What A Year!

2011 has truly been a year to remember.  In all honestly, I feel like I was just sitting here recapping 2010!  This year has flown by, but has not been without event.  I have to say that it has been one of the most growing years for me spiritually.  God has grown me through the valleys as well as on top of the many mountains of 2011.  Looking back, I had no idea that this year would hold so much for me.  We never do predict these things well. :-) 

~Major Events of 2011~

**Started school at Skagit Valley College.  Big change for me after taking several years off after highschool.  I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge musically and academically. 

**Began new ministries, primarily that of working in our church print shop.  I absolutely LOVE this ministry! 

**Embarked on my first missions trip.  Staying in Thailand for three months was an experience I'll never forget.  I learned so much in that little amount of time. God opened my eyes to so many needs!  It didn't take long after being there for me to fall in love with the people and the culture.

**Saw a dear friend married and another close friend join the military.  Miss you guys!!! :-)  Meanwhile, God has provided given me new friends throughout the year and I'm so grateful for them. God is so good to me.

This really just scratches the surface.  Knowing what I do now about this past year makes me so curious about 2012.  What changes will ensue?  I know that whatever happens, God's plan is perfect. 

May your 2012 be filled with God's blessings!

Blessings ~ Friends

Can I just say that God is so good to me?! As I said in my last post, I've been a little lean with my blogging.  Part of it is just not feeling inspired to write.  But the truth is, I've been blessed with SO much!  I really do have a lot to write about. 

God has really blessed me in the area of friends.  Lately I've had several friends leave for various reasons (moving away, military, etc.) yet I still find myself surrounded by a group of Godly people with the same desire to serve Him.  There is nothing like a friendship that is grounded in God's Word and service to Him.  I feel abundantly blessed in this area with those who are close and those who are thousands of miles away. 

It's very easy to get our eyes focused on what we have lost or what we don't have.  Why not open our eyes to what's right in front of us?!  How has God blessed you today?

Slacker

Yes, I've been slacker of a blogger as of late.  I don't even really have a good excuse.  School is out. Life has slowed down.  I guess I just haven't felt like writing.  Not that things haven't been exciting.  :-)

Usually I convey my excitement for Christmas much sooner.  I have to say, being so busy with school, Christmas really snuck (sneaked?) up me! Usually I have nearly all my shopping done before Thanksgiving.  This year I hadn't remotely thought of gifts by Thanksgiving.  In fact, I just finished yesterday.  BUT....I finished. :-)  I guess it's a good thing that I'm starting to get excited about Christmas since it's in less than a week.  I have all sorts of goodies I plan to make this week and get this. I actually have time!! :-D I sincerely miss baking so I look forward to spending some quality time with my apron. haha

It's a relief to be done with school, but I have to say that was the most fun quarter so far!  It's so much fun to take classes that are actually practical.  I mean, ok, when I took Biology I will admit that I dumped all of it out of my brain the minute my final was over.  But the music classes, I soak it all up and can apply it to my playing and teaching.  I wish I could do MORE music classes. There's so much I want to do that SVC doesn't offer. Kind of disappointing but oh well.  I have quite the load this next quarter (17 credits but worth 21) but I think it will be equally fun.

On my break I've resumed my work in the print shop.  I have missed that place!  Every time I print a book I think about who will be reading it later and I pray for them.  I pray that God will use these books to strengthen their walk with Him.  I just love this ministry.

Last Friday, our SPG (Singles Pleasing God) group went to Seattle to see Handel's Messiah. It was incredible, as usual.  I don't know if Skagit has a part in this, but I enjoyed it much more this year.  I noticed more of the techniques and musicality that I hadn't noticed before.  Utterly delightful!

My list of things to accomplish on Christmas break is getting shorter.  There's nothing like crossing things off a list!  One of the things on my list is to read.  So which book should I read?

Our Mutual Friend  by Charles Dickens
Wives and Daughters   by Elizabeth Gaskell
North and South   by Elizabeth Gaskell
or any other suggestions?