If I had known on the morning of January 1, 2009 what this year would look like, I probably would have stayed in bed and cried all day. Not because my personal life has been bad, but many people in my inner circle have experienced a devastating year.
Marriages have been wrecked.
Loved ones have passed away.
Jobs have been lost.
And my heart has been broken over and over again for those whom I love. It has been an exhausting year, full of life change and broken dreams.
As I reflect on the circumstances of 2009, I find comfort in knowing these things:
Prayer worked.
The Bible had the answers.
Jesus loved.
Jesus saved.
I am going into 2010 with swollen eyes and dragging feet, but my hope and trust is in a God who never changes and is always with me. So all I can say is "Bring it on, 2010!"
Well its been a while, so a litlle catching up. The house was put up for sale in February lots of people look at it
Dispel the myth! Missionaries are really ordinary people who love Jesus. They simply want to make Him known in places where He is not—yet. They are business professionals and soccer moms, surfers and educators. They have a heart for God’s praise to come from every tribe and nation, not just those they already know. These ordinary people step out in faith—whether at the beginning of a career or in the middle of one—because they realize the message of the gospel has been entrusted to them for a reason."Mission Myths" PIONEERS
Can you say AWKWAAARD?
Being on the "giving" side of the seat is much easier for me. It is so rewarding to know that you just fed someone's soul. As the "receiver" I was all sweaty and blushing and breaking the no talking rule. And there were times I didn't really recognize the person they were talking about. So now I have a new perspective of myself after hearing these words.
As I began typing this post, I had the idea that I might get our family to try this on Christmas Day. What a wonderful (and FREE!) gift to give someone by expressing how much you love and value them!
Talking about firsts, my son Christopher is traveling with the team. This is his first missions trip. I'm a little nervous about it. I know he will be just fine but it's the mom instincts that kick in. It's funny, I am home with Joey and Katrina, my daughter is with Christopher. Of course Mike is with him along with one of the best teams put together. Our other son David and his bride are on the trip with our friends Dan, Kim, Travis, Angle, Dillon and others from Guatemala.
So keep our team in your prayer's. They have sacrificed being away from family to go and do God's work!
Nina
Well, it seems that it's time for me to update my blog...I would guess that everyone is just about tired of looking at my Guatemala trip. It was awesome but lot's of stuff has been going on since then.
So the Holidays are here, I am really excited about that. I love Christmas time, it reminds me of times as a child. We didn't have much but what we did have was family. I didn't really understand that then, but now, I am so grateful for it.
Yesterday we were blessed to have our daughter Katrina and grandson Joey fly in from New Jersey to be with us for Thanksgiving and Christmas. WOW! That is so special. I got the biggest hug and kiss from both of them. Then this morning, Joey got out of bed and came directly to me to pick him up. Again, I got the biggest hug. There isn't anything better then a hug from a two year old.
For Thanksgiving our family will be spending it at "Camp Gravatt." Our work office did a retreat there a few months back and we had such a wonderful time. This year our family is growing, our son David is getting married to a wonderful woman, Heather. We just love her so much. She and her family will join us on Thursday and Saturday she will officially become Mrs. David Counsellor. That's very special too!
We've had another addition to our family. Aaron has just moved from New Jersey to South Carolina, he is a nephew of mine that I haven't met before. He is 21 years old, I sure have missed out on a lot but it's not where we've been but where we go from here. I am so excited to see him...I was suppose to see him this past Sunday but things got crazy as they always do and that just didn't happen. So on Thanksgiving day I will finally.
I wouldn't be a good mom if I didn't mention that it was also our twins birthday this Saturday. That's right, their brother is getting married on their birthday. I won't forget that anniversary will I! They are turning 14 years old, WOW! I'm not getting old am I? Someone tell me it's gonna be ok! LOL!
I'm not sure how all this happened, birthdays, weddings, grandchildren, children, me getting older....but I love it. Maybe not the getting older part but if I get to see all the blessings God is graciously giving and the price is getting older, well then bring it on...(ok, I'm in denial)
I hope that you stop and thank Jesus for all your many blessings. They are abundant, we just need to see them, I am truly blessed and I am so thankful! God has been good to me, I'm really not sure why but I am grateful for each and every blessing. All glory and honor to Him.
I hope you and your family have a wonderfully amazing Holiday season...and remember, it's about Him!
Much Love,
Nina
My Groups
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Vertical Cry Updated: Sep 27, 2009
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TrueNorth Church (host) Updated: Aug 22, 2007
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