Saturday, January 2, 2016

Year in Review- 2015

Hello, 2016! I am sure it will bring with it a completely new set of adventures, but also plenty of moments of nostalgia and "Remember when's". Looking back at the old reviews, there does seem to be a certainty to life. Like each year has the same series of ups and downs, struggles and pursuits just painted in different landscapes.

I have been blogging on "30 Something Granny" for this year, just to remove the personal links for my family's privacy. But at New Year's I love to write myself an update of the past year and remember where we have been. I never make resolutions so this is my way of "ringing in the New Year". I hope this year brought you many laughs and memories that you WANT to remember, with just enough struggle to put you at the feet of Jesus, my friend. It's been a doozy!

January 

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been put to death to me, and I to the world...what counts is the new creation. " Galatians 6:14-15

2015 started out with a nearly 2 year old grand baby, a small jewelry business for my girl and Steve and I loving life as empty nesters. We were so happy to be looking forward to a fun and busy year.

February

"He who finds a wife finds a GOOD thing..." Proverbs 18:22

We partied hard in February with Valentine's, Bee's birthday party, and a fun, highly anticipated bridal shower for our sweet Sophie- she was soon to be Trevor's bride. I always tell Steve he is lucky to be a man, because women were created to ROCK their worlds. What would the world be like with out the amazing wives who love, honor and fight for their men every day? We loved planning and preparing for Sophie's shower as we knew Trevor had indeed found a "good thing" with this gem! There is something truly wonderful in seeing people who love Jesus find a soul mate who wants the same things- to live big for their God.

March

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds... teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 11:18-19
My girl would probably tell you the best thing in March was going to Disneyland but- besides Trevor's wedding- my highlight was taking my grandie girl to the California coast! Sunshine for miles, warm air and water and the brightest smile ever seen. Oh, be still my heart- I loved every minute of that trip with my people. Having undivided time with them- to share our lives, to talk about anything and everything- such a gift in a world where everyone is going in a hundred different directions most of the time. Carving out time just to be together is getting harder, but it was so worth it!
 


April

"What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises." Ecclesiastes 1:3-5

Just a few weeks after the wedding, we squeezed in our beach trip since Steve couldn't come to California and things haven't slowed down since! It still feels like we haven't caught up, but I guess good ol' King Solomon has said that has been the human struggle for thousands of years.

May

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." Psalm 5:11
We celebrated Jordan's birthday this month, and began the wonderful fun of preparing for summer! Gardening, working horses, playing in the yard without a sweater! Glory, glory days. Brielle helped work at getting her pony, Chance, in shape and took a few trail rides. We laughed, we loved, we marked the passing of winter and spring and didn't look back.

June

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on it's stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:15-16
The Zone finished up another great year with the middle schoolers, we spent lots of time in the garden and playing with new friends. 
  


July

"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace..." Hebrews 4:16
Probably the craziest month of the year for us, but my absolute favorite. We worked the rodeo, 4th of July parties, lake days and plenty of time to learn new things. I love how much Bee wants to just explore the yard and play with her Grampy. I hope that never changes.

August

"The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you.. He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
I am so thankful for the way God loves us in spite of us. August gave us some moments of frustration, likely from just being worn out from a busy year. But the Lord was so gracious and patient with each of us as we worked on communicating more clearly. I spent a week working with the Mounted Patrol at the fair and Steve and Jasmine really helped pick up the slack. I am so thankful that no matter what, I have been given a family that pulls together. We then indulged in a refreshing camping trip, with good friends, good food and some great fishing. 

September
"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed...but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." 1 Peter 1:18-19
Every single day I am blessed to be a part of this crazy crew. Sometimes when I am completely overwhelmed and want to just run away, God faithfully reminds me what a great story He is writing on the hearts and in the lives of everyone around me. And it makes me smile. How could I want to miss a minute- the good, the bad, and the ugly!

At the end of the month, I got to escape to paradise with my Jordan, and we had the absolute best time. This was literally the highlight of my whole year. Swimming in Waimea Falls with my boy, body surfing and boogie boarding, exploring, laughing and eating more shave ice together than should be legal- it was the best week of the year. I adore this guy, and any time with him is going to be a blast.

October

"All scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, that the Man of God may be ready for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We arrived home to the long awaited arrival of our new Dalmatian puppy and a very unexpected new roomie! Our sweet niece got to spend a couple of months with us and we were so blessed to have had her. It was a whirlwind of activity and figuring each other out, but Steve and I enjoyed every moment we had with this amazingly bright, fun kid. We miss her like crazy, but are so glad we got to love on her every day for awhile. We found that the best medicine for any ailment is a little fun. All the stressful things that came our way this fall were made bearable by the goofiness of everyone around us. I really don't know how anyone survives without a good hearty belly laugh every day. 

November

"Rejoice in the Lord always...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything- by prayer... with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
The month to be thankful for all things... and it is always my hardest month. The rain threatens to steal all that laughter I love, and the anticipation of everything that needs to be done before the upcoming holidays can be terrifying. Having our niece with us this year really helped our perspective- as we started the month off with a crazy, wet and freezing ride through the Fort Vancouver Veteran's Day Parade and finished it with one of our best Thanksgiving dinners yet. Our hearts were full of gratitude for so many blessings.


December

"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple." Psalm 27:4
I am walking away from the last year with that prayer on my lips... and for my people. That we would all ask one thing in 2016- to dwell in God's house and seek Him always. Simple. Difficult. But so worth it.

God bless you, my friend. I hope your 2015 was as full of love and living and Jesus as you could have dreamed. On to the next one!