Looking to the future

What a year 2008 was!!! We experienced job losses, financial downfalls, vehicle woes, a move, marital growth, child development, and the birth of a beautiful baby girl.

If I tried to sum up last year in just a few words, it would be virtually impossible. I never in a million years would have anticipate going through as much as we did.

I also could have never anticipated or expected the overwhelming blessings that we experienced.

Hindsight IS 20/20. But looking back at 2008, it's so much more than that. While we were in the midst of the weeds, God was planting wheat. Through all of the struggles that we faced last year, the blessings and graces we received were far more immense. Though I couldn't have thought it at the time, we definitely ended the year much better off than we began.

My family is on solid ground. My husband and I are getting to know one another. We've become friends again... not just strangers going through the motions of marriage and child-rearing. My children are blossoming under the love and guidance that we are giving them with a stable home. We have learned to live by God's economy and have found a financial freedom and peace that can't be taught in a class or podcast. Our little crew is growing as we were blessed to welcome a daughter into the world just two short months ago.

I wish that I could bottle up the joy in my heart and save it for a rainy day. But I know that the love swelling in my soul is a gift from heaven. It's up to me to not save the peace I feel only for myself, but to be an example to others that God is good, that He does keep his promises, and that through Him, all things ARE possible.

Love, hugs, and blessings for a wonderful 2009!!!
The Mama