Count your blessings...

...name them one by one. Count your many blessing. See what God has done.

I decided to dedicate our last post in 2009 to counting a few of the many blessings God has bestowed upon us and our family in the past year.

Jesus Christ---First, as in this and every year, we are most thankful for the everlasting gift of salvation granted to us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Family---In 2009 God saw fit to bless us with a new addition. We love both of our children so much and look forward to watching the plans God has set before them unfold. Ryker is not the only new baby in 2009. Our extended family is growing as well with the addition of our beautiful niece Zoey. We are so thankful to have Bryan's family here with us in Va and even though my family is not able to be as close we are thankful that we were able to have several visits with them in 2009. And last but certainly not least we must mention how thankful we are for our church family. They have always been so good to us and we love them so much. The love and bond that we share through Jesus blurs the line between friendship and family.

Friends---Both near and far. Life keeps us so busy that we rarely find ourselves with enough free time to express to all of our friends how much we love and appreciate them. In 2009 God blessed us by moving some of our best friends, the McCormicks, here to Va. We were also blessed with a visit by the McFarlands in March and several visits by the Mallards. We are so excited to be kicking off 2010 with a visit by the Vaughns in January and we are looking forward to seeing who else may stop by in 2010.

Health---As frustrating as it is to have babies that keep the sniffles during the winter months, we realize how truly blessed we are to have such a healthy family.

Our job---or should I say our calling. I love my life as a preacher's wife. Even though it come with it's sacrifices, the joy and peace that come from serving the Lord full-time is indescribable. As a result, we have seen over 45 people come to know Christ in our church this year and countless others though various outreach ministries of our church.

The list is really endless, but I felt that these main topics summed up what what was weighing heavy on my heart to share at the end of this wonderful year. We know that 2010 will hold new trials for our life but by focusing our eyes upon Jesus and the many blessings He brings us each day we will make it through and be a stronger, wiser, more loving Christian for it.

I have never been one for New Year's resolutions. Lose weight, eat better, keep a cleaner house---I guess I never really found one worth keeping. I plan on kicking this year off a little different. I have a blog resolution. God has blessed me with this blog and I intend to use it for His glory in 2010. Post will continue to share with all of our "blog stalkers" updates on our family and our children, but this year more than ever I resolve to make sure God's love shines through each post that goes up. It is by His grace that we even have things worth blogging after all.

We love you all and wish you a very blessed 2010.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
--Jeremiah 29:11