~Stepping Into A New Year~

Stepping into a New Year conjures up all sorts of emotions: Excitement, Trepidation, Hope, Joy, Fear, Uncertainty. It's a New Beginning. A clean slate. A fresh start. 2008 brought many joys to our family:

We had Mom with us for another year. (thank you, Lord)

Our sons and daughter-in-law are healthy, happy and successful in their life endeavors.

Our two grandchildren are growing into amazing little souls. (the photo shows Jackson taking his first steps at Grandma's house!)

We celebrated two weddings, welcoming two new 'nieces' into our ever-growing family.

My newly-resurrected business 'took flight' beyond my wildest dreams.

I celebrated my 60th birthday with six of my closest friends who flew us all to Chicago for a day of whirlwind site-seeing, shopping and lunch at the American Girl Co. (thank you all xoxoxo)

Along with the joys, came the sadness of losing my Godmother....my Aunt Kay, who was my mother's best friend. She lived a good 88 years and touched many lives during her stay here on this earth. She was an integral part of my life. I know that heaven has a special new angel. (watch for a blogpost about her later in the week)

So....to all my family and friends....real, cyber, et al......A Happy, Healthy 2009. Remember: Life is what you make it!

Have a joyous First Week of 2009...wherever you are in the world.

~Merry Christmas, God~

Dear God,

Thank you for this year of my life….and letting me celebrate another Christmas Season here on earth. Thank you for helping me make some difficult decisions this year. I struggled with many of them, yet You continually show me that the choices I made were the right ones.

Thank you for blessing my life with Jim. I don’t know what I would do without him. I know you orchestrated our meeting those many years ago. He’s the best husband and father on this earth. I can’t think of anyone who I’d rather travel this journey with.

Thank you for my two sons, Jeff and Tom. They are happy, sensitive young men….pursuing their dreams, with your guidance, Lord. Please keep them in the palm of Your hand and continue to guide their choices along the way.

You knew how much I wanted a little girl, Lord, but I was patient, and you sent me Jackie….the sweetest daughter/daughter-in-law ever. And then……Ella Layne: beautiful beyond words….all ‘girly-girl’. And Jackson: what can I say?? He makes my face hurt from smiling so much.

Thank you for granting me another year with my Mother. Her daily struggles keep me focused on what life here on this earth is all about: the prize....not the journey.

Thank you for the friends you have scattered throughout my life. For the ‘temporary’ ones….who leave their footprints on our hearts and continue on their own paths....and for the ‘long-term’ ones. They are all an amazing testimony of Your love.

Thank you for my health. I am doing my best to take good care of myself….spiritually, emotionally, and bodily. I don’t want to ever abuse these gifts You’ve given me.

And thank you, Lord, for giving me the faith you have blessed me with. It makes all the pieces of my life fit together in a beautiful pattern….even during the hard times.

Lastly….Bless my godmother, my dear Aunt Kay, who finished her journey here on earth, and is spending Christmas with You this year. She will be very missed. I was honored that you let me spend those last 3 days with her. I wouldn’t have missed them for anything on this earth.

Merry Christmas, God.

Love,

Carol