2009

Most of you know that this past year has been the most difficult one that we have ever had.  From family to work, or church to home, we have endured challenges of many kinds and now warmly welcome the end of 2008 with open arms.  Praise God for the sense of a fresh start, new resolutions, a chance to start over and embrace what the Lord has in store for us in 2009!  

I would like to add that experiencing our "worst year ever" delivered blessings beyond comprehension.  We learned many valuable lessons and we are better for it. Among the greatest joys, we have seen our baby girl experience her year of firsts, and just today, or sweet son turned a whopping 4 years old!  Their innocence and cheer has grounded us, and God has been faithful.  We have seen deliverance from evil, sustainment of love, and the power of the Holy Spirit at work.  My greatest lesson learned may be that this world is NOT my home, and I now know better why our Father has prepared a heavenly retreat for us to look forward to.  

Mac and I are grateful for each of you who have helped us to see God more clearly in every aspect of our lives--and to trust his will in everything. 

After our recent trip to New York (a later blog post), and a broadway showing of Wicked, my gracious mom-in-law pointed out the profound words of Elphaba's song which summed it all up--"who's to say if I've been changed for the better but..... I have been changed for good."

Happy New Year everyone.