What sticks out in my mind is all of the new relationships we have made this year in just a short time. From our church to our new neighborhood, some of the people we've met yet this year, we've developed really deep and lasting connections. It's so rare to have this, that I can only be grateful.
We focused a lot on freedom. I'm so proud of Patrick as he's worked on really tough stuff this year and breaking free from the things that have kept him from experiencing joy. I'm excited to see the chapter of this book fully revealed in time but for now just experiencing joy in the journey. Psalm 16:11 - " You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Even from the start, he was intentional as we kicked off our 2012 by heading to a family retreat where we met other committed families who prioritize their marriage and their children first.
And for me, no one could have prepared me. If you told me that I would be speaking at least a dozen times this year to women, I would have not have believed you. Every time I got a new call to speak, my mouth would drop open and I would ask God "Why would you choose me?" Humbled and excited about the prospect of blessing others, it was always me who would come home and crumble in a pile being the one who was truly blessed.
It hasn't let up yet as I'm scheduled to speak a handful of times from January to April this year. So incredibly grateful to be able to do this!
Patrick spent a good portion of the year as the leader of our shepherd group. In general, just taking the lead of our family. He's really stepped up this year to fulfill the role that God has called him to. Another milestone this Spring is that we stood publicly in front of our church and committed to raising our family to the Lord.
Also this Spring, we really enjoyed our time spent with Michael and Karen, who are like family to us. They came to live with us while they were house-hunting. It was wonderful to have them here, sharing meals and sharing life. Our children adore them!
During the summer, we had a lot of mini-trips, focusing less on where we traveled, but who we were going to spend our time with. The kids had time with all of their cousins from Michigan, from Virginia Beach, and even here when we "staycationed" in the area going to Lake Anna, Georgetown, Bluemont and Baltimore for some fun days.
Interesting thing to note this summer was a massive storm that caused a power outage in our area. Many were out of power for like a week. It was crazy hot outside to be without power.
This summer marked some really wonderful moments in our neighborhood, which was also another goal for us with neighborhood barbecues, Octoberfest, and our recent Christmas party.
Probably the most notable relationship built this year was Micah and Kelan, his best friend. These two are inseparable. They plan their own playdates by coming over and knocking on each other's door every day including weekends!
To summarize this year, it was a lot about celebrations---every person in this family had a really special and creative birthday. We had a wonderful anniversary and we spent many weekends being with friends and family. We hosted a few events at our home that were quite memorable!
Other notable things that happened this year: O'Bama was re-elected as President, Whitney Houston died of a drug overdose, Hurricane Sandy did a lot of damage in the northeast, and there was a elementary school shooting in Connecticut. Also Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour De France titles.
Let's RING in 2013!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
No comments:
Post a Comment