2011: a year in review.

It's funny how at the end of every year we tend to look back at the year and think about everything we did[or didn't do] and make a list of things we plan to accomplish in the next year. We even dream about what the new year will be like. But I'm almost certain most of us do not even expect what happens in the new year. When we look back at a year in review we remember where we were a year ago and what was going on in our lives. So as I pause to look back at 2011, I remember where I was this time last year and what I had hoped for 2011.

This time last year...

1. I had a full time job at a daycare.

2. I lived at home with my parents and little brother.

3. I sang in the Engage service.

4. I had plans to quit my job.

5. I had dreams that I wanted to come true.

6. I was in fairly good health.

7. I had gotten over another major disappointment.

As I look at where I am now, there are still several things that haven't changed. Now for the things that have.

This year...

1. I'm self-employed working in the business world.

2. I am almost fully recovered from a major surgery that I had 6 weeks ago today.

3. I now work with CG Kids on Wednesday nights.

4. I've learned a lot about relationships.

5. I'm patiently waiting[attempting] for that special person...with a new perspective on it.

It really is funny how things happen. You have such high expectations for the new year to come. And as I look back, I had things happen that I wanted to happen. Now how those things happened or the outcomes weren't necessarily what I wanted, but God has taught me a lot. I also now see why certain things happened. This time last year I didn't know that I was going to have some pretty big health issues. If I was still working at the daycare--well let's just say I would have lost my job anyways because of those issues. God was gracious in a lot of things. Some things I don't "love" about my life have been blessings. I'm right where I'm suppose to be. Even if I do get very frustrated with things, I know that God is working and He has plans and a purpose for me that are for my good.

This year I'm not going to make a list of things I want to accomplish next year. I have things I want to do and things I want to happen[but that's been a running list for quite a few years now, so why bother with a list]. But I trust that 2012 will be another year filled with many blessings and lessons. Regardless of what they are, I know that this time next year, I'll be thankful for what God has done for me and what He has brought me through in 2012.

Peace, love and blessings as we leave 2011 and look to a new year that's fresh and one filled with endless possibilities. Be joyful friends because God is good. All the time.

blessed beyond belief.

Today I found out some of the greatest news I have heard in a very long time. I had my appointment today with the doctor who did my surgery almost 3 weeks ago. She wanted to go over my pathology report with me. I admit I was anxious about finding out my results. When you hear that your doctor wants to go over results face to face, you get a feeling in your gut that it means you're going to hear bad news. Well today, my news was good. I found out that I did not have cancer. PRAISE THE LORD! Instead, I had one borderline tumor and one benign cyst. Because I had a borderline tumor, my doctor wants to keep a close eye on me. That means I'll be going to see her several times a year for exams and for blood tests. I'll be treated like an ovarian cancer patient. Even though I do not have cancer, and a very small chance of developing it--I could still develop another borderline tumor from my remaining ovary. Due to this chance, and her wanting to preserve my remaining ovary, she is going to make sure that I'm well taken care of. I also will be put on birth control which will help regulate some things, and help to prevent another cyst/borderline tumor from forming.

I must admit I had no intentions of going on birth control until I got married. In fact, depending on when I got married, I don't even know if I would have gone on it. But based on the recommendation of my doctor, I'm going to listen to her and go on it. I would like to prevent another cyst/borderline tumor from forming as well as preserving my remaining ovary. I've been told I'll still be able to have my own children--the doctor doesn't seem to think I'll have any complications. So I hold onto the hope from her words as well as hope that God will give me the desires of my heart[which is to have my own children someday]. He has been so good and faithful to me so far, and I trust His will for my life[which I selfishly hope is for me to have my own children] :)

I just wanted to share my wonderful news with whoever happens to read my blog. I've been so blessed this year. I pray you also have something wonderful to be thankful for this year. God is good. ALL THE TIME!

Oh, and onto some other amazing news--my cousin, Stephen, is safely back in the states from his deployment to Iraq! I look forward to spending Christmas with he, his beautiful[and pregnant] wife, Jo; his parents; one of his brothers; and my wonderful parents and brother! :)

december?

Wow. That's about all I can say about how quickly this year has gone by. It is already December, and the Christmas season is upon us--and we have 24 more shopping days left--and 25 days til that big day! I must say I'm looking forward to this month. There is so much going on this month that I'm so looking forward to. Christmas parties, Christmas programs, Christmas family get togethers, etc. I love Christmas! I love the music, movies, parties, lights, trees, decorations, and of course...food!

This year though brings about some different feelings for me. I've had a lot happen this year and especially over the past couple of months. The trials that I've gone through have shown me some things that I need to work on in myself. And with the Christmas season in full swing--it's time I take some of the lessons I've learned to heart and act in a Christlike mood. It is, after all, the season in which we celebrate His birth. That's why it's called Christmas. It's all about Him. No one else. I have so much to be thankful for, and so much to celebrate. I have almost been given a clean bill of health[after my doctor's appointment Monday--I'll know for sure] and I have everything that I could ever need and so much more!

There are so many people who are so much less fortunate than I am and dealing with things that I could never even imagine having to deal with. It's by the grace of God that I have gotten through the past couple of months. But there are so many people who are not as blessed as I am. I have wonderful doctors and medical care, a successful surgery, a family who loves me and wants to help take care of me as I recover, and insurance to help defray most of my medical costs. It's such a blessing to have that, especially at this time of the year--the holidays are a hard time for a lot of people because money is a huge issue. There are so many families and people who are hurting and we are in such a hurry to get our shopping done, get to our parties on time, or whatever else it is we have occupying our minds and blinding us to the needs of others. This is the time of year when those of us who have been blessed and fortunate enough to have plenty should be aware of the people around us who are struggling.

I want to challenge anyone reading this, as well as myself to stop. Look around you. Take off your blinders and see the people around you who may need a little help this Christmas. Let us not be so consumed with ourselves and all the stuff that we need/want, and let us be like Christ and give of ourselves. He gave so much, for what? He didn't expect anything in return. Now as a believer and a follower of Christ, I am called to give to the poor and take care of those less fortunate. I have been given much[responsibility/talents/etc] so that I can help others. No matter what I do for others--a kind word, opening a door, carrying groceries, taking someone to the doctor, etc. Find ways to help people who are in need. It doesn't matter how small. The best way to start out is doing little things. Then work your way up. And I promise by doing things for others, you will be blessed by it. Some of the times of greatest fulfillment in my life have come when I've been doing things for others. We are called to be servants. So let's get some practice. This is the perfect time to start!