2012 Year in Review

I came across this questionnaire today on Twitter. I thought 2012 would be a good year to review since it was not the best year of our lives. I sound quite depressed, but let me assure you I’m not :). Just being honest with all of you. God’s faithfulness overrides all that we faced this year.

1.  What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
Brent getting a job that he deserves and that provides for our needs.

2.  What was the single most challenging thing that happened this year?
It’s hard to name a single because the entire year was nothing but a challenge. I will say losing our baby was quite the challenge.

3.  What was an unexpected joy this past year?
Finding out we were pregnant with a healthy baby.

4.  What was an unexpected obstacle?
Brent interviewed for a job in Birmingham but was offered the job in Huntsville. We certainly did not see that coming. It created a number of obstacles, all of which were overcome by God’s grace and in His perfect timing.

5.  Pick 3 words to describe this year.
Lonely, challenging, emotional

6.  Pick 3 words your spouse would pick to describe your year (without asking). 
Emotional, unexpected, frustrating (my answer)
Frustrating, crazy but according to God’s plan, “but it wound up good” (his answer)

7.  Pick 3 words your spouse would pick to describe his year (without asking). 
Hopeless (job-related), weird, frustrating (my answer)
Demanding, rewarding, “and that whole middle part that was really crappy” (his answer)

8.  What were the best books you read this year?
Ha! Well, there’s only one book I read cover to cover, What Women Fear by Angie Smith
And there’s the two that I started and never finished, Hunger Games and Made to Crave by Lysa Terkuerst
It goes without saying, I’m not much of a reader. 

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
Brent and Lily, my family since it was the first time since 2003 I have consistently lived in Bham, and my new-found friendship with Heather (someone I’ve known since we moved to North AL the first time, but it wasn’t until I moved away that we became good friends. We are like-minded and I appreciate her honest friendship)

10.  What was your biggest personal challenge from January to December of this past year?
Finding motivation to be the wife/mom I want to be while living with little money in a basement apartment and working full-time at a job I disliked very much. Debbie Downer, I know.

11.  In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
This is a weird question. I cried a lot. Does that answer suffice?

12.  In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
I spent more time with Jesus than any other year before. Hence, why this year was actually a huge blessing in disguise.

13.  In what way(s) did you grow physically?
Well, my body prepared for a baby twice. And for me that means immediate weight gain.

14.  In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
Brent and I have always been good communicators with each other, but the trials we faced caused the communication to increase with each other and with our ever-curious daughter.

15.  What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
Professionally: Uhh…getting to see Lily
At home: Dance parties with Lily and pushing her on the swing in the front yard.

16.  What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
Professionally: It would take more than a sentence to explain.
At home: Like I said before, finding the motivation to be the wife/mom I want to be.

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
Social media…duh!

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Social media…duh! Ok, ok…anytime spent with family was a good way to spend my time.

19.  What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?
God causes or allows all the circumstances in my life (something I already knew due to years of my father saying this). They are no secret to Him. He cares deeply for me and uses the trials to draw me closer to Him. Whether or not I like it, that’s His goal: intimate fellowship even through suffering. His promises are true, even for me, and His faithfulness has no end. He will not leave me in my hopelessness. He will come to my rescue. He has the ability to and will provide for me, all I need to do is trust Him fully. He is good. He is for me. He is worthy of all my praise.

20.  Create a phrase or statement that describes this past year for you.
Glad it’s over.

Welcome 2013!!!