Jan. 3, 2008 - What a Year!
2007 was an amazing year! So much happened that I thought I would blog it, as this is the first year I could have sent out "Reflections of our Year" with cards but didn't because I just haven't had any time to sit and write until tonight.
Last January God began taking me on a journey. It was difficult and bitter sweet. I learned that I had some hidden pride to deal with. I learned that I needed to ask God if I was to step out and help others, even when they asked. This I like to call this "authorization to assist". I learned last year at this time that when I had done this with someone that the help they requested and I offered was taken all wrong and thought of as being prideful and controlling. Hum, so when I feel the need to help, I've now learned to step back and ask the Lord if I should and then be okay with letting it go if He says no.
In February of last year, the Lord removed the last of my "crutches." Even my hubby was too busy to spend much time with me as the Lord was dealing with his fear and distrust in God to provide. The loneliness began to set in and depression constantly was at my door, hounding me to let him in to mess with me. I did let him in two or three times and it wasn't pretty, the bruises and scrapes I endured from it, not to mention my family having to endure a messy house and no dinners because I was too emotionally crippled to do anything. I went to a women's retreat help for our church's women and rejection and abandonment hit me like a load of bricks and the loneliness set itself high above God. The Lord spoke to me there very clearly that I was in this lonely state because He had placed me there. That it was for me to understand my best friend and where she was at and suffering so I would be able to relate to her situation better. I told the Lord that I would bear it for her, as my heart ached for her heart to return to the Lord. The Lord also stated that I didn't have to be there alone. That He wanted to join me, but that I needed to ask him to come and be with me during my loneliness. It was a time of being in the desert, a parched and weary place, but the company of the Holy Spirit was refreshing and kept me walking and not giving up. During all this my best friend's heart was grabbed hold of by a new understanding of the love of God (for it is His kindness that leads us to repentance, right?). She is nearly back to herself now and we are enjoying our friendship together again!
WOW! What a year!
As a family, we took our first real family vacation. This is the first time off my hubby has taken since our youngest son (now 9 years old) was born. We took two and a half weeks to travel to
As we began our homeschool year number....I need to count....9???? WOW where has the time gone???? We have grown in so many ways!
We are doing well and going at a great pace. The year closed out for us with friends and family, a new outlook on life and a rejuvenated and intimate relationship with the Lord. We definitely have found we've been bitten by the travel bug and know that there are opportunities with our church for some travel around the
