Happy 2014

We're here again. Back at another January 1st (or 2nd in this case). When it comes to blogging I seem to always be one step behind where I want to be, but that's ok. While I do want to finish up blogging about the fruits of the Spirit, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on this past year and make a "resolution" for the year to come.

This past year brought a few changes to our family. My Grandfather passed away in April and I sat with him during some of his last hours on this earth. I always remembered him as being so full of life, playing tennis with me well into his 70's and possibly even once or twice in his early 80's. It was strange to see him so frail and fragile. Grandpa was the first person that I had a close relationship with to pass away. I always believed him when he told me that I was his favorite, and argued "to the death" any cousins/siblings who tried to tell me that they had been told otherwise. It's strange to see Grandma apart from Grandpa because the two just always went together. You never had one without the other. 

It definitely got me thinking about this thing called life. How quickly the years pass, faster and faster the older I get. I don't want to waste any part of it. I don't want to allow myself to get so caught up in temporary circumstances that I miss out on big life experiences. I want to grow and love more and be frustrated less. I want to have healthy relationships, holding tight to the people who help me grow in my Spiritual walk and letting loose those who only drag me down. At the same time, I want to be that person who also inspires others to grow, always encouraging and never discouraging. I want to be a wife and a mother and someday, God willing, a grandmother who is selfless and only seeks what's best for my family. I want to leave a legacy of love, kindness, gentleness and understanding. I never want to be a hindrance in any way.

Another big change this year is that we sold our house and moved into a new one. It feels like this is our first house though, since our last one we knew was only a temporary stay from the beginning. We have been having fun changing paint colors and light fixtures and making the house our home. I'm excited that Leilani has a place to grow up in for many years to come, a home for us to make many memories in. We've already begun! It also turns out that Ben had some previously unknown family who just so happen to live within walking distance of us. Only God could have orchestrated something like that in this small town and we're excited to get to know this family better. 

Ben got a new job in July and it came at just the right time. God knew exactly what we needed financially in our new home and he brought Ben's job and the necessary raise to keep things afloat. Just another proof of God's faithfulness.

And that's where I want this blog to leave off. Faithfulness. I have seen God's faithfulness to us and to our family and friends countless times over the past year and it only leaves me longing for more. More of His faithfulness, but also to be more faithful to Him. Not wasting opportunities. Doing the most good with what I have been given. Being a faithful wife, mother and friend. Giving of myself to others more than I have before. Not questioning when God puts something or someone on my heart, but rather just going and doing. May 2014 be a year of faithfulness.  

"God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord."

1 Corinthians 1:9