Reflecting on 2025

1.What were the highlights or accomplishments of the past year?

 I’d have to say, the highlight was our trip to Alberta at the end of August. It’s been many years since we’ve been out to visit our son and his family, so it was long overdue! Another highlight in early August was our Blair sibling reunion, with just one brother not in attendance. We know that this is very likely the last time we’ll all be together on this earth.

Our biggest accomplishment was creating a beautiful yard here at the little red roof cottage. Another accomplishment has been our dietary changes. Brian has lost 55 lbs and I’ve lost 28. But weight loss wasn’t the main goal, health improvement was. We are both feeling much better and even though I had an episode while hiking in the mountains, I know there’s no way I could have even made it a little way up that trail last year!

We also started attending the Evangelical Free Church, here in Carberry. We’re right back where we started and it feels like home, seeing so many familiar faces from years ago.

 2. What were the major themes of the past year? 

Similar to last year, and every year, the main theme was working on projects. The previous year we were working on our new home, but this year we worked on the yard. We turned an empty lot into a beautiful landscaped fenced yard with lots of places to sit and have coffee.

 3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

 No regrets, but a lot of sadness. My oldest brother has been on palliative care at home for some time now. We’re so thankful for the visits we’ve been able to have and we’re praying for a lot more time. In November, brother #4 went into hospital with extremely high blood sugar, pneumonia and probably a heart attack, and had a triple bypass on Christmas Eve. December 17 we heard that brother #2 had been rushed to HSC with a major brain bleed. At the time of this writing, he is out of the coma and off the ventilator and showing improvement. The same day we heard brother #3 is having surgery in January for bladder cancer. We’re praying daily for each of my brothers. We’re also praying for our kids, as some are going through some difficult times.

 4. What was missing from the past year?

 It’s been a busy year as always, but I don’t feel like anything was missing. We’ve enjoyed working on various projects, and we’re looking forward to the coming year. 

 5. What did you learn from the past year?

 I learned that life is very short and we never know when a loved one may be taken from us and we should make the most of the time we have together

Reflecting on 2024

 

Looking back over the past year.

1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of the past year?

The first highlight was our granddaughter’s wedding in January.

The next highlight was Brian/OJ retired in May! We also moved into our little fixer upper, now our cozy retirement house, in May.  

I guess the other main highlight has been continuing to post YouTube videos. We were monetized late in 2023, and we’re now earning coffee money from our videos! 😁

2. What were the major themes of the past year?

Well that’s easy! Work! What’s new, right?! We spent the majority of 2024 renovating the little fixer upper we bought in November of 2023. And again, consistently putting out YouTube videos all year! This year we documented all of our renovations.

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

I can’t think of any disappointments or regrets! We’re enjoying being back home in our little house, and it’s great to have my husband home all the time! 

4. What was missing from the past year?

I guess the one thing missing was free time. It’s been a very busy year, but as we come to the end of the year, things are slowing down, and we’re looking forward to the coming year.

5. What did you learn from the past year?

I learned that even in our mid sixties, we’re capable of doing a huge renovation project. I’ve also confirmed that this is the last time we do this! It’s time to slow down, relax, and enjoy retired life. Hopefully, Brian learned the same thing! 😃

Reflecting On 2023

Looking back over the past year.

1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of the past year?

The biggest highlight of the past year was Emberley having her final chemo! Another highlight was the birth of another grandson. Justin and Ruth welcomed a baby boy in August. Then in September, Jeremy and Ashley had a beautiful outdoor wedding.

In November we bought a little fixer upper! Brian will be retiring in the spring, and decided we should move back to our home town. The beginning of a new adventure! 

2. What were the major themes of the past year?

I don’t know that there was any particular theme the past year, other than consistently putting out YouTube videos all year! 

But come fall the theme was decluttering and downsizing, in preparation for a move to our little house in Carberry in spring of 2024. Then in November, the theme became renovations! 

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

I can’t think of any disappointments or regrets! I’m excited about moving ‘home’! It’s a lot of work to get the house ready, but it’s what we do, and we enjoy working together.

4. What was missing from the past year?

I can’t say that anything was missing from this past year. Emberley coming to the end of her chemo made anything else very unimportant. I’m just so thankful that she is through that stage and pray that she’ll continue to gain back her strength and her immune system.

