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!

My verse For 2015 ~ Jeremiah 33:3

   I hadn't yet found a verse for 2015 when our pastor was preaching, and suggested a particular verse that would benefit anyone who made it their own. I realized it's exactly what I need this year. So often I lose sight of the fact that God is in control...no matter what the world around me looks like. I just need to trust that when I call out to him, he WILL answer, and he will do far more than I could ever have imagined. I hope to keep this verse in the forefront of my mind this year as I intercede for those I love.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

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!

Featured Garden-The Garden of Ede'n Gerald

This beautiful garden belonged to my parents, Ede and Gerald Blair, and was located south of Sidney, MB, until they sold the property in 2009. Mom and Dad spent many hours working together to create this little bit of paradise. These photos were taken in 2004 when the garden was probably at it's prettiest! Sadly, the garden no longer exists, but it's still here for all to enjoy.

I hope you enjoy this tribute to the Garden of Ede'n Gerald.

See my new tribute to Mom & Dad: A Life Well Lived.

(all photos by Al Henry)

 

 I hope you enjoyed your stroll through the garden today. I look forward to your next visit.

View as a slideshow.

I'm not making new posts here. 

Please visit my other blog:

 Living Our Lives Well.

My verse For 2014 ~ Romans 12:12

 December has been a very difficult month of one illness after another. Nothing serious, just a sore throat, stomach bugs, and a seemingly endless headache. It makes me all that much more relieved to be finished with 2013, and begin afresh with 2014.

 I've been thinking for a while about what my 2014 verse might be, and the one word that kept coming to me was 'joy'. Somewhere along the way I've lost my joy. The trials and drudgery of life, the disappointments we've experienced in 'church life'....I've allowed all of these to steal my joy...and my song. I haven't even written a song this past year, and only a couple the year before. Something is not right!

 So, I went looking for verses that speak of joy, and somehow ended up in Romans 12. So many verses stand out in this chapter that are so needful in my life right now.....

 Given the circumstances of one of my daughters, Romans 12:19 hit home.."Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." In the case of my son in law, I will have to hold on to the fact that one day he will reap!

The end of verse 16, "Be not wise in your own conceits." is another one to ponder, and to put into practice!

 But this is the verse I have chosen as the one I will try to keep in the forefront of my mind this year:

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

I believe this is a sure formula for restoring to me the joy of HIS salvation! And that is sure to bring a song to my heart!

Wishing you all a wonderful, joy filled new year!