As I reflect on the past year, many moments come to mind.*Grace accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior....well, actually she did that a long time ago (I think she was about 3 when she prayed and asked Jesus to "fly into her heart.") After several years and many requests, I finally let her talk to staff at church about her decision to see if she understood what being baptized meant. Once she was able to explain it to them, I felt confident and she was baptized this year. It was such a blessing to see her take that step of faith and to KNOW her future is secure because of her faith in Christ. Keith being able to baptize her made it even more special. I am so thankful for our church home and for the teachers who continue to inspire and touch her every week.
*We had our first broken bone...right before Madeline's 4th birthday she fell from the swing and broke her right arm just above the elbow. It was a crazy day and Madeline handled it like a champ. (daddy about fell apart since it happened on his watch, but Madeline was so brave). Her hot pink and purple striped cast made quite the statement. We continue to watch her arm as she grows but the doc doesn't suspect there will be any long term effects.
*Keith changed jobs! I guess he's been with GPD about 8 months now and my what a change. Yes, it's more dangerous and there's definitely more action, but more than that is the atmosphere in which he works now. It's a positive place where the "high ups" believe in God, family, job...and in that order. They've been supportive of Keith and our family during some tough times this year and we are forever grateful.
*I went to work full time! It's been a long adjustment for our family but I think we finally have it figured out. Having my own classroom this year brings a different kind of pressure. I had forgotten how dedicated I have to be in order to bring success to some of these kiddos. I prayed so hard for this job and for this class and yet I have found myself questioning, many times this year, why??? What I'm learning is that they need me. Many of these kids needed someone on their side who will push them to be all they can. I am so blessed to work with these special students everyday.
*Mom and and dad bought a house!!! For the first time since they lived in Tyler, I feel like I'm "home" when I walk in their front door. This house just suits them and it's so exciting.
*Jenn bought her home this year (she took advantage of Obama's tax credit...guess that's something I can thank him for). I am so proud of her and how she's pulled her way up from some pretty tough times. She's about to start a new job, she's excited about her future with a wonderful man, she has a beautiful daughter...... I look at her with admiration and wonder how does she do it? A single mom? I am proud to say she rarely has pity; she just "gets r done."
*I'm excited for Les and Gregg and his potential job change. (I have to be honest in that I hope this potential pans out and moves them closer our way...even if only for a few years). I love having her home for the holidays. My kids love her so much and I have a hard time letting her go when she's been home this long. She's a beautiful person (inside and out) and we are so lucky to be so close.
*I've had some hard decisions I've had to make this year too. What I've learned is that the right things aren't always easy (and most times not). God's word never contradicts His will though. He rewards faithfulness.
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My hopes for the new year, for 2010 are....
*I am so excited to implement Dave Ramsey's budget plan into our lives. Thanks for Leslie for helping me get that set up during the holidays. This plan is going to provide us so much peace and I look forward to "living like no else today so that one day we can live like no one else." (Dave Ramsey is famous for those words).
*I am excited about Madeline beginning Kindergarten in 2010. She will also attend Grace Hartman Elementary and I know God already has a plan for her teacher and class. She is excited too...often saying "mommy, when do I get to go to Grace Hartman too?" I look at her and cannot believe how she has grown (both physically and mentally) in just a few short months. She's looking older and acting older all the time....Grace is so good with her and teaches her things as though she's her little student. I'm amazed that Madeline can write her alphabet and her name. She's learned her numbers and can even do some simple addition; God has truly blessed Keith and I with two daughters who are intelligent and hard working and have a love for learning.
*I am excited about home projects that I want to do this year....not sure which ones we will choose to budget for, but the thought of being able to afford to do them is exciting. (and affording it with CASH makes it all the better). Keith and I had to fall hard financially to learn some very serious lessons. (I have always believed--and more so now--that mistakes are worth making if you learn from them). I am proud to say that we are heading into our 3rd year of not using a credit card!!!! If I'm honest, I'd have to admit that I am actually glad we don't have one (I was enticed at just the idea of having one this holiday season...guess that desire for "more" never goes away. Greed is a sin that I fear will always creep back into my phychi).
With many excitements also come some worries... mostly about our country and its leadership. I am not afraid, because I know who I belong too, but concerned about the passing of health care. I am concerned about the state of our public schools and seeing socialism in my face everyday. I am realizing more and more that I need to be more informed and aware of what's going on so that I can stand against things when I need to. While I am not an Obama fan, and am concerned with the direction in which he is leading our country, I will pray for him. I remind myself often that the battle isn't over, but scripture says the war is already won!
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I used to think I would love to know the future, but what I have found is the "not knowing" makes life more interesting. I don't know all that 2010 will hold for Keith, Grace, Madeline, and myself, but I know who holds us...
"Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation. I thank you that I know you personally and that you are only a conversation away. I thank you for my family and pray for their health and safety. Thanks for 2009 and for the experiences that I had (both good and bad). I pray that you will keep me close to you in 2010. I pray that you will show me your will and your way. Please help me as I seek to be more like you. I love you Jesus. Amen."
