Saturday, December 31, 2011

Verse for the New Year

Every year I pray and ask the Lord to give me one word to focus on through the year and one verse.  Although I don't have the word, I am happy to say that I have the verse!


"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it spring up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-20


I. Love. That. 

This year has been filled with some yucky unexpected stuff and though the Lord turned it all around for His glory, it was tough going through it.  I'm not sure what this year holds, good or bad or indifferent. I can plan, set goals, make my agenda, and organize all I want. However, in the end it really only matters if what I want lines up with what God wants.  

This year I want:
  • More of Jesus
  • Laser like focus on the things that truly matter
  • My family members to grow deeper in their relationships with the Lord
  • My family to never doubt how much they are each loved
  • New opportunities to serve the Lord
I can't tell you the last time I was so excited to start a new year! Up until last night, when the Lord gave me a dream (I will share later) and my verse for the year, I was not anticipating a great year.  Now I cannot wait to see the things God has in store and I look forward to 2012 with a whole new anticipation! 

Happy New Year!! May it be filled with Gods grace, mercy, and love! :o) 


Friday, December 30, 2011

20 Reflection Questions on 2011

One of my favorite websites for inspiration is   (In)Courage.  I have prayer time every morning at work, I work in a ministry, and that is one of the places a visit each morning. Today there was a post with 20 questions for reflecting the New Year and I thought I would post my answers here: 



20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? This year, though not the best year, has held many wonderful things. If I had to choose one, I would say that my nephew Luke's miraculous recovery. 
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? My husband and I brought our third homeschool graduate to college. Even though she was the third to go to college, it was still challenging. She was 17 years old, because she graduated a year early and she was 12 hours away. However, she has done amazing and looking back, I'm glad that we allowed her to go. 
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? The most unexpected joy was when the Board of Directors voted me in as the Executive Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center where I work. 
4. What was an unexpected obstacle? My husband lost his job in June and though God has been faithful, it was not something we anticipated. 
5. Pick three words to describe 2011. Traumatic, Belief, Thankful
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you). Prayerfull, Growth, Determined 
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking). Humbling, Trust, Educational
8. What were the best books you read this year? A Woman and Her God, Beth Moore, 
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships? This year I would have to say most valualable relationships were with my husband, my children, my sister, and a few special friends. 
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? My biggest personal change was from being a stay at home homeschool mom to working full time. 
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? I learned that I am a competant adult and I can succeed at things. I also learned that being a leader is not a bad thing, it is how God designed me. 
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? I learned that no matter what man says, God always has the final say. I also learned that prayer is vital and that God truly knows me intimately. 
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically? This one is more difficult. I started jogging this spring, but then Luke's accident happened and life got totally sidetracked. In looking at this question and answering honestly, I did not grow physically this year, at least not in a good way. 
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? In all honesty between family, work, and being a full time student many of my relationships have taken a back seat. I am learning that I cannot 'do it all' and I also cannot 'have it all'. My focus has to be on what God has called me to do and I am blessed that my friends have continued to stand by me and love me any way. 
15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)? The most enjoyable part of my work is helping people and ministering the love of God to them.  I also love training the volunteers and sharing what I am currently learning in my studies with them.  It is also wonderful to be able to pray with people and be open about my faith in Jesus. 
The most enjoyable part of my home is knowing that my husband has taken the responsibility of homeschooling our son and is doing a wonderful job! I also know that our home is filled with love, laughter, and that God is in the center of our lives. 
16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)? The most challenging part of my work is when people can't, for one reason or another, move forward. I see many people who stay stuck in their circumstances and who don't walk in freedom of the Lord.  
My most challenging aspect of home is probably finances. However, God continues to be faithful and His provision is always greater then our need. 
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? I have not had much down time this year, but if I had to pick a biggest time waster I think it would be worrying.  I tend to worry too much and trust too little. 
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year? Spending time each morning in prayer and praise to God.  I have found that when I do not turn to God first, my day does not go smoothly. Another best use of time has been continuing my education, even though it keeps me extremely busy.  I know that God has appointed it, so I will continue to pursue my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Christian Counseling. 
19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year? God is truly faithful. I just need to always remember that, especially when money is tight. 
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you. Trusting God is all things. 

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Primary Talk

Someone asked me the other day who I was going to vote for in the upcoming election. Not the Presidential election in November, but the primaries which are this month in New Hampshire.  I think for the first time in many election cycles, I have no clue who I am voting for. 


