Well, I absolutely can't believe it's already December. Reflectively and honestly... personally, it's been the hardest year of my life. Yet, God is very loving and kind and walks with us day by day. I was thinking the other day that the goal in life is to thrive, not survive. But there are seasons, where surviving is a huge success and you have to make a choice that says, my knees are dirty and in pain from crawling... but... I crawled and didn't quit and didn't look back. Then moments like these when you do look back you can see God's hand at work.
Personally, life has been hard. But I've gotten to spend some priceless time with my mom and other members of my family that I may not have had dedicated to them otherwise. Professionally, this has been one of the most successful years in my ministry. We had a 1/3 increase in teams this year from last year sending 93 teams to 39 countries and the World Mission Summit 3 (www.twms3.com) is 20 days away and I can just feel God's passion to reach the nations mounting in my spirit. Although there is a huge pile of things to accomplish for the summit in the next 20 days, I feel honored to be able to work for the kingdom in such a blessed capacity, representing and being sent by many of you. Lifted up by your prayers and being propelled by the spirit of an amazing Holy Spirit. I have moments when I wonder how anyone could live without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit... and how in the world did I survive without it so long ago? So glad I don't have to go a day without my comforter now.
As for the holidays, we had Thanksgiving here at the house and it was nice and a blessing to have a moment together where we were just thankful that we were together, because life is not easy and God gave us family. For Christmas, my brother and his family will be coming up. Mom and I are excited. There is nothing like a Christmas where babies are involved... we have a gingerbread kit, christmas lights going up, a beautiful tree, all the christmas movies out, wrapping paper in random corners of the house, a beautiful nativity, a counter full of cookies and candies with more to come, an advent calendar with little chocolates that is taking all of my self control not to open all of the little doors, my friend Carolien send me tasty dutch teas that I can enjoy for the month, my friend heather sends me comical texts and statements that make my day, my friend Beth sends me text videos of baby Izzy that make my day, my friend Lindsay just welcomed a new baby boy right before Thanksgiving, my friend Lindsay --we still need to make time to melt crayons on a canvas, and.... it's December and 60 degrees outside. December is the only month that I'm interested in snow! I want to have a White Christmas and play in the snow, be cold and drink cocoa and the day after Christmas I'd like to wear shorts again :). Oh well, I appreciate a variety of seasons and the changes that come with them.
2013... what can I say... I'm glad it gets to start charged with the power charged from the Summit and being in community with my Chi Alpha Nation family. And may God use 2013 as a redemptive year of good things laced with blessings, I believe and hope.
Thank you to everyone who has endured life with us this year and throughout our lives. But especially this year. We miss dad a lot, but somehow, God is good and .... GOD IS STILL GOD and sovereign and loving... still amazing and knows what he's doing even when we don't!
After reading all of this, you can think of your own ways to pray for us. You should know that, you are in my prayers as dear and loved friends. May Papa shine on you and help you to be thankful and joyful even in situations where you really don't feel like it. You are loved and appreciated.
It was a such a blessing to read this and hear though you've had struggles, you remember that God is and always will be in control. I will pray for your family. Happy New Year to all of you!
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