As the Year Ends

This year has been a difficult one yet one in which God has chosen to teach me a lot of things and, apparently, worked on my character as well. Though we never specifically pray for pain, it's a catalyst that God uses to draw us to Him. Sad, but true. Sometimes, I "enjoy" it because of the sense of closeness to Him that it brings. So even though I pray that I would NEVER have a year like this again with all the physical and emotional pain that it brought, I can still thank Him and trust His promise that all things truly work together for good to those who love Him and seek Him. For it is true that we, while here on earth, try to find happiness in people and things, none of it truly fulfills for there is that God-made hole in everyone that only He can fill and make us complete.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." -John 3:16

That above is the true meaning of Christmas which tends to get lost in all the hustle and bustle. I pray that we would be reminded of this since it is the hope that we all have. Can you imagine? Since we've all already been tainted by sin and can no longer attain eternal life on our own, God found a way even though we don't deserve it. And that's why we celebrate Christmas.

To Jenny, Kim and Jodi - you girls are the reason this blog exists in the first place. I know there are lurkers out there now from family and other friends but I set this up primarily for you. I have enjoyed watching every one of you grow up and turn into such lovely young women.

Jenny - I will eventually find a way to see you and finally take pictures of Ellie for you. Thanks for being such a faithful friend and all those times we just chatted ourselves silly.

Kim - From that shy girl to someone-not-so-shy. Thanks for many years of laughter and all those long emails we exchanged. Your wicked sense of humor has brightened my day many times and I thank God He caused our paths to cross. Who woulda thunk? And now I excitedly await baby number 2! Oh and by the way, maile aba bujhe gobbledygook mwa hah kabayong bundat allez vous nakow muito bem!

Jodi - From living close to each other and now on opposite ends of the coast! All those road trips we took, doode - you've been a wonderful travel warrior. And yes, I am determined to keep my word and drag you to the beautiful Hawaiian islands. He-he, I sure do hope we can work it out. I know you're going through a tough time right now and I pray that we can make some things happen, ok?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!
Joyce