My husband is a huge Ron Paul fan, I'm not totally sold on him.


My first instinct was Baachman.


Then Cain.


Then Huntsman.


And now...


I have no idea.


I may very well go into the voting booth, close my eyes, hold my nose, and mark a candidate (yes, my small town still uses pencil and paper).  


It is sad, I know. Especially since I am informed on many of the issues and I have an interest in politics.  I think I have lost my faith in the whole system and I am more skeptical then ever about politicians. They will promise anything to get elected and then forget all they promised. 


I wonder how many other voters feel the same way as me? 



Tuesday, December 27, 2011

I'm going to a sleep clinic tonight. Apparently I snore and when I snore I have a tendency to stop breathing now and then. Of course I have no firsthand knowledge of this, since I'm sleeping but instead I am relying on my husbands testimony.  


Having never experienced a sleep clinic, I have little knowledge about what to expect. The doctor told me and I received a pamphlet, but I think it's one of those things that a person actually has to go through to understand. 


I'm a little nervous, especially since I sleep much better at home, even if I snore. 

Monday, December 26, 2011

Resolutions in the Making

I have a confession to make, I truly enjoy making New Years resolutions.  Yes, many of them go unresolved, but there is something magnificant about writing goals for the upcoming year. Maybe it's because the possiblities are endless, the year is new and fresh. Or maybe it's because I take the time to pray and think about and plan for the year ahead. I know that nothing truly magical happens from December 31st to January 1st, except for the changing of a calendar, which is not really magical. Yet, each year I find myself once again writing out resolutions.  


Although I already have some things in mind, I am going to wait till the New Year to publish them.  I will, however, share my goal for the week:

  • Seek the Lord daily for what He wants to accomplish through me this year.
That's it. That's the plan. 

How will I go about fulfilling the plan?

I am blessed to work in a ministry, so I will set aside time daily to seek the Lord.  The majority of the building I work in will be closed for Christmas break, so it will be quiet.  Me, my Bible, K-Love, coffee, and God. I am truly looking forward to this week! Please consider joining me and seek the Lord, in your own time, for what His plans for the coming year. Yes, God's plans and our plans are not always the same. Yet, God is a God of order and He is also relational and wants to be involved in our daily lives. Seek Him. Pray. Praise. Watch what He will do. 

Woman's Day

Outside my window...it is cold, the sky is grey, and snow is all around.  

I am thinking...about last year and about the year to come. 

I am thankful for...Jesus and how truly relational He is.  

From the kitchen...I have not been cooking, but my husband has been making wonderful dishes. Last night for Christmas dinner he made homemade pizza that was truly divine! 

I am wearing...purplish jogging pants, fuzzy socks, and a Houghton hoodie that my daughter got me for Christmas.   
I am remembering...my family in Connecticut.  

I am going...to bring my son Max to the airport. He will be heading to Delaware for five days to see his beautiful fiance'. 

I am reading…"Why You Do The Things You Do" - this is for on of my Christian Counseling classes. 


I am hoping….that people, especially in America, realize how truly blessed they are. 


On my mind…coffee. 

I am hearing...the pitter-patter of feet as the family is starting to wake up. 

Around the house...in the process of waking up for the day.  

Noticing that…getting older is truly not such a terrible thing. 

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Long Time No Hear

I honestly cannot believe that I have not blogged since July! Wow! July! That is FIVE whole months!! A lot has happened in five months:


  • Luke is home and doing fabulous! He is a constant reminder of the fact that God always has the final say. Man can say, "no chance", but Gods voice is the only voice that matters. 
  • My 17 year old daughter headed off to college in New York and is currently home for Christmas break.
  • My 20 year old daughter is engaged and is marrying the love of her life on Memorial Day 2012.
  • In September I got voted as Executive Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center where I work.
  • I am continuing my degree in Psychology with Liberty University Online. 
  • We are down to one goat and three bulls. 
  • My husband lost his job over the summer and has been homeschooling our 15 year old son.
I think that is all, but I am most likely missing some things.  

The main this is that the Lord has been so gracious and merciful to our family and I love Him more then ever! Many days I have no idea how we will make it, but the Lord always provides.  He is faithful and truly amazing!  

Hopefully I will get back to blogging on a regular basis, because I truly enjoy it. I do not have many readers, if any at all, but I still truly enjoy pouring my heart out through the keyboard.  

Many blessings to all who read this, may you have abundant peace and joy in Jesus!