Looking back and forward...

This morning, I am in my happy place (my kitchen) sipping coffee and reflecting on 2014.  This year has flown by, and has taken many twists and turns. It has been a year of great success for my kids and my "bonus kids".  For those of you who don't know - my "bonus kids" are the three I have known for most (or all) of their lives and love like my own.  They have lived in my house, celebrated birthdays and holidays, my kids consider them their brothers and sisters.  So... this has been a great year for all six! Just a few of the milestones - one turned 16 and got his first truck, one made the high school volleyball team, one got engaged, two have gotten their own apartment/house and one has gotten baptized and recommitted his life.  For me...I have gotten a promotion at work and have successfully completed another year of college while working and raising kids.  All in all - 2014 has been a great year!

2014 was also a year of firsts!  The BIG first...this was the first year spending Christmas without my sister in 43 years (my whole life)!  For some, that may not seem like a big deal - but...it is for me!  All who know me, know I do not like change - at all!  I didn't realize how much I missed my sister being there until at Christmas dinner mom was telling a story, and I realized I needed my big sister for support and for her to take my side (because I know she would have). It was the first Christmas Eve in 9 years that I did not sit in between my sweet nieces at the Christmas Eve service.  It was the first time since B has been born that I was not with her on her birthday.  On the flip side, it was the first Christmas Eve J and I had a nice Christmas Eve dinner with my parents.  It was the first time in 9 years that C & K were able to attend the Christmas Eve service with us (because we changed the service attended).

As I look ahead to 2015 and what it may hold, I am excited.  I am excited about having met new people and reconnecting with old friends, and seeing how those relationships grow. I am excited about my job, and the differences I can make in helping entrepreneurs succeed and about new co-workers joining our team. I cannot wait to see how my kids grow this year - C will start his senior year of high school and K will get her driver's permit.  Yep... this is gonna be a big year!  

As I think about all of the things to come in 2015, I know that I must turn it all over to God and trust in His timing (not my own). I know nothing great can be accomplished without Him.  So, I will pray on a daily basis that I am living my life according to His will and I will remember Philippians 4:6...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Happy New Year y'all!