5. What did you learn from the past year?

That my husband is crazy! I’m pretty sure he’s finding that out  for himself, having taken on this renovation project! But I I’m crazy too, so we make a good pair. 😃

You  can follow our progress on our YouTube channel, Coffee Walks and Whatever https://youtube.com/@CoffeeWalksandWhatever?si=eCCtJsxrWayTIQHs

Reflecting On 2022

 

1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of the past year?

The highlight of the past year was the Brian starting a YouTube channel in March. It came about when we were brain storming ways to raise funds to help out Justin during Emberley’s illness. We were watching a young guy walking around his city making videos and Brian thought, “I could do that!’ and so he did! It can be difficult coming up with a video at least once a week, but for the most part, it’s been fun and we’re looking forward to new adventures in the coming years.

I don’t know if I’d call it a highlight, but seeing Emberley out of the hospital more this past year has definitely been a blessing!

Attending church starting in spring when the mask mandates were lifted has been a highlight. Different from what we’re used to but we’re settling in and enjoying being there.

2. What were the major themes of the past year?

Emberley’s continued treatment for Leukemia has been the main theme. 

The other constant has been the YouTube channel; coming up with places to go for a walk and trying out different ideas has been fun and challenging and definitely getting us out and about! 

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

I can’t really think of anything I would consider a disappointment or a regret. Of course we would love to see Emberley completely healthy and not undergoing treatment, but we’re looking forward to her ringing that chemo bell after her last treatment, hopefully in June.

4. What was missing from the past year?

I read my answer from last year and decided, it works for this year too… I guess I’m missing just having a normal life, one where I don’t have a granddaughter with cancer.

5. What did you learn from the past year?

I guess the main thing would be that we’re never to old to try something new or make a huge life change. 

If we spend too much time focused on the negative things in this world or in our personal lives, it just gets us down. It’s so much better to have a positive outlook and make changes that will improve our lives. Some of those changes are just getting out of our comfort zone and getting in front of a camera. Others are more significant, like letting go of some things from the past, deciding to go visit a church and finding that maybe it’s the right place for us.

Reflecting On 2021

Continuing my yearly tradition of looking back over the past year.

 1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of the past year?

The highlight of the year was the birth of our granddaughter, Emilia. Another highlight was Jeremy moving back to Manitoba and starting work at a gold mine in Snow Lake.

Reconnecting with old friends through our fundraisers was a highlight…as well as meeting new people. Aside form those there weren’t a lot of highlights this year!

2. What were the major themes of the past year?

Illness seemed to be the theme of the year…covid in January, then Emberley’s leukemia diagnosis in March and continuing treatment, illnesses and hospitalization have taken up the year. 

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

No personal regrets, but the whole year has been disappointing….disappointing circumstances, disappointing relationships.

4. What was missing from the past year?

That’s a hard question. I guess I’m missing just having a normal life, one where I don’t have a granddaughter with cancer.

5. What did you learn from the past year?

You learn a lot when you have a crisis in your life. Most important is that with God we can get through anything. Second..life can change in a moment, we have no guarantee of tomorrow, so don’t take anything for granted. Third, you learn a lot about who you can count on and unfortunately, who you can’t. Covid had already revealed the true nature and character of many. But when our granddaughter was diagnosed with Leukemia some of the people I thought would be there to support us, encourage us and just be there to talk….or listen, were nowhere to be found. But at the same time, people I never would have thought of stepped up and stood in that gap…some were old friends, some just acquaintances and many were complete strangers. Until you go through something like this you don’t realize just how much a kind word can help. A phone call, a text message, a face book comment or even just a virtual hug and praying hands mean so much. 

I hope I’ve learned to be that kind of person for others as well. I’ve never been good at knowing what to say to someone going through a rough time, but I’ve realized it doesn’t really matter what you say. It’s just taking the time to show that you care that makes all the difference. Years ago I wrote a song that speaks of this very thing.

Words Fitly Spoken

When you see someone that's hurting, do you say, 

“Friend, come let’s pray,”
and do you share their burden, and brighten up their day?
Do you give them some comfort, as the word of God you share,
or do you ease their heartache, by showing that you care?

