Looking ahead to 2010

Chili is warm and on the stove with all of our favorite fixings scattered around the counters. Oklahoma (Lyndsay's 2nd choice Dance school.....) is giving Stanford a run for it's money. John is hopefully on the way home to us SOON. I have sparkling cider and champagne chilling in the fridge. We are expecting a house FULL of people tomorrow and I've sat down to try and take a breath. I've known the end of 2009 was coming, but I had no idea how I was going to respond today now that it's arrived.

Satan has done his best to knock us around this year. He even tried yesterday when my new car was hit in a parking lot while I was attending to medical needs inside. After I am finished with appointments that surround our roof cave-in this year, I tend to be quite emotionally fatigued. Walking out to have your car well dented isn't a way to bring a smile to your face.

Oh and then there's the hot water heater that's beginning to leak downstairs.

Despite all the challenges and heartbreaks of 2009, I am looking forward to 2010. We've had to make some tough decisions in regards to finances. Our 2009 Total Money Makeover with Dave Ramsey went out the window quick....but we are GEARED UP for 2010 and have started Financial Peace University here at home!! I look forward to out saving troubles to come in our future. I also look forward to our own debt free Scream!

Another thing I'm looking forward to is a Beth Moore Bible Study at a nearby church! Woodbridge Baptist is offering the Psalms of Ascent Study on Sunday afternoons. I am so pleased that Karen introduced me to the amazing women's ministry at her church. We have been praing over the correct direction for us to take that meets all the needs of our children. Our study of the Psalms was interesting at our new church home. When we discussed the portion of the Psalms of the Ascent, I was intrigued. This study should be an excellent way to learn more and help begin to move our family forward in the rebuilding that is necessary.

The overwhelming amount of love that has come from our friends this year is something I also look forward to passing along in 2010. How I've learned this year that even though I may have such a deep drive to have fun in my Walk and encourage others in theirs; Shutting up and just being a listening ear is often a better choice to make. Not every woman I know is at a place to have fun with Jesus. Lord, help me to meet my Sister right where *they* are and not where I think they should be!!

Where ever you are right now and whatever 2009 held for you and your family, it is my prayer that you feel the Lord's arms wrapped around you and leading you.

Happy New Year!
PS As we will learn from Women of Faith this year: He's Over the Top!