Welcome 2014

I know everyone says this every year, but time sure does fly! 

2013 was a full and exciting year. There were rough days and joyful days. There were moments I cried and many, many moments I laughed. With all that happened this year, I'm even more thankful to my God for being with me every step of the way. He is my constant. 

To recap....

2013 started with me sick in bed. What a way to start the year eh? I was fine New Year's Eve, but four hours into the year found me rushing for the outhouse. Not a pleasant thing in the dark and frigid 4am. 

After recovering from that nasty bug, I enjoyed the first part of the year.... I was in Mongolia, which I consider my second home. Those first few weeks of the year were a restful time for me. Life is a much slower pace in the villages of Mongolia, so I had a lot of time to spend with my Saviour and in His Word. I see now He was preparing me for the trials that were coming.

sunrise in Khatgal, Mongolia

I continued traveling through the first few months of the year and it was during this time that God manifested His grace to me in amazing ways. The trials I faced last February and March, can't say I would have chosen them if given an choice. But I do know my God loves me and He provided the grace and strength to face the mountains that stood in the way of my peace and joy. Without a doubt, I drew closer to God through those dark days; He was all I had to cling to. It was an incredible comfort to realize that my Saviour experienced many of the same emotions I was dealing with and to remember that I had the Holy Spirit within me. 

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16

I had just recently memorized these verses from Hebrews chapter four. Never ceases to amaze me how God prepares us long before we have to face a hardship. He was already working in my life before the blow occurred. What a loving God!

traveling in Central Asia - living day by day with God's grace

This summer I said goodbye to a dear friend, who moved to Texas. I had the awesome privilege of working with her for several years. She was a constant encouragement, source of laughter, sounding-board, advice giver and prayer warrior. She may have started out just as a coworker, but now I count her as a dear friend. Thanks, Shelia, for your heart for God and the blessing you've been in my life. I pray that I can be a blessing to others as much as you were to me! 

being blessed

Some people God places in your life to bless and encourage you. Some people He places in your life so you can encourage them. So thankful I have the opportunity to bless others as God has blessed me. This year has been a challenge in many ways, but every step of the way God granted wisdom, strength and grace. I'm incredibly grateful I was able to pass that on to those I love very much. 

being a blessing

Summer 2013 was another great one. I do believe Alaska has some of the best summers ever! It's beautiful here and never too hot. (for which I'm very grateful) I worked at the airport parttime again and enjoyed my (most) nights of work. Watching the sunsets at 2am is pretty awesome. Had a blast floating the Chena River and hunting along another Alaskan river farther north. Hiking Angel Rocks at night is now a part of my summers - a tradition that will have to continue. Would be nice if we didn't have to sleep in the summer, there's so much to do and enjoy. :) 

2013 began with being away from home and the travels continued till almost the end. End of October through beginning of December, I spent on the road. Covered three states, one city in Canada and the entire largest island of Fiji in about seven weeks. Fiji was new territory to me, so was able to mark one more country off my list to visit. :) 

enjoying friends in Canada

being crazy in Fiji

This Holiday season had the extra blessing to be at home with family. The past two Christmas' I was either in another US state or another country. Almost forgot how crazy my family is at Christmas time. :) We had a great time in anticipation of Christmas Day and a relaxing day to celebrate our Saviour's birth. 

Christmas Sunday on Bus route

Well, 2013 was exciting. and painful. and thrilling. and joyful. and rewarding. It was marked with new adventures. dear friends. good food. travel. memories to be remembered. new friends and old. 

It was a good year. 

My prayer for 2014 is that I would be yielded to whatever God puts in my path. I want to continue to grow and be stretched by Him. He knows me best and understands what things are necessary for me to be conformed into His image. 

Hopefully a year from today I will be more like my Saviour. It all starts with a decision today....