Tiny little origami elephants Joanna made for me.
This year has brought many changes and challenges. I enjoy looking back at all that God has done. I encourage you too, to look back at your own life this year. Reminisce on the joyful moments and the difficult alike. Many times we have more insight into a difficult time in hindsight. Even if you still don't understand we can all praise God because He is trustworthy. So here's some of the changes in my life in 2012.
My sister graduated from college (which I am thankful I could attended), my family and I are excited and full of anticipation about my brothers second baby, I got a new job and new roommates, I like coffee now, experienced fall and winter in Japan for the first time, this is now the longest I have even been away from my family, ...oh yeah,...and I moved to Japan!
Some of these also brought huge challenges. If I've learned anything this year (or maybe I'm still learning) its that I am not energetic enough, wise enough or physically, mentally, or emotionally strong enough to do any of this on my own. But I know someone who is. And He promises to never leave me (Deuteronomy 31:6, Rom 8:35,37-39). Thank goodness, cause I'd make a mess of everything on my own. Many times this year I was clinging to God with white knuckles so tight I couldn't feel my hands. Other times, I thought I was self-sufficient enough not to cling so tightly or rely on Him for my every decision. And oh, was I wrong. I cannot do anything good apart from God. I think the message is to live in constant communion with Him (John 15:7). He is always with us and we couldn't ask for a better advisor. Even when I think I've got it all together, then I find out that I don't, He always pulls me back to Himself. Always loving me, even though I am so flawed. He always cares for me and is still working in me. He is so patient. I would have given up and moved on long ago. Lord, thank you for Your patience and skillful hand as You work this incomplete clay. May You shape me and form me into someone You can use for Your glory.
My sister graduated from college (which I am thankful I could attended), my family and I are excited and full of anticipation about my brothers second baby, I got a new job and new roommates, I like coffee now, experienced fall and winter in Japan for the first time, this is now the longest I have even been away from my family, ...oh yeah,...and I moved to Japan!
Some of these also brought huge challenges. If I've learned anything this year (or maybe I'm still learning) its that I am not energetic enough, wise enough or physically, mentally, or emotionally strong enough to do any of this on my own. But I know someone who is. And He promises to never leave me (Deuteronomy 31:6, Rom 8:35,37-39). Thank goodness, cause I'd make a mess of everything on my own. Many times this year I was clinging to God with white knuckles so tight I couldn't feel my hands. Other times, I thought I was self-sufficient enough not to cling so tightly or rely on Him for my every decision. And oh, was I wrong. I cannot do anything good apart from God. I think the message is to live in constant communion with Him (John 15:7). He is always with us and we couldn't ask for a better advisor. Even when I think I've got it all together, then I find out that I don't, He always pulls me back to Himself. Always loving me, even though I am so flawed. He always cares for me and is still working in me. He is so patient. I would have given up and moved on long ago. Lord, thank you for Your patience and skillful hand as You work this incomplete clay. May You shape me and form me into someone You can use for Your glory.
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:3-6 ESV