I just want to spend a little time reflecting today. I'm going through my posts of 2014 and am writing as I think, so this may be a little disjointed!!
I wrote my number one goal for 2014 on January 1st. Based on Psalm 119:65: "Love His Law, so that I will have Great Calmness of Mind; Leaving it All in God's Hands, I will be Kept Safe, and Nothing will Cause Me to Stumble!" I have had many opportunities to be offended this year - more than any other that I can remember. People have been cruel at times, but I have prayed and held on to the promise that as long as I love His law, nothing is going to cause me to stumble.
Of course the key in all of this has been spending time in God's word (loving His Law.) I finished my Bible reading this morning. My plan was to finish today - not in June! My goal was to read my Bible EVERY day. I think there may have been about 5 or 6 times that I got behind, but never more than a day. Today's reading included:
Malachi chapters 3-4 - the Lord has certainly opened the windows of heaven in my life and poured out more blessings than I've had room to receive.So many times my reading for the day was EXACTLY what I needed. There have been several times when a message was preached and I have told Les, "That was in my Bible reading this week." God's word is always new and rich. I have also learned so much from the many commentaries in e-Sword.
Psalm 150 - Let every thing that hath breath (that's me!) praise the Lord!
Proverbs 31:25-31 - Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Revelation chapter 22 - Even so, even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Of course this year has been full of wonderful friends. My friends far outnumber those who have hurt me. It's easy to forget that when you're being hurt, but I am so grateful for so many. Friends far and near who text, email, call, or leave blog comments. Dear ones who see me at church and simply ask, "Are you okay?" You'll never know how much you've helped me.
I am blessed to have two church families who are so dear. Victory Tabernacle and New Life Pentecostal both seem like home to me. Hugs and handshakes, smiles and shared prayer times. God's family is the best! Heaven is going to be an amazing, wonderful place. I think the food will be delicious, too!
My health has been very good. All my tests came back normal. My biggest concern the past few years is always when I have my mammogram. Mom was my age when her cancer was found, so I get a little nervous going in and rejoice when I get the notice in the mail that every thing is fine! I've continued to run and ride my bike. I finished my third marathon a few weeks ago. I don't write as much about running here anymore, but if you want more (such as my training plans and weekly recaps) you can read them at McMarathon Moments. It's private, but I'll happily send you an invite if you're interested.
We were so blessed to be able to attend Elder Morton's retirement service in March. It was a wonderful evening of reflection, laughter and tears. Outside of my family, his is the greatest influence on my life. I've only been back to Truth Tabernacle once since then, but I am so happy to see the church continuing on in revival under the leadership of Pastor Tim Lackey.
I turned 50 in April and Les declared it was "50-50 Time." From April 27th until August 18th, we would both be 50 and would enjoy as many 50-50 bar type desserts as possible! Our favorite being shave ice with ice cream on the bottom.
One of the greatest parts of 2014 has been the tremendous revival that is taking place at Victory Tabernacle. I don't know how many have received the Holy Ghost and been baptized, but I know it's more than we've ever seen before in a single year. Nine children and young people received the Holy Ghost at Youth Camp. Every service there are visitors and new converts. There is always someone to pray with in the altar and that is a beautiful thing! I love sitting behind this little doll who has finally started smiling at me...
Les did a beautiful job remodeling our downstairs bathroom. There really isn't anything he can't do. Last week he completely stripped all the parts off one of his bikes and moved them to his other bike as an upgrade.
When we "moved" home in February, we really didn't know how often we would go back to Hawaii. Our first trip was at the end of April. We were only there about 10 days. Les quickly realized that he needed more time in the office than that. We then went back in August, October and December. God has blessed Les in his job. 2013 was one of the worst years the company has seen, but 2014 was the best! He was on a business call at 6:00 this morning and it looks like 2015 is going to be even greater!
I had a lot of fun hosting Flat Dustyn while we were on Oahu in October. I loved this picture from his teacher - he is so fun and 100% boy!
I continued to find encouragement from Mom's Bible. It doesn't take the place of an actual conversation with her (I still miss those so much!) but it is a help. I've also enjoyed reading many books. Top of the list for 2014 was "Run to Overcome" - lots of life and running lessons by Meb Keflezighi, winner of the 2014 Boston Marathon.
We spent some of the final days of 2014 on Maui, in our favorite condos - The Aston Mahana at Ka'anapali. Each room is ocean front. We watched giant sea turtles from our lanai, and on our final morning spotted whales in the channel between Maui and Molokai. We saw them breach several times, something we didn't see on our whale watching adventure. It was a special show just for us!
And finally, this guy:
There's no one I would rather spend my days with. He works hard. He loves me unconditionally. He supports me and encourages me and prays for me. He makes me laugh like no one else can. I'm so blessed to be going in to 2015 with him!
Happy New Year! Wherever the road may lead, may 2015 be YOUR best year ever!
