2011 was amazing and a whirlwind. Honestly, I feel like last New Year's passed by and 2011 started and has flown since. Things I think of that highlight the year for me...
- Emilynn was born on March 1st, 2 1/2 weeks early with my water breaking at work with NO contractions, having to be induced (not my plan), but still got to have her naturally (very much my heart) and she is amazing! She is content most all of the time...She has been since the beginning...a good eater, sleeper and is quite the communicator! We truly love EVERY moment with her. Everything about bringing her in the world has been so beautiful, surreal, and a slice of Heaven! A special shout out to Rachel Loth, who was an incredible doula and ushered me into natural birth so beautifully! It was a special blessing to get to know you and go deeper with you! And a shout out to Ross and my parents who faithfully walked beside me and ushered in Emi Claire in beautiful and profound ways! I love all of you!
- I left my job/floor where I had been for 4 years in a whirlwind and started an evening part-time position that has been nothing but a blessing for Ross and I and for my role in the hospital setting. I love and serve people in a different and deeper way...I feel that it is a blessing to Emilynn too. My perspective as I serve the patients and families that I do gives me a different perspective as a mom, and Ross gets great time with Emi Claire at night.
- I began to be better about blogging, keeping in touch with people, taking pictures, sharing my heart, etc ..I feel that this is directly related to...
- Breakthrough and freedom in areas of my heart that have been virtually shut down for several years now...I wrote some letters (didn't send) to many people that I had things I needed to say to them...maybe some will be sent... and the Lord began to wake up joy in me that has been missing...I am starting to really be fully alive again
- I shared my testimony with a group of moms, and it was big for me. It had been a long time (sad) since I had shared my whole testimony...it highlighted some huge things about life in the last few years and drew me even closer to the Lord
- I became a mom, a mother, a mama...My whole walk with the Lord has changed because of just this. I am closer in conversation than ever before with Him. I spend a lot of time praying for the smallest of things, processing things with the Lord. I'm relearning how to abide in Him...
- Ross and I have taken our marriage to a different level. We love better than ever...but we fight better. (I know that sounds a little sad and too true..) But we just don't have time to hash things out til they are fought to death. Our priorities have changed. We have higher expectations of our time together. Not to mention the Lord has given freedom from depression and highlighted a vitamin deficiency that contributed greatly in our marriage. And... I'm over the top IN LOVE with the man that I married 4 1/2 years ago!
- I learned about thankfulness, eucharisteo...Thanks to One Thousand Gifts and Ann Voskamp for opening a beautiful arena of ENJOYMENT of life and the things to savor...Feel like the Lord planted a new seed of gratitude in my heart on many levels!
- New and deeper friendships... I feel that this is something really missing for me, but as one wise woman told me, manufacturing friendships is no good...So I have been praying and believing the Lord to highlight women close to me in proximity to deepen relationships with...(On a side note: I am so thankful for my very many deep friendships that while most of them are not close, they are rich!)
- Finish at least two books that I have started (probably a year ago) and begin my personal reading list
- Vacation with Ross, Emi and my family to visit Ross' family in May in Alaska...believing it to be a memorable time!
- Continuing to fine tune my new calendaring/life scheduling that has made such a big difference for me which includes always leaving Saturday and Sundays open for free days (no laundry, cleaning, etc), working out 4 times a week including running, beginning yoga (never done it before), and strength training, and cooking more and more new and healthy things (planned the meals for the whole month of January)
- Celebrating in a fun way our 5 year anniversary...maybe a bed and breakfast or something of the such :)
- Celebrating Emilynn's first birthday with close family and friends and not waiting til the last moment to plan it
- Updating my iPod with new and fun music that I can introduce Emilynn to and worship to
- Having a worship time with Emilynn and Ross every few days to really enjoy dancing and singing
- Discipling...rekindling discipling relationships and discipling Emilynn
- Going deeper in prayer with Ross
- Really savoring the Mom Heart Conference in February
- Taking time to go and visit far-away friends
1 comment:
Loved reading this post, Ashley and I'm enjoying following your blog! I was blessed to be part of the group that heard your beautiful testimony and allowed me into your life in a deeper way. Sounds like 2012 will be a great year!
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