2009

I can not believe it is 2009. There are so many things that I thought I would have accomplished by now that seem to be even farther out of reach. I had this tidy little plan for my life wrapped in a bow...almost nothing has turned out the way I thought. And thank God, might I add. His ways are not our ways. I had planned to be married at 23 (check), finish school and become a teacher (well...), and have a kid by 25! Still here I am, working at a doctor's office, married to a wonderful man (almost six years), and no children. Though, I hope the latter changes soon, I am so happy and blessed! I am glad the Lord knows best, and has my best interest in mind. I am reminded of a song..."Lord, keep me in Your will so I won't be in Your way." That is my prayer but much easier said than done, right?

Several passages from the Bible have been on my mind with the coming of the new year. Jeremiah 29:11, which I mentioned previously, and also some verses from the book of Matthew, particularly where Jesus addresses worry. As I hold the title of champion in this department, I am comforted by these words. It speaks of how we should not be concerned with our future, and how the Lord takes care of the flowers and the birds, so how much more will He provide for His children. I am also reminded of the Lord's love and faithfulness. I am referring to where He tells us to ask, seek, and knock. (I have this taped to my mirror in my bathroom, as I need to see this every day.) The verse speaks about how we love to give good gifts to our children, so imagine how much more the Lord loves to give good gifts to His children; we just need to ask and keep on asking. Seek and keep on seeking. This is an area that I have trouble with...I pray but then I become impatient. Again, His time is not our time. I am constantly challenged to just "be still." That is one of my many goals this year...not to give up on the Lord. He never gives up on me...

I am already overwhelmed with our schedule! It seems we have the whole year planned!

January brings a trip to the Shakespeare Festival, which I LOVE. Jason, Lori, Ben, and I are going to see a play about the life of Bear Bryant. I must say my husband has never been so excited about going to the Shakespeare Festival. We both are really looking forward to it!

February means another trip to Honduras. Jason and I went on our first mission trip to Honduras in Feb. 2007. It changed our lives. We loved it, and hope to go somewhere every year. Last year, Jason went to Nicarauga, but I was teaching preschool at the time, and the trip fell during the last week of school. My Daddy and Uncle Jack (Lori's daddy) actually went, though, and I was so glad they had the opportunity to go together. It was the longest time Jason and I had been apart, but we survived. Then Lori and I went to Ecuador on a prayer walking mission trip in June. It was very challenging, but lots of fun. (We were there on my 5 year anniversary-that was hard...) I had hoped to go back to Honduras with Jason this year, but I think the Lord has called my Daddy to go again. I think I'll be staying home with my mom. We will probably go visit my Aunt Pam in Tennessee while the men are gone. Also, Ben and Lori are SCHEDULED to move in their house in Feb. Lots of work for us all...

I am planning a trip to the mountains in March. Jason, Ben, and Lori just don't know it yet...And Piper's 1st birthday! Also, my sweet Mama's birthday.

April showers bring May flowers, this year Easter, and also several special birthdays...Jack Benjamin's and mine...the same day I might add! He was supposed to be born on his Uncle Tractor's birthday (that would be my daddy-April 18). Instead he was born on mine! Lots of fun and partying, as Jason's birthday is ALSO in April, and so is Timmy's!

June 14 is my anniversary! Jason and I don't know what we will do, but we have both agreed that we are going to do something special this year. We went to a Christian marriage retreat in 2006, and LOVED it. (A Weekend to Remember sponsored by FamilyLife) Maybe something like that?... Also, VBS at Hopewell is the end of June. BUSY...

July 4! I am excited because, unless something changes, I should be off that whole week! YAY!
Also, Tara's birthday is at the end of July!

August 4 is my Special Day, the day I was adopted. It has always been sort of a second birthday...a big celebration. How lucky am I? (Mainly because God gave me such AWESOME parents...) Then, Lori's birthday. Also football season. Enough said.

September, October, November...more football. But this is actually my favorite time of the year. Getting ready for cold weather and holidays...I LOVE IT!

Then we are back to December. So many events...Ben's birthday, my parent's (42nd!) anniversary, and of course Christmas! INSANE how time flies. And we all know it will be here before we know it!

Well, I didn't mean to make the year whiz by! Just thought I would share a little of our craziness ahead. I am sure each of you have your own busy schedule. I am going to try to slow down , and instead of being caught up with all the busyness, live in the present and savor every moment. Quite a challenge, but I sometimes feel like I am always planning and never enjoying. This year is going to be different...

Well, I have written too much again. (That is why I never have time to post!) More later!