INSPIRASUNS

Well, it’s New Year’s Eve and like most people, I’ve been thinking about 2022 as we say goodbye to it. Like many years it had its ups and downs, celebrations, and heart aches, but most importantly, 2022 brought me closer to God.

The first part of the year brought new opportunities, I joined a gym that I loved, became a board member of our local community HOA and signed up to help through the church at our local county Habitat for Humanity project. Building muscle, building community, and building houses, ya that was fun 🙂 . Through each of these opportunities, I’ve met wonderful people, made new friends, and learned new skills, and Father was in the center of each of these.

In May our grandson had major spinal surgery and we were able to spend some recovery time with him. The doctors at Shriners Hospital in Chicago were amazing and I’m happy to report that he walks about an inch taller and is totally healed. Again, Father was at the center of this process, he guided the surgeons and the nurses and provided the opportunity for this little man to grow strong and heal.

July brought many celebrations. Ya, my birthday, but also the start of this little blog, and my husband and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary which included some quality celebrating with our family 🙂 . Obviously, Father was in the middle of all of these wonderful events, he’s guided me with this little blog and of course has been the center of our marriage, the ups, and the downs.

In September I was blessed with helping at the largest work event we’ve had since being in my job. I’m blessed to work with an amazing team and incredible members of our association. It was an inspiring event as always, and God helped focus me every day on what I needed to do.

Also in September…Hurricane Ian came through with a vengeance. He tore through SW Florida leaving destruction everywhere. While we were fortunate to not have damage, many of our friends were not so lucky. Many lost vehicles, homes, and yes unfortunately lives. I’ve never seen destruction like this, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget those images. However, through Ian, God was definitely at work. I saw complete strangers helping each other clean up, remove debris, serve food, and donate supplies. People from across the country came to Florida to help in any way they could. Friendships were made lives are being rebuilt. Father was in the center of everything and he helped us see what is truly important in life.

The year has wrapped up with the Holidays filled with traditions, old and new, and quality time with family. The last few weeks have provided perspective on what is important. Our relationship with family and friends, our lifting each other in prayer when needed, providing words of support and encouragement, and just lending an ear to listen, these are important.

God has given us many gifts in this life my friends. He has blessed us in more ways than we might even recognize. Yes, we will have challenges, but, those challenges make us stronger, and provide opportunities to see his plan for us. So as we wrap up 2022, I hope you will take some time today to reflect on your year. I hope that Father has blessed your year the way he has mine. Yes, even the bumps we encountered along the way.

Enjoy this last day of 2022 and please be careful if you’re celebrating tonight. And…Thank You so much for your encouragement as I’ve put together this little blog every day. You’re support and kind words mean more to me than I can say. Have a great day friends, see you next year 🙂 .

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.