Dear 2010...

Me and my love on our wedding day (Feb 20, 2010)

Me and my love being commissioned to our work in England

Me and honey arriving in England to celebrate our first Easter. "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow..."

Getting settled in married life and getting involved in the community. Excited for what God has in store!

Started to feel unwell...and had to cut back from working. At the same time dealing with some very real hurts from the past. Thank you Father for allowing me to learn to forgive and that you are still teaching me this!

In the thicket of my illness...but such a sweet walk with the Father! He was always there.One day in particular as I was crying out to Him to help me feel better...I felt Him saying "You are my child and I love you". It was like a wave of peace had come over me....and it was what I needed to get through that day!

Bella entered our life...such a blessing from God! And yes...this is the kitty I would "talk to" on my loneliest days...she was a good listener! :)

Me and my love celebrating my remission. Now we can eagerly look forward to what God has in store for us. We feel so energized and on FIRE for Him!

Peaceful-happy to be coming out of what seems to have been a storm... and looking forward to 2011!

There is a song where the chorus goes like this: "Joy and Pain...Like Sunshine and Rain". If I had to only pick two words that described you 2010 it would have to be "Joy" and "Pain". In some ways I am sad that we are about to say goodbye but in other ways I couldn't be happier!

You have brought me incredible joy with the uniting of me and my love J. But you have also have brought your share of hard blows and intense pains. One in particular...even over an unexpected illness...has been the deepest pain I have ever felt. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to make it and feel whole again...but then I think of the sovereignty of God.

God knew what you would look like for me 2010...and He never left me on my own. Reading journals I see His hand guiding me and softly speaking to me to let me know that He knew my hurts...and He was dealing with them. He also showed Himself true in leading us to the right paths. For that I am so thankful!

I must say that I have learned a lot...a lot about how things don't always seem fare and the fact that people will let you down, but also a lot about who I am in Christ...and a deeper rich walk with Him. I truly get what David is saying in Psalms 23...

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.

⁴ Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Father may we continue to be surrendered to your will...and experience joy through the pain...looking up to you in the midst of it all for the comfort, and love, and direction only you can give. Thank you for 2010...and I am now ready to follow you into 2011! Amen.