When we heed the Spirit’s prodding

to share God’s love and grace,
we’ll never have regrets for the choices we have made.
And we may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

When a loved one who’s estranged seems to be 
weighing on your heart,
don’t let the moment pass by; just call or send that card.
You’ll quickly mend some fences when you take that step of faith,
for there’s no wound or chasm too deep for God’s great grace.

When we heed the Spirit’s prodding 

to share God’s love and grace,
we’ll never have regrets for the choices we have made.
And we may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

When a long forgotten friend suddenly comes into your mind,
don’t push that thought aside; don’t say I’ll waste my time.
A friendly hand extended may just help someone in need,
so kindle an old friendship, and allow the Lord to lead.

When we heed the Spirit’s prodding 

to share God’s love and grace,
we’ll never have regrets for the choices we have made.
And we may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

We can make a difference with a few words fitly spoken.

~~~

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Philippians 2:1,2 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

A new year is about to begin and although I’m praying it will be better than this year has been, I know that whatever comes, God is in control and He’s already there waiting to walk us through whatever lies ahead.

Reflecting On 2020

 

1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of the past year?

• I guess the biggest highlight came right at the end of the year when Brian left his position as Maintenance Manager at the hotel to take the job of head Custodian at the school here in town. It should be a little slower pace...at least once he has everything on his to-do list completed, possibly by next fall! haha
• With covid causing layoffs at the hotel, Daniel went in search of a new occupation and found it at Alternative Landscaping. While others collected CERB or EI, he worked from spring through to fall when he was again laid off. He's looking forward to going back in the spring.
• Springtime brought more family to our new town, with Dennis and Dana deciding to move here as well!
• In July we had a visit from our daughter in law, Naomi and the grandkids, as well as Naomi's sister. We all enjoyed a nice get together at Dennis and Dana's home, but missed seeing Lorne.  We were thankful for the summer reprieve from covid!
• During a summer teen day camp, one of our granddaughters accepted Christ as her Saviour. That's a highlight worth mentioning! 
• In the late fall, Jeremy moved back to Manitoba in preparation for a new job at a gold mine in Snow Lake MB,  starting in January. It's a 2 weeks in and 2 weeks out job so we're looking forward to having him around...it's been a long 2 1/2 years of him living in Nova Scotia!
• Another year end highlight was our son Justin getting engaged to Ruth, a wonderful lady and welcome addition to our family, as well as news of a new grandbaby coming in May 2021.
• It seems the highlights all came at the end of the year. Justin started a course in taxidermy in December and hopes to start his own business when he's done. He also has the opportunity to use his videography skills doing some work for the college.

2. What were the major themes of the past year?

• The main theme of 2020 has been dealing with Covid 19. For me, life has not changed a lot except that for most of the year we've been doing online church because we aren't able to gather.
• Change seems to have been the other main theme for our family members...jobs/career, location and church. Besides those listed in highlights, our daughter Nicole ended her stint in the banking field and returned to healthcare. Two grandkids also started new jobs. Although we haven't been able to attend church much since summer, we've been enjoying online services.  
• And everyone would be surprised if I didn't say renovations! I'm not sure we've had many years when working on a house wasn't a theme. haha, We managed to complete most of the projects we wanted to do here...adding insulation and drywall, getting rid of a lot of the old panelling. What can I say? we love working on houses! 

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

• I don't think disappointment or regret are the right words, but losing Mom in February was a difficult time. I miss her terribly, but I know she's home with our Saviour and one day I'll see her and Dad again. I can picture her there enjoying the most beautiful gardens and her very own waterfall.  

4. What was missing from the past year?

• For most of the year....spending time with friends and family and attending church.

5. What did you learn from the past year?

• This probably sounds strange, but I realized how little my life was changed when covid caused us to have to keep our distance from other people. Of course, I missed spending time with my family, but much of my communication with people is via text and the phone. For so many years my time was spent caring for children...it was easier to just stay home, and I got used to that. I know the same thing happened to Mom until it got hard for her to leave home. I know I have that tendency and it's something I need to be aware of and work to overcome. I need to make the effort to get out in our community and meet people, and to be more connected. Something to keep in mind when the covid restrictions are lifted.

