A tradition we have started is that New Year's night, everyone shares what their favorite moments were from the previous year and shares what they are most looking forward to in the upcoming year. I thought it would be fun to share some of them here.
Austin and I both agreed that 2012 was a challenging, yet good year for us. It was our second year of marriage (which is an accomplishment all by itself). It started off with Austin leaving his job doing security at Union and getting a job in his field at Health Connect, which was a huge answer to prayer. We've had our ups and downs with that as he's learned how to do his job and maintain a certain number of clients. We've learned how to live on less, make a dollar stretch, and ask for help when we've needed it. We went on a much needed, relaxing trip to the mountains with our wonderful friends, the Mayfields (as well as watched The Bachelor and The Bachelorette seasons). March was my trip to Honduras, a life-changing experience, that helped put my own life into perspective: how truly blessed we are with what we have. It was such an encouragement to see those at the orphanage (both the workers and the children) trust the Lord for everything they have and display that it is possible to have joy in any circumstance. May was the much anticipated celebration of Austin's graduation with his Master's degree, marking the end of a three year journey of post graduate education! It was so fun to get both sides of the family together! Austin, Dad and our neighbor, Dan, built a gate for our fence and did some other repairs to it! I planted yellow rosebushes in front of our house. We made a trip to Atlanta, a few trips to Birmingham (one trip to celebrate the wedding of our friends Kyle and Melissa), a Fourth of July trip to Paducah, a trip to Gatlinburg for the Ward Family Reunion, several trips to Nashville and a Thanksgiving trip to Chicago. We became members of our church, First Baptist Humboldt, joined the choir, and became a part of our newlywed Sunday school class. We worked hard, laughed, cried, and prayed- A LOT.
The Lord has blessed us with so many fond memories of this year and people to share them with. We are so thankful for our family, who has been supportive of us in so many ways and a constant encouragement to us. We can only promise that we will bestow the same blessings to others as we have been given. Our friends in Jackson and elsewhere are so precious to us. It is wonderful to know that we are a part of such a wonderful family of faith. It's so fun to share life together- our work, our struggles, our goals and our celebrations!
Something we have prayed for consistently throughout 2012 that will continue on through 2013 is for us to learn reliance on the Lord for providing our needs and for trusting in His timing. We realize that this season of our life is so special and we can never have it back once it's gone. It's all too easy for us to wish it away when we're constantly thinking about what's next. We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for us, but we yearn to be content in all circumstances, as scripture so clearly instructs us to do.
Living in the present doesn't mean we disregard the future! I'm the biggest planner ever! We love to dream and think about what our lives will be like. Here are some things we're looking forward to in 2013:
In March, we are co-leading the GO Trip to Honduras! This will be our first mission trip together! It will be wonderful to serve the Lord together alongside our awesome team in a place that is already dear to my heart.
We will be purchasing a new car! My car, dear Mr. Alvey, has seen much better days. Austin drove him 17,000 miles over the past year for his job. Repairs are not worth it anymore. The car search is underway...
We are excited about strengthening our existing relationships and making new friendships! Specifically, we're excited about really plugging into our church and serving.
As cliche as this may sound, what we're most excited about are things we have no idea about yet! We look forward to seeing what opportunities the Lord will give us and where those will take us. Although not easy, we look forward to circumstances that will challenge us and mold us further into the character of Christ. We pray that our marriage will be ever strengthened and blessed so that it may be a reflection of the gospel to the world.
What are you looking forward to in 2013?
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