2011 is almost done...
i guess it was a year of being sick... and being tired... and perhaps being sick & tired...
It was a year of adjustments...
A lot happened this year. A lot of difficult things. A lot of draining things. A times felt close to God, other times not so much. There were fun times. And God showed up. God taught me. And this was a good year, even with difficulties. God answered prayers. God was faithful. God revealed Himself. And God sustained us. God took care of us and blessed us.
It was a year to watch Halle grow - which made it a great year.
She traveled to LA & Houston, grew up in Indiana... and flew across the world with barely a peep.
She rolled over, then crawled, then stood and walked and began running.
She got a tooth, then another and a third rather quickly... her 4th took a while, but 5-8 came with no problem... and she celebrated a one year birthday with chocolate cake and lots of friends.
Grandmas & Grandpas couldn't be there in person, but they saw her on skype.
My parents did come to visit- finally... and it wasn't as bad as they feared... we mostly went out to eat... but it was fun.
Soo was sick a lot, she even got surgery... i had a bout of pneumonia... and well, we got pregnant again, which led to more fun.
God taught me much of His grace.
He extended grace to me, even though i sinned often, neglected Him, was full of pride, and often selfish.
As a husband and father, i saw how little i loved, how selfish i wanted to be, how little i wanted to forgive - how little i was like Christ.
God never gave up on me.
He has remained faithful. He continually pours out grace.
Furthermore, He taught me of His kindness and His love... towards poor and unworthy... and His desire for me t be involved to show love & grace, to reveal His grace.
Mostly though He made His Gospel even more clear to me... how i often try to earn favor or feel i must by sacrifice and labor... but His grace is sufficient... and it is never about me. God's grace is all i need.
So, 2011 was another good year in God displaying His goodness to me.
i am thankful for friends, for family.
i am thankful for Soo & Halle and the new one on the way.
i am thankful for God's Grace and for Jesus Christ my Lord & my Savior who leads me and takes care of us day by day... year by year.
