2008 in Review

It's amazing how much faster the years go by the older one gets. 2008 was nearly a complete blur. It has been full of ups and downs just like all the years before it. I recall 2008 being a rather "funky" year though. Here, let's take a look....................

We rang in 2008 at home. It was me and Jimmy, David and Hannah and Michael and Nicole. We all smooched in the new year, just like "they" say you should. Jimmy and I are the only couple still, well, a couple.

February, David and Hanna broke up. Sure, you say, "that's what kids do". But this wasn't just any break up. It's not like they had only been dating a little while. No, David and Hannah had been dating for 4 years. It was a very difficult time for everyone. Difficult for them as they started new lives without each other. And even difficult for the rest of us. Hannah had become part of our family. After 4 years, you kind of get attached to someone. But we all recovered and moved on with life. We all grew.

Don't know exactly which month the economy started going completely insane and the gas prices went off the charts, but I just know that for what seemed like an eternity, we all suffered with $4 a gallon gas. Ridiculous!!! We trusted the Lord to sustain us.......and He has. We grew.

In June, I got a $3 an hour raise! Yeah! WooHoo! It felt GREAT to be so appreciated. I gave Him all the praise and glory!!! I grew.

In July, my oldest baby, David, had a milestone birthday. 20 years old! He is growing into a fine Christian man. He grew. (and continues growing!)

In August, I dove in a little deeper doing the Lord's work. I love my church and my church family. But more so, I love the Lord. I love Him with all my heart, mind, and strength. He sustains me. It was in this month that I started teaching Sunday school to 2nd graders. They are still at that age where they are like little sponges. They take in all we fill them with. It is so encouraging to ask them questions about the prior week and they have retained these gems of information about their Lord and Savior. It fills my heart! I grew. (am growing!) I also started leading 3rd through 6th graders in our AWANA program on Wednesday nights. A whole different group of girls, but they are delightful and so much fun. I have been so blessed by them. I grew. (am growing!)

In September, my youngest baby, Michael, had a milestone birthday. 16 years old! And driving! Look out! With new freedoms.......he grew. (my prayer life increased even more! I grew!)(am growing still!)

In October, I was laid off! Ouch! Talk about a SHOCK! Well, I guess I really shouldn't have been that shocked. They had already laid off 12 in our Tallahassee office. I was the first to go in our Marianna office. I didn't fret though. I knew the Lord was in control of it all. We grew.

In November, Michael and Nicole broke up. They had been "dating" for 2 years. Again, it was strange not seeing them together. You rarely saw one without the other. Losing that "first love" is really a hard one. It's painful to watch your child suffer. But, with prayer and lots of love from family, Michael grew.

In November, after 5 weeks of searching, I finally found a part-time job. I don't feel like it is the end all/be all job, but I have no doubt that the Lord put me in it to share Him with others. Every day I encourage people I encounter and invite them to church. I offer to pray for them and their needs. I am growing.

December found us with a pocket full of pennies being pinched so hard their scream was deafening. But, we have been sustained! We are growing. We have put all our faith and trust in the Lord and He has provided EVERYTHING we need. We have not gotten behind on our bills, we have had plenty to eat (if you don't believe it, just look at me! ha!), and we even had a plenty for Christmas. It was not the lavish Christmas that many have, but it was just right. Instead of lots of junk and electronics, we kept it simple. A few new articles of clothing and "needed" items. We had a nice dinner together and spent quality time together with family and friends. And you know, I think this is the best Christmas we've had in some time. We grew. Also this month, Jimmy passed his Contractor's test! God's blessings have been evident throughout this month. His provisions are glorious! We grew.

Here it is, the very last day of December 2008. As I reflect on the ups and downs of the past year, I count my blessings. 2008 was chock full of them. The movement of the Lord is so evident as I look back. Our growth as individuals and as a family is remarkable.

Thank you, Lord for all the blessings you've given each and every one of us. Please help us to seek You first and in all things. Help us to be thankful for all things as Your will unfolds before us. I pray that you would keep us all safe and healthy in 2009. Please help us to share You with all those who don't know you. Lord, please bless all those who are fighting illness, loss of jobs, loss of loved ones, those who are lonely and those who don't know You as their personal Savior. Lord, I offer these prayers of thanksgiving and these petitions up to You. And it is in Your Holy and Precious Name I pray, Amen.

And may the new year be filled with blessings at every turn! Happy 2009!