Reflections and Resolutions

As we Reflect on 2009 we see many of God's blessings in our lives. We were definitely blessed with healthly lambs and a trouble free lambing. Some of those little ones are seen here above and below.

Another school year was successfully completed not only for me as a teacher but for Katie and Lauren (her Freshman year) in college.

My 3 brothers were able to visit in 2009 from New York, Iowa, and Florida at different times this year. It's always nice to get together to reflect on the past and look forward to the future.

Then both my husband and I had pay cuts, but we both have jobs and God continues to provide in many ways. My surgery in August was unexpected but very successful with a speedy recovery time. A wonderful interim teacher took care of my class in my absence.

We had two successful fairs showing our Shetlands and were able to sell all that we needed to for 2009. It is always my prayer that our sheep go to homes where they will be loved and cared for. This definitely happened!

We even received lovely snow the week before Christmas...12 inches or so. Just about unheard of for our area.

Overall, 2009 was a blessed year!

Resolutions... according to the Merriam-Webster's online dictionary the definition is "the act or process of resolving." How about that for a definition!? Then it said "the act of determining."

My life verse fits with this idea completely...Phil. 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

Next I noticed that a synonym for resolution is courage. I found this to be quite interesting. The definition for courage is "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardships; firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty." Wow...as we face the unknown future of 2010 I know that I can depend on God's promises. He promises peace, strength, hope, joy, salvation and courage (synonym for resolution). I don't make yearly resolutions but am resolved to serve Christ and face the future knowing that He is in control.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."

Isaiah 41:10 "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."

Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the LORD. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"

Philippians 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Ephesians 2:8-10 "God saved you by His special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none can boast about it. For we are God's masterpeice. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."

Psalm 23:1 "The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need."

It's going to be another blessed year!