So this is the New Year....

What have I done? Some big events have happened in 2006.

From about January to February Mom was staying with Ruth in England because of Ruth's surgery, this meant that we were without her for about 3 weeks. It was so odd and sad, I love my Mom. The day before she flew home there was a big windstorm and the power went out, nerves were frayed but God supplied a beautiful sunset. That gave me a time to just relax and talk to Him about the storm, Mom being gone and how awesome He is. God showed His intimate/huge love for me in that moment.

In February I started driver's ed, this meant I had to not help in Awana which was very sad. It was my first time in school. I met Mr. M, who I later found out had a stroke and was paralyzed on his right side.

Skip ahead to May (obviously nothing interesting happened in March and April), I backed out of the driveway not quite aware of how fragile my life is when I came back I knew just how fragile I am. I broke my ankle at some friend's house. I cried at the ER, man... Life was busy that week. It didn't seem so bad after I broke my ankle though, I had bigger things to think about. But I cried because they said that I might need(LOL, here are some gross pictures, the last one is REALLY gross because of the really, really long leg hair. Ew. Here's a cool one though.) surgery, because my new-ish jeans had to be cut open (just kidding) and because, "OH MY WORD I JUST BROKE MY ANKLE, I CAN'T SLOW DOWN NOW.... THERE'S SO MUCH TO DO." But God had other things planned. God, again, was there. He was there in the quiet time, the time of riding home to tell my Dad about my fall. He reminded me (by a song on the local Christian radio station, it actually can be a useful thing although it gets annoying how they play songs over and over again. NO VARIETY.) that He is in control, I can't understand His reasons but I just need to trust Him. And I did. Lots of people prayed for me during this time. Later in the week they said I needed surgery, so I got surgery. 10 screws and a plate. The recovery was hard and using crutches was lame, but at least I have 2 legs. After about 3 months I could finally get back to driving, hallelujah.

One day in the summer I was feeling bitter about how I couldn't run when I saw a girl sprinting down the street, that night I found out that a girl I know had her leg amputated. Don't complain about what you don't have, you have SOMETHING, be grateful. Her attitude amazed me (and continues to do so) she is a testament to God's work in her life and I respect her highly.

That summer there were a lot of injuries and surgeries, again, God's plan is great and He had a purpose for allowing those things to happen.

This year was a roller coaster in my Spiritual life, I would go back to legalism (not doing things for God and in response to His love for me but because it was a routine) and God would draw me near again and this happens again and again. God also showed me what it means to be a woman, how beautiful (soul and body) He made us and how He can use our beauty to bless others and draw them to Him. He also showed me how He is the only one who will fill this thrist for validation that I have, that we all have. Like He told the Samaritan woman, He has living water and she will never thirst again.

In August we got a kitten, he's been a huge blessing to us. God took him away for a day, that taught me a lot.

I turned 16 in October and got my ears pierced. John took an Ambulance ride.

In November something happened, I'm not sure what. Umm.. Yes. I met with the college counselor.

This month John had lots of doctor's appointments and tests, but they have scheduled him for surgery a week from Friday which is also the day I take my drive test. John will have his gall bladder out and join the cool club of people that have had surgery, woot, woot. But please pray for him.

This year a lot of stuff has happened, fo sho. God has been in each and every thing that has happened. His plans are good and far above ours.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it"

-Isaiah 55:8-11

So as I sit here with my back hurting, feeling sick, feeling sad because of the weather and slightly anxious about starting college tomorrow I look back on the year and realize today is not the end of the world. This cold will go away, my back pain will stop and the sun will shine again God is faithful to be with me now. Even when my back hurts and my nose runs, He never leaves. If you are feeling grumpy or sad, look back over the year and see what God has been doing in your life, it'll change your perspective.

Forever God is faithful. Amen.