It would be nice to think that when we awake on January 1, 2021 everything will be changed and we can all go on with life, covid19 just a bad memory, but it's going to be a while before we're out of this. And will life ever return to the way it was? Probably not...and maybe that's not a bad thing. God has allowed this situation; surely He has a purpose or many purposes. He has a plan for each and every life and uses such circumstances to bring about His will...drawing the lost to himself, calling the wanderers back, giving opportunities for growth and learning to all of us. 

The only question is, "What does God want to do in my life as 2020 comes to a close and I step into 2021?'

Reflecting On 2019

  It's hard to believe we're at the end of another year! 2019 seems to have flown by, and yet the fact that just six months ago we were living in a different home in a different community feels like such a long time ago!

   As always, I've taken some time to reflect on the past year.

Reflecting On 2018

 Back in December of 2009 I started writing a review of the year. It was an idea I found on someone else's blog, and it seemed like a good way to sum up the year. As much as I may think I'll remember when certain events occurred, it's been nice to have this record to look back on over the years...and so I continue with this year's installment. 

Reflecting On 2017

Reflecting On 2016

Continuing my tradition of looking back over the past year......

Reflecting On 2015

Continuing my tradition of looking back over the past year....even though I haven't posted all year!

1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of 2015?

This year hasn't been one of big highlights, but more of steady progress, continuing in the direction we believe God has for us.

Brian has now been back to work at the Royal Oak Inn for almost a year and a half. It's been a busy time for him, but hopefully things will settle into a routine soon,,,,well, I can always hope.

The main highlight was becoming members of our church in June. We'd been attending for about 9 months, and knew it was time to take that step and become more involved in the ministry.

2. What were the major themes of the year?

I think the main theme of this year could be described as just putting one foot in front of the other and doing the next thing. It's been good to be a part of a church again, and to have opportunities to serve, whether in VBS, Ladies Conference, or the ongoing ministries of nursery, cleaning and yard care. Hearing the word preached regularly, and participating in Bible studies has brought back a stability and purpose that was lacking in my life, and in my family.

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

 Last year, I wrote, "I can learn from my regrets, and I can commit to a better today and tomorrow. With that thought in mind, I look forward to the changes that 2015 will bring, and pray for the strength to embrace them," 

 This year I can say, I have no regrets, and have indeed embraced the changes in 2015, and am looking forward to what 2016 will bring.

4. What was missing from the year?

Last year I said, "We are closing out the year with a much clearer vision of God's will for our family, and the accompanying peace (that has been missing)." That continues to be true; we're following the direction we believe God has given, taking steps to bring our family closer to him. I know that I'm in a better place spiritually than I was last year, and believe the same is true for my family. But I also know that I still lack the self discipline needed to have a close relationship with the Lord. I was challenged by last night's message on TIME. What is required to be close to God is time...time in his word, and time in prayer, will result in a desire for time in worship. I'm lazy, plain and simple. I know this is something I struggle with and need to change.

5. What did you learn from the past year?

I think this year just reaffirmed what I learned the previous year. We need to be a part of a church to live this Christian life in a way that brings glory to God. I know that our time away from church was so detrimental to all of us. I also know I have a long way to go to get where I need to be, and I need the church to help me get there....we're not in this alone. 

Once again...looking forward to the coming year!

Reflecting On 2014

Continuing my tradition of looking back over the past year.

1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of 2014?

The biggest highlight has been Brian starting back to work at the Royal Oak Inn & Suites, as Maintenance Manager. It feels like we've come full circle, with Brian back working where he was before we moved away.

Another highlight has once again been puppies....lots of puppies...followed by visits to the vet for spay and neuter surgeries! We do love placing puppies with happy families, but it's also a lot of work, and ties us down.

The final highlight of the year was Danica accepting Jesus as her Saviour on November 30th.

2. What were the major themes of the year?

Change has been the major theme this past year. After a short time at home, Justin went back to Alberta to work with Lorne again, then returned in July to start working at Armwood with Brian. With Brian's job change in August, Justin lost his ride to work in Portage and decided to get his own apartment, once again shrinking our family to five.

September brought another change, when we visited a different church, and made the decision to attend there.

