2010 Reflections

Happy New Year's Eve!
As I sit in the quiet on this last day of 2010, I am content. Not because everything my life is perfect (because it's not) but because life is moving in a forward trajectory. This has been my first full year of blogging and reading other people's blogs. I am thankful for all I've learned and been challenged with this year.

New Things
Exercise became a regular part of my life. After owning a treadmill for years...I actually began using it. Wow! What a novel idea!

I lost 17 lbs. this year. Don't get me wrong. I have more to lose yet 2010 was a good, solid beginning. My plan was to eat less and move more. It worked and I'm continuing with the plan in 2011.

New Experiences
I heard a local pastor share his testimony with our Bible Study group. He was born to Jewish parents, came to believe in Christ as a married adult, and became a pastor later in life. He defined himself as "A Completed Jew." A wonderful experience to hear about his life with Christ.

I attended a Saturday morning seminar at my church called "Facing the Challenges of Today's Changing Job Market." I learned so much and kudos to the speakers for sharing their knowledge. I walked in with a lot of questions and they addressed every single one of them without my having to ask. It was glorious!

Visited Bridgeway with Marie.

A September vacation that took me and Wonderful Husband to NJ, VA, then on to Calabash, NC. It was wonderful!

I made Blueberry Cobbler and Peach Cobbler for the first time. Yummy deliciousness with vanilla ice cream and they will be an annual tradition!

I watched some live feed of The Relevant '10 Conference and later read a lot of the bloggers' posts.

After 3 years, went for an eye exam and prescription update. New glasses!

A New Worship Experience.

Life Happens
2010 was the year of many events. Some good, some not so much.

Our son moved and began his career as a middle school teacher in Virginia.

I started working for the first time in 2 years and 10 months. A new job brought excitement and nervousness into my world. I started on December 1st and am very grateful for employment.

Our daughter flunked out of university.

My treadmill broke...time to purchase a new one.

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 the Bible.

"Believing God" - Study by Beth Moore (began in 2009 and finished in 2010)

Me Myself & Lies...A Thought-Closet Makeover by Jennifer Rothschild

"The Jewish Roots of Christianity" - Day of Discovery (3 Part DVD Series)

A Guide to Practical Christian Living - A Study in the Book of James by Adrian Rogers

The One Year Chronological Bible - began reading in May and following Wendy Pope's blog/vlog. A blessing!

Adult Vacation Bible School - "Draw Near to God: Practices For Your Faith Walk"

Summer Bible Study - "Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven" by Dr. David Jeremiah

Revelation: The Glorified Christ by Woodrow Kroll

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl  by Lysa Terkeurst

Some Books I've Read
A Life that Says Welcome by Karen Ehman
The Blind Side by Michael Lewis
The Irresistible Revolution, Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne
Stuff Christians Like by Jonathan Acuff
Youniquely Woman, Becoming Who God Designed You to Be by Kay Arthur, Emilie Barnes, Donna Otto
Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli
The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Lone Star Cafe by Lisa Wingate

Words of Wisdom
"Every choice will either carry with it a blessing or a consequence," said Lysa Terkeurst.

Won prizes
An Untroubled Heart...Finding Faith That is Stronger Than All My Fears by Micca Campbell

A free pack of ten cards from DaySpring's new Hope and Encouragement line.
Another free 50 cards from DaySpring.

Entrusting the Key: From Serial Dating to Joyful Waiting by Ali Smith, and a 2011calendar with information about Ning Ning Philippines Education Fund that gives college scholarships to the street children Ali knows in Manila. (The book will be a gift given in 2011.)

Do you have a New Year's Resolution(s)?
Mine is the same one I've kept for the past three 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 love that my Bible Study buddy, Charlotte, calls it my Card Ministry.)

2010 was the year of hope for me.
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

2011 is the year of grace for me.
So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.
Ephesians 1:6 (NLT)

(A challenge verse for me)
Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Colossians 4:6 (NLT)

Have a Happy and Grace-filled New Year!