Saying Goodbye to 2013

Toward the end of 2012, I began asking God to make 2013 a year of jubilee in my life. January 2013 would mark seven years since Michael’s death. In the Old Testament, the seventh year was associated with jubilee because debts were forgiven and people were given a fresh start. I prayed that this year would be a new beginning in my life.

As the year comes to a close, I am humbled by all that God has done in the past year. He has allowed me the opportunity to speak at multiple events and on several radio shows and he has used Tears to Joy to encourage others and to save lives. Knowing that God continues to use past hurts for his glory gives meaning to my pain.

 In April, God blessed me not only with a new husband (who I love with all my heart) but also with an amazing new family. I thank God for enriching my life with great in-laws who have welcomed Jorjanne and me with open arms.

I wondered how Jorjanne would adapt at all the new changes in our lives, but I never dreamed that God would bring such cohesion into our new family. This year for Christmas, Jorjanne gave Jeff a guitar pick that said, “Couldn’t  pick a better dad.” This pick serves as a reminder of God’s goodness whenever I see it. God has truly blessed our family. 

I’d like to leave 2013 behind praising God for all that he has done this year. Join me in this time of praise by leaving a comment on the website sharing what you are thankful for this year. 

All I Want for Christmas Is...

Our kitten has free reign in our home with one exception, our bedroom. He's got it made...he can come inside from the cold, has multiple places to rest and to explore, and he has our attention. You'd think he'd be one happy cat, but no. He is insistent on going into the one room in the house where he is not allowed. He gets a running start and darts in as we walk in or out of the room. If someone forgets and leaves the door open, he makes a mad dash. Why oh why I want to know must he chase after the one thing he can't have.

Isn't this the age old problem. Adam and Eve had complete access to all of creation with one exception. Were they grateful? Were they content? No. They wanted the one thing they couldn't have.

It is easy to fall into the trap of wanting more, more, MORE this time of year. Advertisements shout out all the things we "need" to have. We focus on our Christmas wish lists more than we focus on Christ himself. Be intentional about not chasing after all that the world has to offer, but instead focus on what really matters in the coming days -- relationships (with God and with others).