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

Last year, concerning regrets, I stated "we can't go back and change things." While that is true, I can learn from my regrets, and I can commit to a better today and tomorrow. With that thought in mind, I look forward to the changes that 2015 will bring, and pray for the strength to embrace them.

4. What was missing from the year?

Much like the previous year, we lacked clear direction, and for me personally, peace. But we are closing out the year with a much clearer vision of God's will for our family, and the accompanying peace.

5. What did you learn from the past year?

In 2013 I was reminded of the importance of being part of a community of faith, but we were still not sure where we fit in. We were trusting the Lord to show us, and to provide....and he has. It's taken some time to get over the difficulties we had experienced in previous churches, and to be ready to try again, but we've taken that first step, and we're looking forward to what 2015 brings.


Happy new year to all!

Reflecting On 2013

Continuing my tradition of looking back over the past year.

 1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of 2013?

  There were not a lot of highlights this year, other than the birth of eleven puppies in May. It's been nice hearing back from the new owners; everyone seems very happy!

   We accomplished a lot of  landscaping and outdoor construction, but a much less intense summer than last year.

  I'd have to say it's been more a year of misty flats and valleys than mountain tops!

   2. What were the major themes of the year?

   Home and family were the major themes. We continued working on our house through the early months, and then switched to the outdoors in the spring and summer. Brian built the decks, a pergola, and fences to keep deer out and dogs in! Trees were planted, top soil was brought in, lawn was sodded and perennials transplanted.

   Spring also brought sad times with the passing of Brian's mom. Thankfully, Brian and Nicole were both able to spend some time with Alice before her passing. A beautiful service had been planned by Alice herself, and many friends and family were able to attend. 

   One of the biggest changes was Justin's temporary move to Alberta. He spent several months working with Lorne, coming back home late in the summer. I really wasn't ready for him to fly the coup, and this all happened a little too quickly for me. It's hard to believe that our 'second batch' is growing up so quickly, but with a young lady now a big part of Justin's life, I guess I better get ready for more changes!

   During the spring and summer we also had one of our daughters spend some time with us until she was able to find employment and a place to live in Brandon. It was a blessing to have this time with her, and especially to enjoy her cooking skills!

  Fall brought changes for another daughter, requiring us to spend some time renovating her mobile home, in preparation for renters. (construction and renovations seem to be the story of our lives)

  The past few years have been difficult for both of these daughters, and as parents, it's very hard to see our children hurting. The one positive that has come out of all of this is that we have our girls back. For the first time in many years, all of our children were home at the same time for a Christmas get together. Fortunately, the stomach bugs stayed away until later!

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

  Anything I may count as a disappointment or regret is really pointless....we can't go back and change things, so rather than dwell on regrets, I happily say goodbye to 2013, and welcome 2014, and all the promise it holds!

4.  What was missing from the year?

   What was missing from 2013 was a close walk with the Lord and a clear direction. Having spent the previous year so busy with our move and construction, we really just didn't have much energy left for most of 2013, and the year just took its own path.

  We're thankful for the willingness of friends to come out to our home for Bible study during the spring and fall, and for the church we began attending in the latter part of the year.

5. What did you learn from the past year?

  I've been reminded of the importance of being part of a community of faith. After a year break from regular church, we have tip toed back in...not quite ready to plunge right in...which I think has been the right way. We're still not sure where we fit in, but we're trusting the Lord to show us, and to provide.

Happy new year to all!

Reflecting On 2012

I'm continuing my annual tradition of reflecting on the past year.

1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of 2012?

• Moving home and building our new house.
• The birth of two more grandsons
• Our son, Lorne and his family coming from Alberta to help with the house
• Signing Danica's adoption papers- God's timing is perfect!

2. What were the major themes of the year?

• One theme-our move! We took possession of the property in January, drew up the plans, sold our house,  started construction in May, moved into a camper the end of June, moved into the house mid October...and continue to finish. There wasn't time for much else!

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

• Again, disappointment in fellow Christians, particularly leadership
• NO REGRETS!

4. What was missing from the past year?

• As always, time to relax!

5. What did you learn from the past year?

