Reflecting On 2011

Once again I'm ending this year by reflecting and answering some questions. I started this in 2009, and it's nice to be able to look back and see how God has worked in various areas.

1. What were the highlights or accomplishments?

• Finishing our 'other' house and selling it within 8 days of listing
• Our trip to Alberta to see our son and his family
• Finally having a clear vision/direction for our future
• Our decision to move 'home'

2. What were the major themes?

• Filming a movie (still to be completed)
• Ongoing illness for our grandson
• Renewed relationships with extended family and friends
• Working on adoption paperwork- an opportunity to ponder and evaluate our lives
• Questioning the 'status quo'  and finding unexpected answers

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

• Disappointment in the lack of grace exhibited by God's people
• No regrets- God's timing is perfect!

4. What was missing from the past year?

• Time for family fun -what's new?!
• Peace among the brethren

5. What did you learn from the past year?

• That we need to put action to our prayers; when God gives us a burden, he doesn't mean for us to wait and hope that someone else will respond.
• That God doesn't always want us to sit back and accept our circumstances; he sometimes brings situations into our lives to spur us on to action. He expects us to step out in faith and trust him to make a way where there seems to be no way.
• That we can't bring about change or be peacemakers where other parties are not willing; pride is a difficult thing to overcome, and only God can change a heart. (not new knowledge, but a reminder)

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2011 has been a year of challenges and changes for many of our family members and friends....and on a lesser level for us. But through all the difficulties the answer has been, "Seek the Lord and his strength."

 Even when we don't understand what we're going through, and we can't possibly see any good coming from a situation, we know that God is in control, and he is allowing these things for his own purpose and plan. Yes, he could step in and stop things from happening; he could heal a sick child, he could deal with people who hurt us, he could remove leaders from their positions, he could bring a prodigal home, but if he chooses to do something different...well, he must have a good reason, and as hard as it sometimes is, we just need to trust him, keep looking up, keep moving forward, and keep doing right. In his time God will work all things for our good and for his glory, and even if we don't ever get to see the whole picture....well, God is still good isn't he!

The last quarter of this year has brought us a clearer vision of our future, and we're excited about the changes coming in 2012! I'll be sharing more of that in the coming days. Who knows, I may even get back to posting regularly....but I'm not going to promise anything....no new year's resolutions here!

Watch for my verse for the year and accompanying song. See you in 2012!