2009 Reflections

2009 was the first time that I have handwritten in a journal through an entire year. I flipped through my entries and made a list of topics and admit that some noteworthy events at the time were ones that I would have forgotten by today.

New Things
Maybe 2009 should be remembered as the year things broke. Have you had a year like this?

Oven broke...purchased new stainless steel appliances (range/oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher). A bear to keep the outsides clean and polished...grrrrrrrr.

New water heater (hot water for everyone!!)

Told Wonderful Husband I needed a new computer and keyboard, but the monitor was fine. Days later monitor broke...got the "full enchilada."

Modem broke, purchased replacement. Good thing since I was having technology withdrawals!

New Experiences
I am typically a creature of habit, very comfortable with life as planned. 2009 brought some unfamiliar encounters and I believe I adapted well. Are you like me or more adventurous?

Was offered my old job back that I left in January 2008. OK, it would have been half the hours, half the pay and not all the work I used to do. After stressing, praying and talking Wonderful Husband's ear off, I turned it down. I think it was one of my best decisions of 2009.

Heard an immigration story from one of my Bible Study Buddies. She and her family came from Cuba in 1967 when she was five years old. Such courage to come to the U.S. not speaking English, the airplane landing in Miami and the family relocating to PA to become solid, productive and thankful citizens!

Family vacation to Southport, NC -- never been to NC before......loved it! We're keeping NC in mind for future retirement years.

Got called in for an interview (my first interview in about six years). I was very nervous yet I believe brilliant in my responses. (I'm the type who could replay the entire thing and in the past would have thought, "Oh, I should have said this instead of that.") This time I would not have changed a thing. I didn't get the job and looking back over the work environment, must say that I'm thankful.

Facebook. Daughter helped me set it up, explained the different aspects of it, became my first friend. Toward the end of the year, she deleted her Facebook account...I lost my first Facebook friend!

Life Happens
2009 was the year of many events. Some good, some sad.

Daughter crumbles one week into second semester at Bloomsburg University. Wants to quit, doesn't, poor grades. Decides to transfer to West Chester University for Fall 2009. Two weeks in wants to quit, doesn't, poor grades. I see the pattern now. Spring semester starts in January 2010, already paid for...the future is now.

Sister gets divorced after 12 years of marriage. So sad for them and their five year old son.

One nephew gets married. Wonderful couple, wonderful wedding!

Friend from college comes to visit. We catch up with how life has been for the past 20 years (since we've last seen each other). I've never talked so much in my life over the 2.5 days that she visited!

Another nephew and his wife expect their first child. Our nephew is diagnosed with adrenal cancer. I attend the baby shower (haven't been to one in years). Our grand-nephew is born in September. Our much loved nephew (his father) died in December. A blessing with the gift of new life and great sadness over a life ending much too soon.

Son graduates from Bloomsburg University the Saturday before Christmas. Celebration!

God Spoke
After years of hearing other people say how they heard God speak to them...I finally figured out that although I don't hear God's voice, He speaks to me through Scriptures. 2009 was finally the year that I was quiet enough to see 3 examples of God pointing scripture out to me...then it would finally click in my one good brain cell...Hey! I read that yesterday/an hour ago/etc.! It happened over and over again throughout the year. God is good and He is patient!

The One Year Women's Friendship Devotional received from my Maryland friend. We read a week's worth, called each other on Thursdays to talk about them and answer the questions. It helped us focus on our faith. She is a friend with a calm demeanor and personality who after the phone call ends always makes me feel better about life. Do you have a friend like that?

Philippians Bible Study

"To Live Is Christ" - Study of Paul by Beth Moore

Adult Vacation Bible School

Holy Spirit Summer Bible Study - Based on "Relying on the Holy Spirit" by Charles F. Stanley

"Believing God" - Study by Beth Moore

Do you have a New Year's Resolution(s)?

Mine is the same one I've kept for the past two years. I am a card sender. I will continue to send cards of encouragement, sympathy, hope, etc., to people who I see in need of reminding that they are thought of and prayed for.

I believe that 2009 was the year of patience and waiting for me personally. 2010 is the year of hope for me. I am hoping to find a full-time job.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Have a Happy and Hope-filled New Year!