Can you believe that at midnight tonight we will all ring in 2009? 2008 has certainly flown by and while this year was great, I can't say it was my favorite.
Or can I?
I really want to put a postive spin on this post as I reflect on this past year. When I look at what God has done, provided and shown me this season, I am in awe and amazed. How could I miss so much in such a short time? Life is but a vapor and I need to remember that my days on this earth are numbered and that I must keep my eyes, ears and heart open to his gentle stirrings.
So what happened this year that is memorable? Let's see if I can round up a few. I am sure I can!
*Madi turned 2 in April. Dan and I had no idea that a child turning a certain age would cause such drama, chaos, laughter and enjoyment! She is such a delight to us and I am so thankful that God allows us to be her mommy and daddy. She fills us with life and laughter everday!
*We have seen our college group Illuminate grow spiritually and passionately together. They are eager to share the gospel not just through words, but through their actions. Their lives. And that I find so much more important. Most of the time our actions speak so much louder than our very words do and our kids are really starting to learn and understand that. They are embracing Jesus in ways that bring tears to my eyes. I cannot wait to see what 2009 brings for Illuminate. I pray God continues to reveal Himself to me, Dan and to everyone one of our students.
*In October we found out our little family was going to go from 3 to 4. Baby Harper is due July 4th and we just could not be more excited. Dan and I have been praying and trying for a baby since August of 2008 (after a certain friends wedding) and it really only took us a few months. We are so thankful to be able to have children. Pray for health for the both of us. I am a complete wuss when it comes to pregnancy so I am going to need a lot of prayer if you know what I mean!
*My eyes were opened to the tragedies and injustices of this world after reading Dangerous Surrender by Kay Arthur. If you have not read this book, please do so immediately. Your heart will break into a million pieces, but I believe that once you are a witness to what is happening to thousands of people outside of our own communities, you can't help but react. My prayer is that I get more involved in 2009, to be apart of REAL CHANGE, not just the kind politicians talk of....but of the kind Jesus talks and demonstrates every day in our own lives.
*In March 2008 my Mom was diagnosed with Hepatisis C after having a blood transfusion 30 years ago. She has been on treatment the past 9 months and we learned that in March 2009 she will be off the treatment! Please pray that it was successful and that it will remain inactive and not flair up again. While she will have it for the rest of her life, my prayer is that a little bit of hope and wellness can return back to her life.....and she runs to the One who truly loves her and can care for her.
*I got to participate in an opportunity with Soles4Souls: to raise 50,000 pairs of shoes in 50 days. It was quite a task and I found myself donating a few times just to try and help. It was much fun to try and raise awareness and make a difference in the lives of those who often walk without shoes everyday to go to work, school, do household tasks. Something that I think each of us take for granted because, quite frankly, we always have shoes with us. Most of us hardly know what true poverty is really like.
*Meeting tons of new people on the internet and learning more about their stories, their faith, their lives and what they are passionate about. Starting this blog two years ago was probably one of the greatest decisions I could have made because I suddenly started interacting with a whole world of people who had the same interests as mine, and even some people who offered me a different perspective on how to see this world. Amazing.
I hope each and everyone of you have a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve. I will see you tomorrow in 2009.
Blessings,
Tiff~
