2018 In Review

Looking back over the past year brings lots of memories - the great and the not-so-great. It was truly a year of extremes in so many areas of our lives.

My Word - FRESH
Although I was excited to start the year with the word FRESH, I abandoned it after a few months and chose not to pick it up again. I do have a new word for 2019, which I'll be sharing more about as we welcome in the new year.

My Family

The mental illness and broken relationships within my family overshadowed much of this year. Despite having a great deal of stability in my life and a close relationship with the Lord, I myself struggled emotionally to see the people I love torn apart, enduring emergency room visits and psychological rehab centers, and trying to cope with major depression, anger and frustration. Things are much calmer as the year comes to an end, but continued prayers for my family are appreciated.

My Ministry/Business
After a fantastic start to my illustrated Bible journaling classes and teaching engagements early in the year, I took a six-month break to deal with those family issues and my own emotional turmoil. I re-started my classes in November and am thrilled to report that they have been very well attended. Plus, I truly enjoy the preparation, the teaching, the interaction, and the creative time I get to spend in the Word that comes along with this ministry!

Robbie's Job
When Robbie was hired by a local company almost three years ago, they wanted his experience and expertise to help package and sell the company … which happened this year. The sale closed mid-year and Robbie has been busy with the integration process and several international trips.

Travel
While we didn't take many vacation trips this year, we thoroughly enjoyed the two weeks we spent in Alaska. It was a wonderful experience that I'm looking forward to scrapbooking and sharing more about in the coming year. I also joined Robbie on one of his business trips; while he was working, I enjoyed several days in Paris. Despite Robbie being ill and exhausted by the end of the week, we took a day trip to see the Normandy beaches.

Our Home

After talking and thinking for the past couple of years about doing some remodeling here at our home, we bit the bullet and had new flooring installed in almost half of the house and updated the kitchen with a larger island, new countertops, backsplash and appliances! We still have some bits & pieces to complete in the new year, but everything was in place in time for us to cook Christmas dinner on the new range!

My Faith

Robbie and I have been sporadic with our church attendance the past few years, but the last few months we've found a new church home and I've joined the ladies Bible study group there as well. Through all the ups and downs this year, I am so grateful for the Lord's peace and the lessons I've learned; for example - It Is Well With My Soul, Hard-Pressed yet Not Crushed, God Is Bigger Than Mount Denali.

Blogging

I was consistently inconsistent posting on the blog here this year; however, I do so enjoy having this online space to share the bits & pieces of our daily life and am looking forward to continuing to share throughout 2019! Thank you to those of you who have continued to stop by and leave comments. I am grateful for the blogging community and the friends I've made over the past almost nine years!

How was your 2018?