2009 is upon us. Seems as if we were just taking that big plunge into 2000. Where does time go? I have been acknowledging to myself and to God this morning that I often approach a new year with trepidation ; don't know why but I do. This year seems a little different ; don't know why it just does. I guess that is the reason for my new year apprehension - all the "don't know's". But if I stop and think about it, that is true for each new day, it just seems bigger when I look at a new year. So, I will continue to live one day at a time into this new year (or at least try) and try to never lose sight that I need Him, every hour I need Him.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain
Come quickly and abide or life is vain.

Another beautiful Christmas day has come and gone. I have realized that my favorite part of Christmas is actually the preparation. And I thoroughly enjoyed preparing this year. I guess my two favorite gifts this year involved my daughter and and my son. My daughter received her referral to adopt a beautiful little girl from Liberia. This has been a process of over a year and now it seems it really is going to happen. Hopefully by spring we will be meeting little Nana and welcoming her into our family. My other favorite gift is the fact that my son is married and has a beautiful baby boy and has come back to work with his dad. I told my sister today that I don't think we realize the effect particular stresses have on our lives until that stress is gone. The day passed very quickly as it always does and it was a little different this year as Eric had to leave for work and we had to share Mikey with Nicole's family. But all in all it was another beautifully blessed Christmas and I am looking forward to the year ahead. I have learned that we never know what the year may bring but all the challenges we were faced with beginning last Christmas have turned out to be undeniable blessings. I'm sure there will be our share of mountains to climb but we will climb them one at a time with God's help. Happy New Year everyone.

For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day. Lord, give us all the strength to keep it all committed to You.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease.
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ - I STAND.
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
'Til on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid,
Here in the death of Christ - I LIVE.

Right now, I know of a lot of people it seems, that are praying for miracles. Do I believe God can perform miracles? ABSOLUTELY. Do I sometimes wonder why those miracles don't always happen? ABSOLUTELY. Sometimes I think the true miracle comes in a completely different form than healing from a disease, or the blessings of a baby, or even a job when there is none. The line in this song that says - "what heights of love what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease". That is the miracle that God ALWAYS brings if we will accept it. Read those words again, they are powerful. In the midst of our worst days, knowing God loves us and is in control can bring love and hope and peace no matter what may come. And sometimes that is all we have to stand on. But it is all we need. I don't pretend to understand all that happens in this life but I have experienced this indescribable peace that is able to cease my striving and when that happens, there is no other rest like it.

We had so much fun at Trey's birthday party this week. He is such a special little guy who loves to paint and create art and loves to eat out. He must get that from me. So we all went to Spaghetti Warehouse and ate, opened presents and laughed. I'm sure his cheeks must have been sore because he didn't stop smiling the entire night. Neither did I. His great-grandma was there and his new cousin, baby Austin enjoyed the evening with us. He will soon be 5 and we all learn from him everyday. We all should have a heart like Trey's.