Monday Musings - Pondering 2010/Contemplating 2011

Back to routine life today - whatever that is!  I have been nonstop busy all through the holidays, so today is really my first day to get back to spin class and have some time this afternoon to think about 2010 and 2011.

Pondering 2010:  What a year!  Key Word:  Process!

Weddings!

*It began with some serious wedding planning and Heather's wedding in April.  Such a fun process for she and I and a wonderful event.  Such a sweet part of the process was the generosity and kindness of so many of our friends who hosted parties and just loved us through the process.  Maybe the Lord knew that things were about to change . . .  Wouldn't trade that sweet time with friends for anything!  The year ended in a very similar way - Ashley got engaged to James and we are in the process of planning another wedding!  Woo Hoo!

Moving!

*March began the proposal for Alan and the possibility of moving to Chicago.  It was just an idea - a maybe and huge unknown.  We prayed and we waited and the Lord opened the doors wide for us to make that change.

*May started the process of getting our house ready to sell and then finding a place in Chicago.  Fun  - not so much!  But we got our place in great shape and it didn't stay on the market too long.   We looked for a place in  in Chicago in mid June and started that process of getting the loan etc.  Fun - not so much!  But we found a great place - totally God ordained.  He has affirmed us at every step of the way.

 Mountains!

*Colorado!  I got to spend a lot of time during the summer in my beloved Colorado.  I sure miss it but know that I will get back there not too far in the future.

Friends!

*Friends - life has been full of new friends and new experiences that we could not even have imagined last January.  I love how the Lord surprises us all the time.  We have made wonderful friends here in Chicago.  We just can't imagine if we had never met these wonderful people!

Faith!

*Faith - what a year of going deeper with the Lord - trusting Him more and depending on Him every step of the way.  What a year of seeing His hand in every aspect of our lives and seeing blessings come from unexpected places.  What a year of experiencing the JOY of following His lead in so many different ways. 

Contemplating 2011? 

I'll borrow a phrase from Ashley . . .

Key Word:  Holy Expectation!

 I can hardly wait to see what is in store for us.  

*Wedding fun!

*Working out with Marifran  to get in wedding shape!

*Continuing to see our church grow and enjoy getting to know others in small group.

*Continuing to meet neighbors and love on them.  Such an incredible privilege!

*More painting at Hamilton Elementary

*Trips to TX and CO

*Faith stretching experiences and lots of opportunities - keeping those spiritual eyes open!!

I know that in reality, I don't have a clue about what 2011 holds.  But - I do know who holds each day of the coming year in the palm of His hand.  I can rest in that and anticipate each day with JOY from simply walking with the Lord through each one.  He is good - He is trustworthy and He is Enough.  Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.