2008 in Review

Between a historic Presidential election, a huge economic crisis, and a world record breaking summer olympics, 2008 has been quite a year!

Here are my top memories/thoughts for 2008, broken down month to month.

Jan.

Under a Ton of Spiritual Warfare and God ROCKED my WORLD!

Feb.

Stepped down from the Church I was at in faith.  Had no financial security lined up.  But knew it was what God wanted me to do.

April

Spent some time in Jamaica

May

Celebrated my very 1st Wedding Anniversary with the greatest person in the world.

July

Went home to Indiana for a visit.  While there my friend Bryan who has had Cystic Fibrosis all of his life passed away.  Knew without a shadow of a doubt that he is hanging with Jesus!  

Aug.

God opened a door for a job as well as getting a student ministry started at the church we were attending!

Oct.

Cyndi and I witnessed our friends John and Jamie get engaged!  Went spent some much needed time in Jamaica with our little girl.  Also started the adoption process of Monecia. Moved to a lot cheaper place with a lot more space.

Nov.

Received news that we are also going to be adopting a newborn...due in Jan.  Had our first Thanksgiving ever at our home, lots of family and friends!  Celebrated Cyndi's 25th birthday!  GREAT MONTH!

Dec.

Had an awesome Christmas!  Stayed home for Christmas (first time for that too).  My Granny (grandma) passed away.  I performed the service.  Know that she is hanging with my friend Bryan but kicking it with Jesus.  Spent time with my family and celebrated a great year.

Okay, so my life may not be too exciting but this year in summary has been all about Jesus and my family!  I grew so much closer to Jesus (read through 12 Books of the Bible in detail) and spent a ton of time in prayer!  God has been opening doors and looks like He is opening even more in 2009!  But my family has also been a big part of 2008 and now we are going to increase our family in 2009!  GOD IS GREAT!

Sometimes I feel I've got to...

Duh duh...run away. I've got to... Duh duh...get away.

Seriously sometimes life gets just so crazy and so busy and stuff just happens were I feel like jumping on a huge cruise ship with my wife, family and friends and never look back.

I will admit that the last few days I've been a bit down and life just has been flying by. It was today in which I heard God tell me, "look boy, seek me. Give everything to me. Remember Jeremiah be still and know."

To a hyperactive crazy person like myself, being still is easier said than done. But the WORD says, "be STILL and KNOW that I am God.". This comes from Psalms 46:10. During busy times it is a great reminder.

A Time of Reflection

I know it has been quite some time since my last post, but I will be honest with you blogging was definitely not a priority.  Taking care and making sure my family knows that I love them has been!

Last Monday, I received a phone call from my Mom telling me that she was making an emergency flight to TN.  My initial thoughts were, my crazy family is fighting or doing something or something happened, and Mom was going to get my Granny (my Grandma) and come home for Christmas.  Unfortunately, the emergency trip happened to be concerning my Granny.  

Many years ago she was diagnosed with Emphysema.  This was a result of smoking packs upon packs of cigarettes since she was 9 years old.  Well her emphysema led to her getting a pneumonia and resulting in her body just shutting down.  My Mom and Aunts and Uncles had some tough decisions to make.  But eventually from the time my Granny was taken into ICU to the time she passed away was about 49 hours.  She was tired! And God was ready for her to rest!

Granny Billie Ruth Lawson was a grouchy, mean, loud, kind, loving, compassionate, and very faithful woman.  She committed to her life to Jesus many years ago but became very backslidden.  However, recently she recommitted her life and was trying to turn it around.  But amongst all the drama (another story for another time) and the mourning of the passing of a very special person.  We can rejoice in the fact that I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that I will see her again someday!

Help Needed!

Okay, so there are just a few more shopping days till Christmas and I am stuck!

I've got a few Christmas ideas but not for everyone on my list.  So what are some ideas for gifts for my parents, Cyndi's parents, and oh yeah still need to get some stuff for Cyndi.  ANY IDEAS?

Patience is a Virtue...

That I don't have!  I never really have been a patient person.  Every time I pray for it, God always sends a challenging situation my way. 

I am not saying that God has put me in a challenging situation but I always get a little antsy right around Christmas.  I love Christmas!  But this year is a little extra special for me.  This will be the last Christmas that it is just Cyndi and I.  I am also getting a little antsy that in a month in a half we are going to be blessed with a little one.  Someone that God is entrusting me and Cyndi to be responsible for and raise up to love, respect and follow Him.  WOW, what a calling!

Please pray for Cyndi and I as we embark on this adventure, but also pray for Monecia as we are still trying everything in our power to get her as soon as possible as well!  God is good!

It's that time of year again!

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