Saying Good-bye to 2015 and Hello to 2016

When 2015 began, I would never have imagined it would have encompassed all that it did.  

• I would be parentless (burying my mom) by the time summer began.
• My brother and his family would move out of state that same summer.
• I would be alone (in a sense), making the decisions I am, and trying to figure out who I am and what I'm supposed to do now.

I have noticed since June that I have become so negative.  Things just pop out of my mouth, and at times, normally at work, I don't sound like my old self.  But . . . who am I? This is an area I plan to work on this year. I have to find myself--whether it be the old me or a new me.

While the negativity has become a way of life, it seems, and not something I am happy about, if I sit and ponder, I can come up with positive moments where I have been blessed. (These are in no particular order.)

• My brother survived an accident at the end of June that could have taken his life.  He walked away with only bruises and pain b/c God protected him as the truck crossed three lanes of traffic on a busy, rainy highway during rush hour after hydroplaning and bouncing off the cement median. No one hit him miraculously.
• My niece and nephew continue to thrive and find success in school and extra curricular activities.
• My niece is is doing well with no changes in her Chiari.
• I got to chaperon a trip with my niece and nephew to Washington DC. It was a great experience and tons of fun.
• I have a great job with great people and administrators who support me and push me to be better.
• I have seen the power of prayer, support, friendship, and family through everything this year.  For this, I will always be grateful.
• I have two of the best friends anyone could ever have, and they are here for me day and night, whenever I need them. Jill and Robin are the best!
• My Moss and McDonald staffs/friends are amazing, and I will forever be grateful for them.
• First Presbyterian Church of Rockwall truly is all about Feel the Love. Be the Love.
• Friendship Baptist Church sent two men to pray with us and Mom, and within the hour, she made her journey into Heaven. These men and this act mean more than I can explain.
• I have a roof over my head, food on my table, clothes in my closet, a car to drive, and a job. I also have a sweet kitty who needs me and follows me everywhere I go.
• My Great Aunt Darlene calls to check on me nearly every night. Again, there are no words. Her love, care, and concern mean so much.  Her kids also make me feel loved and not alone.  I love this family!
• God protected me and got me home safely on December 27th. There was so much rain, high water, and a detour that could have left me trapped, hurt, or dead.  
• I was able to attend six conferences this year, so I got to see Houston, TX, The Woodlands, TX, St. Louis, MO, Austin, TX, Ft. Worth, TX, and Costa Mesa, CA. I met great people and learned a lot.
• I made it through my first start of school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve without Mom.

A friend posted this on her Facebook page:

"Psalm 23 tells us that God prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies. I can just picture Him, making my seating arrangements at my 2015 table. Like a bride preparing for the reception dinner, He's strategically placing the name cards at my table. Sitting with me at my 2015 table is Fear, Death, Grief, Regret, Sickness, Stress, and Worry. All of them make their presence known as each course is served throughout the year.

But God also promises in that same chapter that while we are sitting among our enemies, He has anointed us, and our cup overflows. I can stand today, on January 1, 2016, and tell you this is true. During each of these events, my cup has not just been filled, but has overflowed during each course with an abundance of love, peace, protection, and grace. Relationships have been renewed and restored, financial burdens have been lifted, protection has covered us, and I could go on and on."

"My challenge to you while your 2016 table is being prepared in the presence of your enemies is to cling to His promises that your cup will surely overflow with abundance."

I could have almost written those exact words.  I really liked what she has to say, so I am adding it here.  I don't know what God has planned for me in 2016.  I don't know who will be sitting at my table this year, but with friends, family, and most importantly, God, I will face each day with faith and hope.

December Girl Scout Meeting--Service Project

One of my seventh graders planned our December meeting. Today, five of our girls worked from 1:00-8:00 making blankets and ponchos. We threw in baking cookies and brownies, and I prepared dinner. They had a blast! They made nine blankets and ten ponchos to donate.

The thing that really struck me was how mature and self-sufficient they are becoming. I helped them get organized and started, and they took off from there. I found myself sitting on the couch watching the news, preparing dinner, sending an email to their parents, snapping a few pics of them working, doing dishes, and more while they worked, talked, and enjoyed their work and company.

During dinner, we had a mature, intelligent conversation that included the topics of politics, immigration, and citizenship. While they finished their final pieces, I listened as they talked about college, careers, and middle school and high school electives. 

I am so honored and blessed to be a part of their lives.