Reflections on 2008

[MommaK2007]

This time of year, there's a whole lot of talk about resolutions for the new year and a lot of reflection about the past year.  My resolutions are pretty boring -- they're the same every year, even every day! I just strive to do better.  Do better at prioritizing. Make better decisions. Take better care of my body. Do better at studying God's Word. Have a better prayer life.  I just want to do better.  2009 will be no different. I'll just keep trying.

I was thinking about 2008. The year has flown by.  We've seen plenty of joy, but also a lot of sorrow. I lost my mother this year, as God called her home in May. Two very dear friends also lost parents this year, as well as my husband losing his grandmother.

This year, I hit that milestone birthday and am now the BIG 4-0.  I don't feel any different.  All of us got a year older.

I guess the accomplishment that stood out this year for me was that I've completed 18 hours of graduate work since this time last year, with A's in every class.  I didn't know I had it in me! lol  I'm pleased to be more than halfway through the program on my way to an MAE, but it comes with a price.  While I feel I have God's blessing on this endeavour, many sacrifices have to be made.  I've let so many things go around the house, and have had to depend on my family for extra help with even the things I love to do (like cook!). 

But the biggest sacrifice has been time with friends.  I have not been able to nurture the friendships that I treasure so much.  It seems that whatever I have leftover of myself has to be offered to my family.  I find that I seldom talk on the phone to even my closest friends, and there has been virtually no visiting during the past few months.  It makes me sad, but I know it's temporary and a necessary means to a fantastic end.  I just hope each of them understands.  I hope that instead of feeling slighted that they lift up my name in prayer, knowing how dear they are to me. 

Lord willing, by this time next year I'll have my master's and teacher certification and will come through it with friendships intact!!

Friends, please stand in agreement with me as I ask God's blessing on 2009.

Father, I thank You so much for Your mercy and grace. You've blessed my family and me with so much more than we could ever deserve. I pray that you will help me during the coming year to draw ever closer to You, to be obedient to Your will for my life, to trust You completely, to bring only honor to Your Name.  Help me to nurture friendships and family relationships to the best of my ability and in a way that pleases You.  Lord, help me to do better. Help me to be better.  I ask that You will continue to bless my educational endeavors, and thank You for providing for my family.  Guide my steps, Lord, and help me to "lean not unto my own understanding" but rather to place my confidence in You.  I pray that You will bless and prosper each of my friends -- all those who may be reading this as well as those whom I know intimately.  Help each of them to know how special and dear they are in Your sight. Love them through me, Father.  Through Your Son, I pray......Amen.

[mommy2000]

Dec. 30, 2008 at 10:59 AM

I have learned that people are in your life for a season sometimes, so i enjoy the season and keep moving, but family is there to stay, also thanks for the prayer.

[cows256angels]

Dec. 30, 2008 at 1:59 PM

Kimberly, that is so sweet and very thoughtful of you. I pray for you & your family every day and wish you lots of success in your education. Sounds like you are doing wonderful. I hope 2009 is very good for you. Can you believe tomorrow is Hope's bday already and she is going to be "1" years old. I can't believe a year has flown by so fast. I think God that I get to enjoy her. She has been such a blessing in my life.

[kikisheshe]

Dec. 30, 2008 at 8:32 PM

Kimberly, I can very much relate to your post. All will work out in the end, and you will have bettered yourself and shown your daughters just what a strong, and powerful woman you can be. I love you....