Thursday, December 30, 2010

Goodbye 2010...

I feel like this post is sort of cluttered, but in all honesty, I'm feeling a little cluttered right now. If you could see my house and my garage (oh heavens if you could see my garage, you would call the garage police) and would understand what I mean.

So if you can - just read through the clutter.

About a month ago, I started reading through my old posts, starting in January. I found myself laughing and crying over things all over again!

2010 has been a good year. At times, a hard year. God has grown me in several areas and for that I am grateful. I have to admit though - with the growth came growing pains.

Amelia has made this a wonderful year. She has grown so much in just a years time. We of course think she's terribly smart and love it when she starts saying or doing something new. She brings a joy that nothing else could bring. With that joy comes some pain. Parenting is not for the weak of heart. She IS my heart, running around on two legs. To see her hurt or sick breaks my heart and has brought me to tears many times. It's painful to have to correct her constantly...though I know it's for her own good. God has taught me a new level of love & patience through motherhood. It really is a privilege to be called Mommy and to stay at home with Amelia. I don't take one second for granted.



Alex and I have experienced loss in different ways in 2010. We lost 3 grandparents this year. There's joy in knowing we will see them again, but I do wish that Amelia would have had the opportunity to know them.



We've experienced loss in ministry. Whether it be friends that were ministering along side us or church members that have left - it's always painful to experience that loss. There have been times where I'm so tired and I look at Alex and say, "are you sure we're supposed to be doing this?" He always answers, "has God told you otherwise?" I have to answer honestly and say, "no, He hasn't." One of the things God has taught me through ministering this year is to love freely and forgive quickly. We're definitely not perfect and we're blessed to have a church that loves and supports us.

I have been blogging for almost 3 years now and have met some amazing women because of it. There are many days that I wish I lived in the same city as many of you, so we could grab a coffee and talk about life. I had a chance to meet up with some blogging friends this year and it was such a fun time. Every one of these girls are funny, beautiful, Godly women...what a treat to get to visit with them face to face!



I'm truly looking forward to 2011. I want to know Him more. I want to give more. I want to be a better wife, mother, daughter, friend.

And I have to tell ya, I'm trusting Him for some miracles. I have so many friends that are still waiting. I remember how it felt for another year to pass and still no baby. Just know that I'm praying for each and every one of you. I'm asking Him to open your womb and to bless you in 2011! He can do it, girls. Just ask Him. And then believe what He tells you. And then hang on to it. Don't let the devil slip in and take that from you. You are His precious child and He is able!! And on the days that you start to give up - email me, so I can email you back some scripture and give you a pep talk!! I mean it. I love you all, dearly.

Happy New Year, sweet friends!

Love to all,

12 comments:

Kevin said...

Beautiful post, Jill - tears flowing. I just saw an ad to convert to blog to a book (Blog2Print) and am trying it out. Looks really cool and you might look into that. Thanking God for YOU this morning. -Uncle Kevin

Linda Lou Rogers Averitt said...

This has been a year of tears and great joy, looking forward to what God will do this year at Journey Church, He has a plan:) Your a trooper with all you do and with Alex's schedule, I pray that schedule will settle down for him and you and God's peace will rule in your home as it does now:) I lov eyou so much, you are my answered prayer, hugs and kisses

Betsy said...

Happy New Year, Jill! I count it one of my blessings of 2010 that I got to meet you and have had so much fun "talking" with you every day and enjoying your friendship (even if it's in cyberspace!) I pray God's blessings on you and your sweet family in 2011!! xoxo

Cheryl said...

What a lovely post. I love your statement that Amelia is your heart walking around on two legs. Oh so true!!! Wishing you a Wonderful 2011!

Surrounded-By-Boys said...

what a sweet post! I always love reading your posts--they have such insight to the "real" world! Blessings in 2011!!

Glitter & Bliss said...

Happy New Year to you and yours. What a beautiful picture of Amelia!!!!

Shannon said...

Great post! I'm so glad we have "met" and I look forward to meeting you in person! :)

Megan said...

Oh Jill, this sentence from your post: "One of the things God has taught me through ministering this year is to love freely and forgive quickly" spoke directly to me. In fact I had to stop and read it aloud to Luke. I have struggled SO MUCH with ministry this year. And one of the biggest areas I have struggled in has been the fact that people are apart of our lives one moment and then for whatever reason they are gone the next. It has been so hard for me and and honestly I haven't been good about letting God deal with that area in my heart. I can so relate to what you said about asking Alex if y'all are supposed to be doing it. There have been many times when I've begged Luke and prayed to God to just "relieve" us of ministry. But then we are reminded that this is our current calling. It could be a season, or it could be forever, but either way we will listen and be obedient - but I might whine a bit. :-) Thankful for your friendship and so glad we got to meet this year!

Heather said...

Happy, HAPPY New Year, friend! We must do lunch and a playdate this year!!! :)

Faith said...

2010 has been quite the year! I've loved being able to follow along with what God has done in your lives this year. It was truly such a joy to be able to meet you in person and hug your sweet neck this year. So many times I've wished we were closer to each other so we could just get together for coffee and chat. You have been such an encouragement to me and I cannot tell you how thankful I am for you!

I continue to pray for God to work in your life and to bless you abundantly, as you are such a blessing to so many.

I love you, friend!

Mazzy said...

Every year is such a wonderful gift from God, it's almost bittersweet how eager people are to let them go and move to the next. I am so thankful for another year of being blessed with a healthy life, precious family and friends, and have grown ever close to God.

I am thankful for the hardships you faced and overcame this year and SO grateful for the person God has made you because you are a wonderful inspiration and such great friend to have! You shine so brightly with the light of HIM and I pray that he will continue to bless you and your family this new year.

xoxo

The Lynchs said...

Your blog is such an encouragement for me while I wait (im)patiently for a little one! Can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for you!