A look back at 2010

As I look back on 2010 I see many exciting, fun and sad moments. I know that without all of these experiences I would not be who I am now. Each moment has helped me grow in one way or another. I have grown in my ability to love others. I know have always been a caring person and I strive to be someone that anyone can count on. This year I have been given the ability to stretch my wings and learn to be what I will become in 2011 when Jeff is ordained as a preacher at our church. Several weeks ago when it was announced that he would be ordained I was terrified! While I still do not feel that I am where I should be with God and my faith to be a good preacher’s wife… I feel that this year has given me many opportunities to “learn the ropes” and grow into my new role.

I have been to funerals and visitations (or viewings/wakes) where my being there has calmed the hearts of the families left behind. I have prayed for my family and friends… as well as my friend’s families and our entire nation. I have learned that even though it seems dark… there is always a light and God will be there to see us through. Jeremiah 29:11 says “’For I know the plans I have a plan for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” I know that God has a plan for each and every one of you… even me… even if we don’t see it now we will surely see it later!

This year has provided me with many blessings. My baby sister gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on Jan 1, 2010, my step-mom and my dad reunited after a brief separation, Jeff and I bought our first home and I moved to a new position at work that allows me to be mostly stress free. I also met a dear friend, Michelle, who gave birth to a beautiful baby boy the weekend before Thanksgiving. My mom and baby brother came to visit after almost 6 years of me being away from home… that was an awesome vacation.

They came in for the second half of my summer vacation. My first half was spent in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was my first time there and I loved it. Eureka Springs has a passion play every summer, I remember being on the edge of my seat through the whole thing. The play was amazing but my favorite part was the resurrection of Jesus! When he burst out of that tomb and the Glory of God was shining around him I had shivers up my spine! My mom and Jacob flew into Little Rock on a Wednesday and it was a giant whirlwind of activity until the left on Sunday! We enjoyed a trip to my favorite place ever, Petit Jean Mountain, a trip to the Little Rock Zoo (also one of my favorite places) and Hot Springs, Arkansas. It was a pure joy to have them in my home and to spend that valuable time with them!

There are other things that I learned this year as well. I pushed myself to do more and practice better quality steps with my crochet projects; such as properly weaving in ends and learning to work in rounds to avoid seams. It has been a busy and very enjoyable year for me. I have finished approximately 65 projects that include 11 animals, 5 pairs of baby booties, and 4 baby hats, 2 pairs of baby mittens, 2 baby blankets and a baby pillow. I made 5 “Rasta Hats”, 3 “beanie” hats with flower appliqués, 3 toddler hats with matching scarves, 2 cowls, a scarf, and a slouchy hat, a pair of fingerless gloves, a throw blanket, 2 lap blankets, and a round ripple blanket. I also made 5 snowflake ornaments, 6 dishcloths, 2 snowmen, 3 water bottle cozies and a cupcake pin cushion. These items are not including the projects I have already started for 2011 which include a green ripple blanket, squares for an exchange project I am working on with my sister and I am finally starting the Cocobay Shawl that I bought yarn for in October.

As I look to 2011 I see many exciting projects to complete… some for myself and many for gifts. I am excited to already be making a blanket for the “Be a Santa for a senior” tree at Walgreens for next year and I have purchased enough yarn to make at least two more blankets! I have some gift ideas chosen for next Christmas already too. But most of all I am excited to see my friend Michelle and her beautiful boy in March as well as the trip I am finally making home. On May 1 Jeff and I will be boarding a plane to Washington State for a much needed trip to visit my family… most of which I haven’t seen in more than 6 years. I look forward to making a second trip home in August to attend and participate in my sister’s wedding.

My prayer for you is that you have a safe and joyful New Year. I pray that you learn to lean on God in good times and bad. God has his plans for everyone, be sure not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. I hope that you take each bright and happy moment and store it in your heart. I hope that when you do fall… and you will… that you pick yourself up and praise the Lord, thanking Him for allowing you to pick yourself up.

May you have a wonderful 2011!

Sarah