Looking Backward 2012 // Looking Forward 2013

I can hardly believe how quickly time has flown... It seems incredible that we're already at the end of 2012.  So much has happened this past year.  So many moments of mountain top glory, and so many agonizing hours of pain and confusion.  I must say, I never expected the past year to go as it did... but in all it has been a tremendously wonderful year.  I have learned a lot. About myself. About the way I view life and the way I view others.  I have learned, ultimately, the undeniable need I have to rest in God.  When storms rage, He is a refuge and comforter.  When good times come, He makes them sweeter.

This past year, I have had to put aside some bad relationships.  It was the hardest thing I've ever done, and I never thought I would get over the pain.  But looking back I can see that I have done the right thing, and that God was at work all the time.  

Also this year, I have made some friendships that I think will last forever.  The MK retreat back in July was a time I will never forget.  I think it was one of those defining moments in my life... Time seemed to stand still as I worshiped, wept, prayed, and worshiped some more with Missionary Kids from all over the world.  I feel so blessed to have been a part of making that experience happen.

This year I also have been privileged to work with an amazing group of people at the barn where my family volunteers, and have getten to know them better nearly every Friday.  They are such sweet girls... their love for God shines through in everything they do.

So much has happened this past year... so many births, weddings, new experiences, and daily routine - all folding into phenomenons we call "past" and "memories".  

Looking forward, I wonder what the coming year will hold.  Who will come into my life? Who will go? How will I get to serve in the Kingdom of God? What new experiences will I have? What is God planning to do in my church? In my youth group? How will I grow closer to God? 

These questions and so many more flood my mind.  But whatever happens, I feel secure in the knowledge that God holds each day in His hand.  No day is wasted.  No moment insignificant.  All are a part of His Perfect Plan and I can't wait to be looking back next year and see what He has done.

So here's to the New Year... May it bring you blessings and may you see God's power and love working in your life!

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."  II Corinthians 5:17

New Year, New Goals, and My Newest Addition

With Graduation and the Christmas Season behind me, I have begun to set some goals for the coming year.  Among these many and varied goals, I have included that I would like to begin blogging again on a regular basis, as I am finding myself with too much free time on my hands - at least until I start college in the Fall.

The past several months have been an interesting transition for me.  The difference between a home educated daughter and a stay at home daughter is far greater than I had imagined!  I have suddenly found myself with time to work on craft projects, help around the house, and do all sorts of things I never had to time to do before.  Admittedly, with all the extra free time, I feel much more leniency in when I get work done.  This unfortunately often results in (forgive my bluntness) laziness and procrastination.  I have discovered that schedules are more my friend now than they ever were when I was still in school!

So, for this new year I'm going to try to stay consistent with blogging.  And aiding me in this goal, is the newest addition to my life...

Meet Caillette (pronounced Colette, I'm just weird, and wanted to spell it all crazy ;) ), my Chrome Book:

Isn't she incredible? I just love her :) 

Do you have any special goals for the coming year?