2011- year of abundance

I’ve taken some time over the past several days to reflect on 2011. Each New Year brings new resolutions, new goals, new ideas, etc. I’m not much of a new year’s resolution kind of person because I would probably be setting myself up for failure. However, every December I try to reflect back over the past year and recognize all that has happened. That sounds so nostalgic, but I think we all need to take a step back, give thanks to Jesus for all He has done and all He has allowed us to go through in order to draw us closer to Him. Some years seem to go better than others, but I think we can all find at least a few things to give thanks for.

For me, 2011 has definitely been the best year of my life. A lot seemed to go my way, even the things that didn't seem to be at the time! So, I made a list of the highlights from this past year.

-Umm…I got married. If that’s not a life-changer, I don’t know what is. I have seen the grace of God on a whole new level through the gift of marriage. It has been awesome to actually just live life with someone else, and experience everyday grace. I was so stressed about being the “perfect wife,” and to be honest, I really did not know what to expect, but since May, I have learned that each day brings new joys, trials, and experiences. We both mess up, and I still can’t cook more than about 5 different entres, but such is life, and what better way to experience that than with your best friend! I am definitely NOT the perfect wife I strived for, and because of that, God’s grace shines through so much brighter! I fall more and more in love with him each day. He is still a Florida Gator fan, and a pretty hardcore one at that, but I'll have many more years to hopefully change that.

-I’ve realized what an incredible opportunity and gift I have been given to be able to show the unconditional love and grace of Jesus to someone. Jesus has chosen me to be that to Daniel, and although I sometimes fail, I get to wake up and have another chance at it the very next day!

-God has shown me in 2011 that He HAS to be my everything. I’ve realized that “He must become greater, I must become less.” (John 3:30). He has allowed me to play a part in some really cool opportunities over the past year, big and small, especially since we have moved to Anderson. It has definitely made me rely on Him more as He has given us everything we need.

-I learned how important true, genuine friendship is through those all around me, while Daniel and I were preparing to get married. Jesus was and is so evident in so many people who are close to us.--Family and friends just completely made our dreams come true. I admire them and think the world of them, and I am forever grateful for their love and support they gave us before we got married. For real, we wouldn’t have been able to have a wedding if it weren’t for so many wonderful people who sacrificed A LOT!

-I moved up to Anderson in May, after we got married, and we love it here! In the past 6 months we have bought a house, had great jobs (his being a little more consistent than mine.) And last, but not least, we adopted a puppy named Charlie Moses. He’s a crazy pup, but we adore him.

-We joined and got plugged in a local church with such an overflow of Jesus and with tons of amazing people. We’ve learned so much and grown a lot closer to the Lord, and we have met some fascinating people who have been such an inspiration to me. I’ve learned more and more of the importance of being plugged into a local church, as well as how much each and every person matters to God. I’ve been able to see so many miracles as people have given their lives to Jesus.

-I’ve literally seen the “sun stand still” in the lives of my family. In the midst of an unwanted, broken situation, such as a divorce, God has shown Himself to be so much more powerful. My parents’ divorce went final in March, two months before my own wedding. Like so many other people, I have seen why God hates divorce. It brings a lot of pain. My pain was nothing like the pain I have seen in my parents, especially my dad. I prayed for God to do something to turn it into good. Although I wish nothing more for my parents to be together and in love, they have turned to God over the past several months. My dad looks the best I have ever seen Him, and He has actually shown me what it means to spend time with and pour into “the least of these.” He has been living on Tybee Island, and he started going to church down there, and he volunteers in a couple different organizations down there. I’m really proud of Him because He is so passionate about helping others. My mom actually came to church up here in Anderson with us in October. She loved it! I know she was definitely moved by it. She said she was going to start going to a non-denominational church in Savannah. Only God could do all of this. I’m really proud of them.

-I cannot believe my little brother is a senior in High School! I am more proud of him than ever. He’s a beast in football, and he’s waiting to hear back from some colleges about playing at the next level. Whether he does or not, I pray everyday that He will realize what an incredible opportunity he has been given through all of that. It's crazy how much you miss your family after you move away.

-I read through the entire bible in 2011 for the first time. I’m going to celebrate that because I read some crazy awesome stuff that I had never even heard of before. If it hadn't been for Tammy Gann encouraging all of us to do that, I probably still wouldn't have taken the time to read through 1 and 2 Kings, and they're now actually 2 of my favorite books in the bible! I definitely developed a deeper love for God’s word, and Daniel and I are going to read through it again in 2012.

-I’ve loved living in the same city as one of my favorite people, my Aunt Doris. She is one of the most selfless people I know, and I appreciate all she has done for us.

-I’ve gained more family! I’ve learned the importance of family through the Stall’s. Their family is so much closer than my family ever has been. They have such genuine love for each other, and they value time with one another. They have taken me in and accepted me, and I am grateful for that!

-We have gained some kind, wonderful, new friends since we have lived in Anderson. I've really treasured the time I've had with them since we've moved here, and I appreciate the people who have poured so much into us and given us something to look up to :)

-I jumped out of an airplane in April, in Florida, on my bachelorette weekend, thanks to some special people who surprised me and outdid themselves, and made that possible.

-Probably, most importantly, God has provided! We have a long way to go from where we want to be, but we have learned that "you can't outgive God." He has given us all we need, yet we still have to depend on Him to provide. That's a good place to be. He's also turned closed doors into open doors.

Obviously 2011 has been my best and most favorite year yet. I’m so grateful for each and every opportunity I have had over the past year. I’m thankful for just everyday life with those around me, and I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store. I know that Jesus has the same for you too. Let’s seek Him first, with eyes wide open to all in store for us! Happpppyyy Neewww Yeaaaarrrr!!