the end of 2007...

This past year has run the gamut of emotions for me. I can honestly say I've experienced everything from sheer joy to wretching heartbreak. It seems I could experience all the emotions in any given week! Through it all, God is faithful and sustains me, despite my complaints.

I have many things to be thankful for, so please bear with me as I go through the list.

1 - I've already mentioned Him, but without God, I would have dissolved into self pity and would not have had the strength to make it through the last 16 months. God is the lifter of my soul... He's the author of my life and though my story is turning out a little different than I had planned, I know He knows what the next chapter holds and I wait with bated breath to see what new and exciting things He has in store.

2 - My children... I know I keep being thankful for them, but they truly are a "joy" in my life and I simply cannot imagine who I would be without them. I LOVE being their mama... I love waking to hear my daughter sing as she's getting ready for school. I love having my son come in my room and say, "good morning, mom. I love you today." My children are lovely. They are strong, energetic, loving kids who daily give me reasons to laugh and cry. We have a blast, we three...

3 - Amy... my dearest friend. I love you more than I could ever express. You encourage me, you challenge me, you support me and you love me. All things I'm not sure I deserve, but all things I can't possibly live without. God knew I needed you. He put you in my life and I am so very grateful for the gift of you. You are beautiful... you are strong... you are someone I wish I was more like. I absolutely love you and can't wait for yet another year of friendship. You mean the world to me.

4 - I am SO very thankful for my education. This past fall I began a two year Social Service Worker program at Lambton College. This education is paid in full by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Had I not been injured at work, I would not be attending and I would not be experiencing the thrill of high marks and a program I absolutely love. I am so blessed to be able to attend college and not pay a single cent out of pocket. My injury has been a trial, but the blessings I have seen come from it are more than I can say. The confidence I have gained in 3 short months has been nothing short of miraculous and I can't wait for the next term!

5 - My family... I can never adequately express how my family blesses me. From my parents and sister, to my cousins and extended members, I have the best family. I appreciate the support, the love and the encouragement I have received from my whole family. I have loved getting to know cousins a little better in this last year and I pray that our bonds continue to grow. I can't imagine what my life would have been like had I not been chosen to join this family I have. God's hand has been on my life for all these years and I recognize the importance my family has played in shaping who I am today. I love you all... more than you will ever know.

I'm looking forward to a new year... new challenges, new surprises... I eagerly anticipate a new year of memories with my children, my friends and my family. I pray for more wisdom and patience as I face new difficulties and I PRAY for the spirit to rejoice, even when I don't feel like it.

Lamentations 3:22-25

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;

therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,

to the one who seeks him;