Saturday, December 31, 2011

Another year of countless blessings!

I have not blogged in a while not because I have not wanted, but because life is keeping me really busy.

As I meditate in the happenings of this year that just closed I can't help to remember that God has been good. Yes, it has been the most emotionally challenging year of my life, but I have felt God's hand all along.

Sitting here in this hospital couch accompanying my baby boy who was admitted yesterday with a collapsed lung, I can easily make a list of all the negative things that would make me depressed before I even finished typing this sentence. But I don't want to do that.

Today, I would rather force myself to "remember" all the great things that God has let us experience. I'm not encouraging positive-thinking as if you could magically reformat your microchip. I'm rather suggesting feasting on the things that are positive or better yet, seeing the positive in every situation, as the Bible mandates us in Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Having this mindset is no easy tasks. It requires effort, patience, trusting ang faith in God. Sometimes it takes being in the midst of the fire to really learn this behavior. And in the midst of a fire describes well my year 2011, but I believe the blessings overcome the trials.

So here go just a few.

My daughter turned 14 in the summer. During the summer she was accepted to join the JV Cheerleading squad at her high school. And yes, I did say High School!!! She is a freshman and she now thinks the world belongs to her rightfully so for being in high school.

She is enjoying HS and is very active in her school choir. She is developing a real passion for Arts and wants to pursue a musical career. She can read music, has learned to play the guitar, and is dying to learn to play the piano. I used to be the one who corrected her with her musical skills, but it has turned backwards and I'm the one being corrected all the time now.

She has also auditioned for the High School Spring Play: "Into The Woods" taking place in April 2012. She got the roles of Snow White and some forest rabbit.

She is hoping to make it to Varsity Cheerleading next year and to make it to the top performing high school choir as well. She's working very hard on both.

Michael turned 13 this past November. After having been told by doctors to not expect him to live more than 5 years, he has proven all of them wrong and we celebrate each passing year with much joy and praise. He is now a teenager, and I dont say that lightly. By that I mean the "I-know-more-than-you" attitude of a normal teenager. Sometimes it is a fun just to watch.

He completed his 7th Power Soccer season in June with a 3rd place position at the President Cup Championship. He would have rather had taken a 1st place, he says, but he had lots of fun. The new season started late September and he's loving it.

He is now in 7th grade and hates school with a passion (insert lots of emphasis here). He just doesn't "see why school has ANY BENEFIT in your future life" and I quote. He would much rather spend hours playing video games.

Gabriel turned 2 in September. He's had a bit of a slow start in many developmental and cognitive areas, but having started going to daycare is helping him pick up new skills. He has a great personality and loves being the center of attention.

He loves talking on the phone to total strangers and, like his sister, is showing a tendency for musical preferences. He also loves to read books with mommy, so hopefully there's my booksmart one.

My husband and I celebrated our 17th year anniversary. It truly feels like yesterday. Our love for each other has grown deeper and I totally cannot imagine life without him. He still rocks my world like the first day.

The ministry at Enfoque continues growing, a little slowly, but steadily. However, we continue witnessing lives being changed, wounds being healed, and broken lives being mended by the mighty power of God. There is much to do and we continue praying for leaders with a servant heart.

Finally, an old prayer request has been answered and I am glad to say I can scratch it off my list: My bother has recommitted his life to Christ and is now becoming very involved at his local church.

These are just a few of the MANY blessings we have experienced this year and are looking forward to another blessed year.

So, welcome 2012!