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!

Featured Garden-The Garden of Ede'n Gerald

This beautiful garden belonged to my parents, Ede and Gerald Blair, and was located south of Sidney, MB, until they sold the property in 2009. Mom and Dad spent many hours working together to create this little bit of paradise. These photos were taken in 2004 when the garden was probably at it's prettiest! Sadly, the garden no longer exists, but it's still here for all to enjoy.

I hope you enjoy this tribute to the Garden of Ede'n Gerald.

See my new tribute to Mom & Dad: A Life Well Lived.

(all photos by Al Henry)

 

 I hope you enjoyed your stroll through the garden today. I look forward to your next visit.

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 Living Our Lives Well.

My verse For 2014 ~ Romans 12:12

 December has been a very difficult month of one illness after another. Nothing serious, just a sore throat, stomach bugs, and a seemingly endless headache. It makes me all that much more relieved to be finished with 2013, and begin afresh with 2014.

 I've been thinking for a while about what my 2014 verse might be, and the one word that kept coming to me was 'joy'. Somewhere along the way I've lost my joy. The trials and drudgery of life, the disappointments we've experienced in 'church life'....I've allowed all of these to steal my joy...and my song. I haven't even written a song this past year, and only a couple the year before. Something is not right!

 So, I went looking for verses that speak of joy, and somehow ended up in Romans 12. So many verses stand out in this chapter that are so needful in my life right now.....

 Given the circumstances of one of my daughters, Romans 12:19 hit home.."Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." In the case of my son in law, I will have to hold on to the fact that one day he will reap!

The end of verse 16, "Be not wise in your own conceits." is another one to ponder, and to put into practice!

 But this is the verse I have chosen as the one I will try to keep in the forefront of my mind this year:

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

I believe this is a sure formula for restoring to me the joy of HIS salvation! And that is sure to bring a song to my heart!

Wishing you all a wonderful, joy filled new year!