2012 In Review

It was a marvelous year, seriously, I cannot complain. It was filled with family, friends, amazing golden retrievers, many new recipes, lots of miles run, I earned several new medals, work was wonderful, and I got engaged. Below is a picture (or two) from each month last year to give a few highlights from the year. While these are a lot of "big" things that happened this last year, I would also say that my year was marked by the every day things, my year was filled with fabulous ministry, a puppy who loves me, and not moving. I couldn't be more thankful for all that I have been given.

January:

Sarah, Vicki, & Stacy - Twins Tour comes to town

Marc, Dakota, & Sarah snow shoeing out on the lake

February:

Extravaganza 2012 - New Orleans LA
Gloria, Suzi, & Sarah

Beginning to repaint the kitchen cabinets

March:

Middle School Spring Break Lock -In
Amber, Vicki, Erika, & Sarah

Linnea is born

Best Friends sharing a stick
Dakota & Luther at Frtiz Loven State Park

April:

Mom & I travel to Florida to visit Grandma & Grandpa
and drive their car back to South Dakota

May:

Vicki, Sarah,  Stacy, & Linnea
Father Hennipen State Park

After the Fargo Half Marathon with my St-End

June:

Twins/Brewers Game
Hannemens, Bennetts, &Thomsons

Duluth Middle School Mission Trip
During the major flood in Duluth, Mn

July:

Maid of Honor in my best friend's wedding
Sarah & Hartj

National Youth Gathering - New Orleans, LA

August:

Boundary Waters - Rose Lake
Vicki, Stacy, Linnea, &Sarah

We're getting MARRIED!
Marc proposed at Fritz Loven Park

September:

Lovely weekend with family
Allison, Cubby, KT, JT, Marc, & Sarah

October:

Fargo meet up with WTS women and spouses and kid
Shera, Sarah, & Molita

Fargo Mini Marathoners
Runner Reformers
Bryant, Lindy, Sarah, & Suzi

November:

Carnival Fantasy - November 2012

More fun aboard the ship

December:

New Stained Glass at church
I feel like my December was consumed by work

What were some of the highlights from your last year?
Anything totally unexpected happen in 2012?
What are you most looking forward to in 2013?
Any major goals for 2013?

Rest.

Matthew 11:28-30 "‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

 

Seriously these few verses seem to be carrying me as of lately. I feel like I am overdue for a vacation, a time of rest, some time for me, myself, and I and many a long chat with God. I am due for the chance to sleep in and read a book for fun. I am due for a chance to unplug and my cell phone. I am due for the chance to sit in conversation with God and not do all the talking. I am due for the chance to relax and let someone else cook. Today a friend and I leave for a cruise for several days. It couldn't come at a more opportune time! Seriously, I was feeling the end of my rope before I left, I could see the end hovering below me and I was just holding on. I am thankful for all those people who have supported me and uphold me day in and day out. I am thankful for a gracefilled God who knows we are not called to do life alone. I am thankful that God has called us to rest - to recharge to serve the world, Jesus even retreated to rest.

 

Why do I from time to time act as if I am better than Jesus himself and try to keep going all of the time, to meet the demands from all around me, to pretend to be someone who I am not? Why do I wait till I hit near the end of my rope? I am given vacation days for a reason. Here is to vowing to use them, here is vowing to not having extra days. Here is to taking a vacation day to stay home some days.

 

I love where I serve and the people I serve alongside. I too just need a break from time to time. I need to claim my own needs from time to time as well. Here is to coming back from vacation rejuvinated and ready to love and serve the world again. Here is to not trying to be more than Jesus, I can't be, I am not. Here is to reading some books, doing some crocheting, going for long runs, eating yummy food, enjoying good company, disconnecting from the world, and enjoying several days at sea.

 

Where do you like to go for vacation?

Where do you like to find rest?

How do you rejuvinate?