Well, another year is in the books.
It's hard to believe actually. I look back on this past year and am just overwhelmed with the Lord's continued faithfulness and provision in our lives and ministry together. We are so unworthy of all that He has done and is doing in our lives.
This time last year I was just thankful to have survived the first year with 4 children.
As we close out our second year with a family of 6, I feel much the same. In fact, in many ways this past year may have been crazier than the first, but we are finding our groove. I'm finding my imperfections a way to run to Jesus and finding that sometimes the mess and the chaos are ok. That's hard for me to embrace. I'm learning how to try and make healthy rhythms for my family but also enjoy all the moments of my kids growing up rather than wishing them away. I'm also learning how to lean in to Jesus more and more. I need Him so.
So here are a few significant things from 2013....
My Weight Loss and Health Journey
Over the past 12 months I have become a better version of me. It's not just about the weight and inches lost (although that part is huge), but about a total makeover of my physical, emotional, and even spiritual health. Getting healthy with my eating and exercising really did propel me into being healthier emotionally and physically. I honestly believe with all my heart that it's all connected! This year I have felt better than I ever have in my life! The journey did lead me to lose 27 lbs and 33 inches (which has me down two sizes). I am so very thankful for how the Lord worked in my life through this area and look forward to continuing to learn more about healthy eating and workouts.
Our Travels
NYC
spring break ministry trip with Cru
Disney World!
Our first time to the magical place thanks to a free place to stay, a few free tickets, and free childcare for the baby (thanks to Jeff's parents)!
My parents also came with us which was a huge help and a ton of fun!
Santa Rosa Beach
My parents took us the best little beach house with my brother and sister in law.
We had our own pool and a short walk to the prettiest beaches.
It was a great vacation!
Fort Collins, Colorado
We had our bi-annual staff conference at one of our favorite places!
This time, we got to go just by ourselves since our parents took over childcare duties.
It was a great working trip for us.
We were reminded of the great organization we get to be a part of (Cru) and got to see so many great co-workers and friends.
We also got to spend some time in a beautiful part of the country!
I'm not sure we will ever have a year full of fun places to visit like we did this past year. What a blessing to be able to have made so many wonderful memories!
Celebrations/Parties
Anyone who has followed this blog or knows me well, knows I love to throw a good party and get crafty! With 4 children, I've had to slow down a bit...but 2013 still brought it's share of fun celebrations.
Annie's First Birthday Party Brunch
Ellie Kate's 6th Birthday Tea Party
Samuel turns 11
Abigail's 5th Birthday Party
Dinner Under the Stars
with dear friends
Also, a significant part of my year was a Bible Study I got to be a part of on the book of Philippians. Although I didn't get to attend every one (thanks to sick children), I learned so much! One of the things we did was take a different kind of spiritual gift test and I realized I have the gift of apostleship which sort of shows itself in my entrepreneurial spirit and giftings. This means I like to start new things and bring people along with me. One thing I did this year was start a local Facebook buy/sell page. It has over 1600 members and has been a huge success. It has been super fun to see a need, start something, and see it succeed. I have met some wonderful people through this group and look forward to what else God can do through it! Also, my need and love for change goes into this gift. I think it was helpful to learn this about myself and really embrace it...but also begin to think through how I can use the giftings the Lord has given me for His glory now and in the future. Another thing we did in this study was identify a word that the Lord has spoken into and over my life. Sort of like an identity word. As I prayed and reflected, it was clear what my word was.
{HOPEFUL}
full of promise
looking forward
having or manifesting HOPE
But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because He has dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 13:5-6
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed I have a bountiful inheritance.
Psalm 16:5-6
So we do not lose heart, though our outer nature is wasting away
our inner nature is being renewed day by day.
For this slight and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory,
beyond all comparision, as we look not to things that are seen but things that are unseen.
For the things that are seen are transient, but the things thare are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I am hopeful for so many reasons. Over the years, I have seen God work in amazing ways in my life (through the joys and pain) and I can't help but be hopeful. Furthermore, Jesus has given me the comfort, peace, and assurance of eternal hope and salvation. I pray that this propels me to further trust Him in all situations that in His providence He brings. I pray that I live my life in hopeful anticipation of His coming Kingdom and that this affects every aspect of my life!
So thankful for such a fulfilling 2013.
I look with anticipation on this next year and whatever it may bring!
