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

I just HOPE I grow into a bitter hag.

No one ever says that. I keep thinking "I'm not going to write another post until I have something nice, or inspiring, or encouraging to say". As my silence has proven... not a whole lot to be overjoyed about as of late.

I've always been a big fan of the "fake it until you feel it" motto. And it works...most of the time. But for months, or years, like these- the feelings just don't mesh. And you know, that's OK too. I get scared that if I don't stay positive and find that silver lining, it's just one more step toward "bitter ol' hag" future.  I seriously have nightmares that I am going to wake up- 80 years old, and such a depressing, critical witch that no one will ever want to be around me.

That is right when God reminds me- you can choose to smile, dear one. You can choose to laugh out loud. You can CHOOSE, to TRUST me with the future.

And suddenly, everything feels...just about right.

So instead of being silent, thought I would pass this along- especially to my healthcare buddies. We have ALL charted something wacky at one point or another. Hope it makes you laugh as hard as I did! ( 9 and 18 were my personal favorites!)

HOSPITAL CHART BLOOPERS
(Actual writings from hospital charts)

1.  The patient refused autopsy.

2.  The patient has no previous history of suicides.

3.  Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.

4.  She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.

5.  Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.

6.  On the second day the knee was better and on the third day it disappeared.

7.  The patient is tearful and crying constantly.  She also appears to be depressed.

8.  The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.

9.  Discharge status:  Alive but without permission.

10.  Healthy appearing decrepit 69-year old male, mentally alert but forgetful.  

11.  Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.

12.  She is numb from her toes down.

13.  While in ER, she was examined, x-rated and sent home.

14.  The skin was moist and dry.

15.  Occasional, constant infrequent headaches.

16.  Patient was alert and unresponsive.

17.  Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.

18.  She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce.

19.  I saw your patient today, who is still under our car for physical therapy.

20.  Both breasts are equal and reactive to light and accommodation.

21.  Examination of genitalia reveals that he is circus sized.

22.  The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.

23.  Skin:  somewhat pale but present.

24.  The pelvic exam will be done later on the floor.

25.  Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.

(Pictures are just for fun- my boy had a blast at Winter Formal this last week, and my girl got a very beautiful Christmas present from her honey. Life is full of blessings- I just have to look around and see them.)

" Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, 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 4:6-7

To be Thankful...

 
Thanksgiving is done- except for all the leftovers. Now on to preparing the house for all the Christmas decorations to come out! I couldn't help but think about how much of my "holiday merriment" revolves around pointless traditions. Don't freak out! I know- I still love it all, the turkey, the stuffing, the Christmas tree and lights, the advent wreath, the stockings and caroling. I wouldn't get rid of a single thing. I just wonder if the reason we all can get into the "Christmas Spirit" and still act like little pigs is because we are missing out on THE Spirit...Our God, dwelt with us.

I am determined to slow down and soak it up this year, not just the good feelings and seasonal festivities. But I am asking God to shine in a brighter, new way and open my eyes to more of Him, and much less of me. I get so bent out of shape over things I have little control over, when in reality; my time, energy and treasures would be much better spent fussing over the things I CAN impact for God's glory.

Our "Thanks" Jar

We have spent the month writing something we are thankful for down on a little leaf and putting it in a jar, just taking a moment to pause and praise God for all He does in our lives every day. As we shared Thanksgiving Dinner together this last week, I think we each felt just how grateful we should be. Life gets topsy turvy sometimes, Obama is still president, we might be short on cash and long on worries, the changes this next year feel overwhelming - but there is one thing that will always stay the same:
"...God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:5b

Our list was long this Thanksgiving, but the highlights were:
Family
Another day of breath and life
Two new members to our little team
More than what we need
Love and Forgiveness

God bless you, dear friend. May He fill your cup, and allow it to run over with His Spirit and His joy this Christmas.