I have been thinking about this post for days. 2012 What could I say about it? The first thing is the fact that I was laid off 6 months out of 12. No money coming in. No unemployment, no anything.
But the thoughts that come to mind aren’t how hard this year has been but how incredibly blessed we have been. †Blessed beyond belief. Thinking back on all of the people who have blessed us, these are my thoughts…. I didn’t deserve this. I am not good enough or Godly enough. I have a temper, I am so far from perfect is isn’t funny.†As Jacob says to God, “I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servantî (Genesis 32:10). But through God’s mercy we were given blessings time and time again.
I have learned so much about myself the past few months. I am stronger now, my faith is stronger. †I think that Keilee has learned lessons. That “things” aren’t important. She has always known that but it was brought home to us both time and time again. Because we have had a wonderful year.
Last week 3 things happened within 24 hours; my computer stopped working, my microwave stopped working, and I tore my last contact. We were taking the garbage out and Keilee said, “Why has so many bad things happened all together?” †I told her there were Mothers and Fathers and husbands and children in Newtown who would give anything they had to have ONLY those things to worry about. It is all about perspective, always seeing that glass as half full. I have pretty much always been that way but the last 6 months have taught me this even more. And my Daddy bought us a microwave, a dear friend gave us money and I was able to order parts for my computer and have a friend fix it for free and I was able to order a contact.
As I look back at my posts for this year I smile at all the amazing things we did. Ways we have grown closer. Laughter, hugs, conversations, giggles shared. †We have so much to be thankful for; a house to live in, our health, the ability to educate my sweet girl at home, food to eat, a warm bed, a crazy Lab who loves us unconditionally, clothes to wear,a church that is perfect for us, friends and family that mean so much to us.
I have thought long and hard about my word for “2013”. Kei and I have talked about it and decided our word will be GIVE. We want to be a blessing to as many people as possible. We want to give; of our time, our gifts, money when we can. We learned how much a $25 gift certificate can help. We learned how an email, a card, a phone call can lift you up so much. †How a smile, a kind word, holding a door opened, a touch can make a difference in someone’s day.
Thank you to everyone who prayed for us, sent emails, sent cards, called, sent money and gift cards. You all know who you are, WE know who you are [well the ones who signed things, they were so many who just sent us things anonymously]. †I am typing this with tears in my eyes, a lump in my throat and so much love and thankfulness inside of me. 2 words…2 little words that cannot begin to convey how much it meant to us. Thank you.
My job starts back in about 2 weeks. It is for 5 weeks then I think we have another one possibly lined up. It will be very strange to have a paycheck every week. And nice. But we both learned that there are so many things that are more important.
Happy New Years Eve,
Homeschooling Rocks,
Karen and Keilee
Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God knows best what is good for us. ~Socrates
Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses and disappointments; but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures. ~Joseph Addison
Everything won’t go your way, but it will go God’s way” ~Unknown
Your post made me smile today.
That is all 🙂
I admire your ability to look at the positive side, including the opportunity for growth, in difficult times. I try to keep this perspective too and I know how difficult it is. 🙂 And I am so happy to hear the good news about your new job!
I love this post, Karen. I learned so much through reading it and feel my faith grew just by reading about how God came through for you through your friends. I am so, so glad that although we have never met face to face that I consider you a true friend!!! I wish you and Keilee an awesome year in 2013!
Karen, you have such a great attitude toward your life. I don’t know if I could be so positive during difficult times. I too have a temper, it’s legendary. 🙂 I know how you feel about not deserving what you have been given. So often I feel that way and feel that I am not doing God’s will in my life.
I am entirely impressed by the amazing, fun, and wonderful things you have done this year. You have inspired us to do more and be more outgoing in our lives. Your supportive comments and emails have been uplifting in times when it may not have seemed necessary, but was so, so important in my mind.
Amber and I are so happy to have met you online and continue to be thankful for your friendship. We have been inspired and truly blessed by knowing you and Keilee.
We continue to pray for you and Keilee and hope that your 2013 is a wonderful year, without as much difficulty as 2012.
Happy New Year!
I also have a temper and am SO far from perfect!! This is such a great post, Karen … I agree with Jenn … I love your perspective on the past year. I, too, really like the choice of the word “give” as your special word for 2013. I am having a hard time thinking of one word, so I’m not sure I’ll pick just one 😉
Wait’ll you read my post about our word for 2013… 😉 Let us just say that we are so, so much alike. In good ways and bad – I am also so far from perfect, soooo much working on my temper, and all that. But I am so blessed in the “big ways” – I do have a home. I do have food to eat. I do have my amazing daughter and the rest of the my family. And that is what matters, and why I believe I can give without hesitation – because someone always has LESS than my scarcity! 🙂
I love you ladies so much. I am so thrilled to have “met” you this year.
I love this post. I love your word! Have a blessed 2013. I am glad you learned so many lessons. I hope the new year brings you new lessons and a reliable income.
Blessings, Dawn
I love this post!! We have been in a very similar situation this year and you have encouraged me greatly. For the first time in almost a decade I accepted help from others. It seems so rudimentary but I was not someone who could accept help but God was trying to teach me things and I wasn’t listening. I am grateful for all the wonderful lessons He’s taught me this year as well. Here’s to a wonderful 2013, trials, lessons and all! Have a great one. 🙂
What beautiful and heartfelt words. You continue to be an inspiration to me and I am SO grateful for you and your friendship in 2012. I so wish we lived close by. You are in my daily thoughts and prayers and I am sending you {HUGS} this New Year’s Eve. May God bless you and your sweet daughter with much love, health and happiness in 2013.
What a beautiful perspective on things. I love your choice of words for 2013…perfect. Love and hugs to you both! And many blessings for a wonderful new year!
We are so blessed to have known you this last year, my friends. Happy New Year. I am looking forward to seeing you guys in the coming year.