for the entire year!  I know that sounds silly, but Ryan and I have had 3 major moves in our 4 years of marriage and an entire year in one place has yet to happen.  We're praying we can be around long enough to make an impact in our new community.

2 - In November, I did a 30 day gratitude project in which I stated something I was grateful for each day of the month.  That month was probably one of the best of my entire year, and I have no doubt it was due at least in part to my focus on being thankful.  Ryan mentioned something to me about doing it for an entire year. I thought about it. Then I got a journal from my MIL - a 365 day thankfulness journal.  Had to be more than coincidence.  So, in 2012, I plan to make full use of that journal (I even get an extra day to be thankful for this next year!). With a focus on gratitude, I believe 2012 can be one of my best years  yet.

3 - Sort of along with #1, but I am looking forward this year to making our little upstairs apartment more homey, but in a simple way.  I read an article in the December issue of Light & Life magazine.  The author spoke of her experience with simplifying.  (I want to say it was based on a book called 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess)  I want to simplify our life. We have so much stuff we don't need - some of it we don't even really use.  I want to make a home that feels warm and safe, and has what we need. Sure, we'll still have some extra, but I'm hoping for much less extra.

As I'm typing this, Ryan is preparing for our New Year's Eve covenant service. I have always loved this service - loved an "out loud" way to consecrate the new year to God.  I want this year to be for Him in a way it hasn't been before. As I remember His faithfulness, I am energized and encouraged to stay faithful to Him.

Remember how HE has been faithful to you. Will you be faithful in 2012?  Lord, let it be so.

"Great is Thy faithfulness," O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail notAs Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. 

"Great is Thy faithfulness!" "Great is Thy faithfulness!"
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
"Great is Thy faithfulness," Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!