Monday, January 01, 2007

As 2007 begins

As we talked with family last night, a conversation came up about Mr. Cinder's former employer. When we left in the summer of 2005, the company was to be sold...we knew that could go either way and for many reasons, decided to make the move. The company did get sold and actually has benefited greatly as a result. The conversation went towards the fact that you never really know how things might turn out...there were a few what-ifs thrown in...in terms of our family and if we hadn't moved.

The bottom line came down to the fact that we still feel we made the best decision possible for our family. We wouldn't change it...now we can look back over the last year and a half and we're able to see all that's transpired. So this morning, I was spending a little time reading, while we, as a family, vegged at various activities. I came across Christopher's site, where he talked about some of his favorites for 2006. I have did something similar...with a few changes to the list and felt it fit in well to this post. So here's my 2006 list and a few of my hopes for 2007:


Favorite Book: Two Minds, One World (a small one, but very powerful and insightful about relationships between the Eastern and Western worlds.

Favorite Movie: As a family...The Chronicles of Narnia and As a couple...Click (this one kind of took us by surprise...well worth seeing.)

Favorite TV show: Sue Thomas F.B. Eye

Favorite Getaway: Ladies Retreat at Arlington Beach...especially since I skipped half the activities and did my own thing.

Favorite Moment: Stepping onto Sri Lankan soil and feeling like I was exactly where God wanted me to be.

Most Sobering Moment: When I was with my mom in ICU and realized there was a very real chance she wouldn't pull through.

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving...we celebrated with Hungry man dinners at the hostel in the hospital. We all learned an important lesson...it doesn't matter where or how you celebrate...if you are together as a family, that's all that matters!

Favorite Vacation: As a family...Family Camp at Arlington, as we got to spend time with our kids and also with both new & old friends. As a couple...Sri Lanka...no words will ever adequately explain that journey.


Favorite Worship Moment: When we were in church services in Sri Lanka...in between songs, people would be begin freely lifting their praises to God. Even though we couldn't understand what they were saying, you could feel the strong present of the Holy Spirit in the room and knew that we were praising Him together. It was very freeing for me and also very unifying.


Hopes for 2007
~
To truly see this year as a brand new slate, and to recognize everyday as a brand new slate as well...learn to wipe away the previous crud and events, and instead realize the endless possibilities and potential which lie ahead.

~ To draw closer to God and be silent more in His presence.

~ Enjoy life with my family...embrace each moment and be thankful for it and all the blessings.

~ Have more patience...learn to more effectively sweat the small stuff.

~ Have a more positive outlook on all aspects of life...live a life which is more focused on gentleness, love and understanding.

~ Make important changes in my life...as a wife & mother, in ministry, schooling, etc.


You know, I look at that list and I know things do truly happen for a reason. If we wouldn't have followed God's leading and stayed where we originally were, some of the most life-changing events wouldn't have occurred. I truly believe we may never have gotten a chance to go and experience Sri Lanka. I also believe I would have been so overworked ministry-wise, that I would have lost my passion to serve God in any useful capacity. I think our family would have suffered many ill-consequences, just because of the very busy lifestyle we chose to lead.

I find it very humbling how He continues to reveal pieces of His plan, even now as we begin this brand new year. The person I was going into 2006 and the person I am going into 2007 are vastly different people. I've changed a lot...old friends pick up on that right away and at times it can prove awkward, but I know that I'm exactly where He wants me to be, so therefore, I'm learning to be content with that...LEARNING being the keyword. I'm actually really excited to see what lies ahead for this year and am praying that I'll drink in every detail and experience things to the fullest extent.

4 comments:

Little Stitcher said...

Thank you for sharing your life, family, beliefs and a great list. Happy New Year, Marie, North Wales xx

Corry said...

I had just finished a post on resolutions when I read this. When it comes to our hopes, we seem to be on the same page. Even in our wording, grin.

May all your hopes come through, sis.

God's Grace.

Cinder said...

Stitch ~ Thanks so much for dropping by to read my blog...I enjoyed seeing yours as well.

Corry ~ Great minds think alike...hee, hee. You wrote a very good post on resolutions...I agree wholeheartedly with the fact of every moment being a new beginning. So very true and yet for me, sometimes so easy to lose sight of. I pray His blessings will be upon you and yours throughout 2007.

God Bless you sis!

audrey` said...

This is a very encouraging post.
Thank you so much, dear sister =)