Reflecting On 2014

Continuing my tradition of looking back over the past year.

1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of 2014?

The biggest highlight has been Brian starting back to work at the Royal Oak Inn & Suites, as Maintenance Manager. It feels like we've come full circle, with Brian back working where he was before we moved away.

Another highlight has once again been puppies....lots of puppies...followed by visits to the vet for spay and neuter surgeries! We do love placing puppies with happy families, but it's also a lot of work, and ties us down.

The final highlight of the year was Danica accepting Jesus as her Saviour on November 30th.

2. What were the major themes of the year?

Change has been the major theme this past year. After a short time at home, Justin went back to Alberta to work with Lorne again, then returned in July to start working at Armwood with Brian. With Brian's job change in August, Justin lost his ride to work in Portage and decided to get his own apartment, once again shrinking our family to five.

September brought another change, when we visited a different church, and made the decision to attend there.

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

Last year, concerning regrets, I stated "we can't go back and change things." While that is true, I can learn from my regrets, and I can commit to a better today and tomorrow. With that thought in mind, I look forward to the changes that 2015 will bring, and pray for the strength to embrace them.

4. What was missing from the year?

Much like the previous year, we lacked clear direction, and for me personally, peace. But we are closing out the year with a much clearer vision of God's will for our family, and the accompanying peace.

5. What did you learn from the past year?

In 2013 I was reminded of the importance of being part of a community of faith, but we were still not sure where we fit in. We were trusting the Lord to show us, and to provide....and he has. It's taken some time to get over the difficulties we had experienced in previous churches, and to be ready to try again, but we've taken that first step, and we're looking forward to what 2015 brings.


Happy new year to all!