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!

A Year in Review- 2014

December always has me thinking over the year and all that God has done. I don't set New Year's Resolutions because they don't make sense to me. But I do love finding verses each month that speak to who God is or what He desires from us. I looked at the last few years that I have done a review in January, and it was amazing to see how much has happened, how much has changed. It was also awesome to see how many of the verses would fit this year, how Scripture never gets old and is always relevant. If I take the time to look.

So, here's to 2014- a year of learning and change. And I wouldn't have it any other way.


"The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." -Deuteronomy 6:4b-5

(January brought so many changes in our little Bee as she began to walk and see the world in a whole new way.)

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." -Deuteronomy 6:6-7

(February is a hard month for me because of the weather, but it is a great time to spend indoors reading and learning. This was the time I learned all about the aquarium hobby and set up three tanks. So fun!)

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He HEARS us." -1 John 5: 14

(March felt like a miracle month for me. These ladies and I had the privilege over the years of praying for a dear friend to conceive- and this month we got to finally throw the best baby shower ever as God prepared our sister to deliver her first baby. Oh, it still gives me chills to think of what a promise this is- that He HEARS us. )

" Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths... Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens." 

-Psalm 148:7, 13

(April brought our annual beach trip and new experiences for all of us as we worked out the changing relationships between parents and adult kids and grand kids and in-laws. All good things to grow through and love bigger in.)

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. " - Romans 1:20

(May brought back the sunshine, PRAISE GOD. There is no place on this side of heaven that I would rather be then surround by fields and horses. I love the creativity of God's world. )

"...teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live...to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind..." - Titus 2: 3-5

(June gave me the chance to be grateful for the way time passing can grow us. To make us patient.  Every time I watch Bee with my mom, I realize the woman I knew as a mother, that Jasmine knew as a grandmother...has changed in so many ways. And I am changing too. Make us wise woman, Lord- woman of patience and love and grace.) 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

(July brought so many adventures for all of us, just the way summer should. Working my first rodeo, directing traffic on horseback, vacation trip for Jordan to see Mt. Rushmore, and so much more. It's amazing to think about how little my plans were in comparison to where God has brought us.)

"In the beginning was the Word...through Him all things were made...In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."  - John 1:1-5

(August was sunshine, sunscreen and water. Summer is the best and makes remembering God's goodness to us a little easier. He brings lightness and freedom to my life in so many ways. From the people He surrounds me with, the fun He fills me up with and the promise that He HAS won the battle....what a comfort.)

"As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him." -Psalm 18:30

(September is a special month for my girl, with her birthday and anniversary all wrapped into one. This month often finds me praying for her...and now more than anything, that God would make her marriage a testimony to His faithfulness and love.)

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

(Autumn brought a huge change for us, with the future we had envisioned disappearing so abruptly. But October was also a chance to trust God's plans and to keep working for what we know matters, even when it was hard. I know it will be worth it.)

 "A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17a

(Full swing into a new job for me and a new perspective for our boy, November brought back dear friendships that we never should have neglected. This month was a reminder that loyalty matters and believing the best in people is what makes them even better. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, November is JOY at our house, no matter what.)

"This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look...ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16

(Even without the warmth and sunshine that I crave, December was by far my favorite month of 2014. SOOO many wonderful things to see through my grandie girl's eyes...lights, and trees and traditions. But my favorite thing was seeing a young little friend post her verse for the year...Jeremiah 6:16. How great is it to see a little girl you once knew, now a woman after God's own heart...and have her "take you to school"? Makes me smile just thinking about it.)

Lord, I stand at the crossroads and look. I ask you to show me the "ancient paths". Show me where the "good way" is, that I might find rest for my soul.
Happy New Year, my friend.

2013- what a year...

Doing a "Year in Review" has always been so much fun, and this year in particular surprised me nearly every month.

I keep a list of "God Stops" each month, little things that make me stop and say "There You are, God." And if a verse comes to mind to reinforce the learning, I jot it next to the moment.

