What an interesting year we have had. Many ups and downs this year has brought. January the house was put up for sale. My first home with many memories, mixed emotions and a lot of blood, sweat and tears and bringing a 1974 house to modern times. New flooring, new roof, new garage door w/opener, new vinyl siding, remodeled bathrooms, kitchen, fresh paint, new hot water tank, new doors inside and out, new air conditioner and new shed and landscaping. There were many changes from 1996 to 2011. At the end of the month we celebrated Krista’s 12th birthday.
February we had a record snow storm that dumped 22 inches of snow and closed down many businesses. Fortunately I had a job that allowed me to stay at home and work. The temperatures are -4 and the high was 25 during that first week in February. At the end of the month we celebrated Jon’s 13th birthday.
March was an interesting and yet dangerous time of month with storms coming in and out. Fortunately, things were safe. Our house was sold and we anticipated the months to come in our move into our new home. We were at a race to find a new home.
April was the packing month and getting things to storage and other items to pack. A little stressful in making bids on homes and so my thought was to pray your anxieties, problems, praises, concerns to the Father because He will support you and never let you be shaken (Ps 55:22, My paraphrase). I cannot explain the reasons verbally as to why my life is full of peace. Even though I may have anxieties and concerns my Shepherd makes me lie down in peace. May we have a house and we signed on Cinco de Mayo. Then took off to head to Virginia for a week and met wonderful friends and made one very close friend. Drove straight through and back 1020 miles and 17 hour drive. Settled into our new home and started to hang up the art. So many things we take for granted. New blinds had to be ordered and hung up. A fence to be built and alarm system installed. A wedding anniversary, daughter was an extra in a movie that was made here in Oklahoma, and several tornadic storm which flew over the house and hit Joplin.
June was traveling through Missouri and drove through Joplin and it was a mess. Saw my first Major League Baseball game and had good barbeque in Kansas City, KS. As a family we had family pictures made. June was a peaceful month. Wrapping up school work and prepping for family vacation to Texas for a family reunion. Middle of the month we celebrated Tanya’s birthday.July is now here and half way through the year and now on a downhill slide to end 2011. We are on our way for a family vacation and family reunion to celebrate my grandmother’s 88th birthday. A very hot month with record temps and the start of relentless 100 degree weather and at the end of the month we celebrated Daniel’s 9th birthday. Started a new businsess: UPLIFTING COUNSELING & MEDIATION SERVICES.
August is exciting month because I started my internship. I did last minute training in St Louis all in one day. We had to get the kids back to school supplies and get them ready for their new schools in Broken Arrow. Not much activity going on this month. Just prepping and trying to survive this 100 degree weather.
September brings some relief from the 45 days of 100 degree weather. We adopted two new additions to the family: Ninja (Russian Blue Cat) and Tigger (Tabby Cat). Continued in my internship and able to shadow other therapists in clients home and received unforgettable training. Middle of the month celebrated my mid-life birthday. October was our fun month. We went to Oktoberfest, I was able to go to my first playoff game and see St Louis Cardinals lose to the Brewers with my Director from work. Then went to my first World Series game and saw St Louis Cardinals lose to the Texas Rangers. I think I need to quit going to the 2nd games because they seem to lose, but happy we won the World Series. Halloween happened.
November was another fun month. Traveled to see my wonderful Aunt and her family that I have not seen in over 20 years; but able to stay in touch via technology. Thanksgiving came and enjoyed the times we had in San Antonio and how much I missed being festive in San Antonio. Along the way was able to meet my friend from Liberty University, Austin Chen (Austin, Texas) and stopped in Dallas, to visit with cousins. Finally, in December, the end of the month, and celebrated Amber’s 18th birthday. Started to buy and wrap up presents. We have enjoyed being with the kids and enjoying the new home with our first Christmas. I received our first Christmas card from my parents after 4 years. Almost lost my mother and then my grandmother fell twice and broke her hip.
Reflection is good to see what you have been through and what has strengthened you. This is my last message for this year and I look forward to a New Year 2012. Remember even though you seem to have gone through a lot. One can endure when the mind is set on the focus. God has tremendously blessed me, with good family, friends, technology, a new house, a new career path. What has helped me to get through this year is prayer, family and a wonderful church family. I want to encourage you to find a church in your area to attend. Build that relationship and see what God can do for you. Even when things seem to go wrong, He blesses you twice over. I have literature in the works that is being copyrighted and it is my prayer to share this message to you shortly. May you have been blessed this year and into the next. here is to the end of 2011!
By Faith (Forging Attitude In Trusting Him)