• That in Christ's strength, we truly can do anything we set our minds (and bodies) to!

The focus of the entire year truly was our move. Living in Manitoba means our construction season isn't very long, and living in a camper meant we had no time to spare. It was a busy year, but worth all the hard work. We're living within walking distance of two of our daughters, a twenty minute drive from another daughter and twenty minutes from our home town where both of our mothers reside....not to mention my many siblings, nieces and nephews and their families who live nearby. We're looking forward to lots of family time in the coming year!

I'm also hoping to get back to blogging a little more, and hoping to get around to visit old friends out there! Wishing you all the best in 2013!

Reflecting On 2010

 Last year I wrote a post looking back on the year. I used a format similar to one I saw on another blog. I thought I'd continue the tradition this year.

1. What were the highlights or accomplishments?

• Watching Brian turn a money pit into a beautiful house!
• Finding a home school method that works for our family
• A renewed relationship with our daughter and her family
• Hearing a long awaited decision concerning our foster daughter

2.What were the major themes?

• Stress!
• Long hours of work
• Waiting for other people to make life changing decisions for our family
• Making our own life changing decisions  

3.What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

• Not having enough free time to just enjoy our family
• Not having some issues resolved in a satisfactory way
• Gaining back much of the weight I lost at the beginning of the year!

4. What was missing from the past year?

• Fun and relaxation!
• Time with family

5. What did you learn from the past year?

• I know even less this year than I thought I knew last year and the year before. But God knows, and I need to spend less time stressing and more time trusting!
• I'm lousy at maintaining a healthy lifestyle....but then I already knew that!
• If at first you don't succeed, try, try again....yup, knew that too.

We look to 2011 with anticipation and thanksgiving!

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Reflecting On 2009

The other day, I read on another blog, a post about reviewing the year. The author posted several questions as a starting point to use in reflecting on the past 12 months. It was an interesting exercise, so I thought I'd post my own simplified version.

1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of the past year?

*Trip to Alberta to visit our son and his family
*Being a friend when it wasn’t popular to do so
*The birth of three grandchildren!

2. What were the major themes of the past year?

*Changes for Mom & Dad – the move from the farm, and Dad’s poor health and subsequent death
*Unresolved conflict

3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?

*Disappointment in people I trusted
*I regret not taking a stronger stand for what is right.
*I regret wasting a lot of time due to unwillingness to make difficult choices.

4. What was missing from the past year?

*Clear direction or vision
*An abundant spiritual life
*A close relationship with my daughters and grandchildren

5. What did you learn from the past year?

*No matter what a person’s position, we all make mistakes.

Admitting to mistakes is a humbling experience, but it makes you a better person and resolves a lot of problems. (learned long ago, but reaffirmed this year)

*I need to do the right thing according to God’s word, no matter what someone else thinks I should do. (learned long ago but reaffirmed)

*Confronting issues rather than hoping they will resolve themselves never works. (also learned long ago, but reaffirmed)
*History truly does repeat itself!
*I know less this year than I thought I knew last year.

When I was finishing writing my book, "Stepping Stones Along My Journey," in 2008, I kept thinking, "Maybe I should wait; surely I'll be wiser next year! I've experienced so little....do I really have anything to say that's going to be a help to people?" I find myself feeling that way again, or perhaps, still........feeling that at the age of 51, surely I should be wiser, life should be simpler, the future clearer, more settled. 2009 has been a difficult year in many ways.....uncertainty about our foster daughter's future, some health issues for myself, Brian and Jerry, Mom and Dad's move from the farm, Dad's deteriorating health, and finally his recent death, but the most difficult has been an ongoing uncertainty about God's direction for our lives. Brian and I have spent the past year praying for a specific miracle and waiting on God's answer to some difficult questions....a miracle that we now know isn't going to happen. We have our answer, and our future is becoming a little clearer, but it doesn't mean the path ahead is going to be easier. But 2009 also had some wonderful highlights, such as the birth of three more grandchildren, and an answered prayer regarding our relationship with one of our daughters.
In spite of all the ups and downs of this past year, God has brought us through all the rocks and rubble on the road. If we just keep our eyes on him, he’ll lead the rest of the way. I'm so thankful that I don't have to know what is around the next curve in the road, I just have to trust the one who does!

How was your past year? Do you have any goals or plans for the coming year?

Looking forward to 2010!

Psalm 25:9 & 10 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.