Going through this last year's book had me laughing and crying- simply for how ridiculous I am to think I will ever understand fully the King of the Universe. His ways are not mine, and thank God for that- because His results are far better than mine would be.

More than anything, I look back at this year and thank Him. My children are all seeking after the Lord and growing, what more could I want. Steve and I are still married. That in itself is a miracle in this day and age, but happily married feels too good to be true. My grandie girl is the biggest surprise blessing I could ever ask for, and each day is filled with opportunities to serve and learn.

 Here's to 2013. I can only imagine what this next year will bring...

January:

God provides just what you need. When you need it. 

"  He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 

1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

February:

You can never truly be prepared for how GOOD and GRACIOUS the Lord's gifts are. 

" But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Psalm 86:15

 March:

In our broken repentance, there is a beauty that can take your breath away. 

 "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion." 

Isaiah 30:18

 April:

God loves a good story. 

" He speaks to the sun and it does not shine;

                                                 he seals off the light of the stars. 
                                                 He alone stretches out the heavens
                                                 and treads on the waves of the sea."

Job 9:7-8

 

 May:

Age doesn't have to be our main defining characteristic. But our character and resilience can.  

 "I will meditate on your precept and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word." Psalm 119:15-16

June: 

Goals are important. And it's ok to dream a little. 

"Therefore...let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." Hebrews 12:1

 

July:

Laughter is ALWAYS the best medicine. 

"A joyful heart is good medicine..." Proverbs 17:22a

August: 

Change brings grief, no matter how good it is. 

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..."

Ecclesiastes 3

September: 

There is always something new to learn. Some area we can grow in. 

"Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her." Proverbs 8:10-11

October:

We really do reap what we sow. So be sure the seeds you are spreading will bear fruit you will like. 

"Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing."

Proverbs 20:4

November:

If you want to walk far, don't walk alone. 

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."

James 5:16

December:

Family is what you make it. It changes and moves, so treasure them while you can. 

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
    may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21

Happy New Year, friends. It was a year like no other, that's for sure. And I wouldn't change a thing.

A year of "Letting Go". Goodbye, 2012.

If you had told me last January, where we would be today, I would have said you have an active imagination. But the reality is, we can't plan for everything, and sometimes, we just have to learn to let go...and let God. So instead of saying, "Goodbye and good riddance," to 2012, I am just going to wave and smile.

What I learned in 2012:

January: Enjoy the small things in life, the things that just happen.
  "“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:  Ants are creatures of little strength,
    yet they store up their food in the summer; hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;  locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;  a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces." Proverbs 30:24-28

Nerf wars...so worth the bruises and the blood.
 

February: Embrace the friendships around you. They are precious for as long as we are blessed to have them.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 1 John 13:-34-35

March: Take time out to laugh, and relax a little.
 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

April: Don't under estimate yourself.You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
 (Philippians 4:13)

May: Don't neglect the friendships that have helped shape the person you are today.
"Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

June: Cherish every stage of your life. This month will forever be engraved in my mind. I will never forget the month I found out I was going to be a grandma.
"There is a time for everything..." Ecclesiastes 4

July: Always remember that we are a work in progress. This month I came to terms with a lot of things, and God just kept reminding me of 2 Corinthians 5. It was such a comfort for me as we processed our new roles, and I kept remembering what one of the skate church pastors use to say so many years ago when we first came to know the Lord. "Although this earthly tent is fatally bent, it's true contents are heavenly sent".

First job!!

Love these men.

August: If we want to get anywhere, we have to "row together". No matter how hard it gets.
" Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

September: Little things can make any day better.

My grandbaby's footprint!

October: Life is a gift that should never be taken for granted.

 November: Sometimes deciding to do the right thing is hard, but it's always worth it. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, He WILL lift us up. (James 4:10)

December: Thirteen years is far too long to wait before taking a weekend away for yourself with a few good friends!
" Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord..." Acts 3:19

I am ready to welcome in a new year with all that it brings. Good or bad- I choose to thank God for the path He sets me on. Help me see You clearly, Lord.

"For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all... And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." 
2 Corinthians 5:14-15