Reflecting Back, Projecting Forward
Looking back on 2011, I am reminded of times of joy and those of sorrow.
I wept at the loss of loved ones and rejoiced with new additions to the family. I celebrated time away with my husband and reveled in a wonderful trip with our children.
Gratitude flowed when the Lord intervened and spared our boys from injury in a car accident. While fear and uncertainty assailed me several times prior to medical procedures needed by our children, God’s mercy and presence brought me through.
Apprehension preceded the Lord’s calling to follow His leading, to speak out. A sense of purpose and fulfillment followed.
Frustration, confusion, and exhaustion walked with me this past year. But so did love, strength, and hope.
That’s what it’s like when we walk in faith. It isn’t without hardship or tears. We will still fail and fall short. But each day, each moment, we can start over. We can begin again. We have hope.
No matter how faltering our steps, the Lord promises to go with us, to give us a second chance (and third and fourth …), to love us, carry us, forgive us, guide us. We trust … Jesus never fails!
“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed” (Lamentations 3:22).
More moments of thanks from 2011 (check out all my One Thousand [or more] Gifts posts here):
207. Florida/Bahamas belated anniversary trip
208. The opportunity to start anew—in this New Year and daily in Christ
209. Washington D.C. family trip
210. Amazing opportunities for the boys
211. Supportive family and friends willing to help out
212. Fall barn party with family and friends
213. Opportunities to help others
214. Enjoying the boys’ band and choir events, speech, and sport activities
215. Birthday milestones—three teenagers and a fourth in double digits!
216. HeeHaw performance by Daniel and Zachary—so fun!
217. Gatherings with extended family
218. Celebrating our country’s independence
219. Jellies, jams, butters, and syrups
220. Working in Pooh Garden—especially putting up the cross
221. Participating in the activities of our church women’s group
222. Celebrating Mom and Dad’s 50th wedding anniversary
223. Special Olympics
224. Tender boys’ hearts
225. Those that encouraged me and continue to encourage me to move ahead with this crazy thing called a blog
226. A year of growth behind me, and a year of adventure ahead
2011 has been a year of growth for me. 2012 will be an opportunity to step out in boldness, confident in the faithfulness of the One I serve.
As you reflect on the events of 2011, glean confidence that you can trust the One you serve as well—Jesus, the One who never fails.
(Stop back tomorrow to be part of an exciting opportunity for me.)
By His Grace,
Julie
Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.
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