Closing out the Year 2010

Once again it’s time to finish the final chapter and place the last book on the shelf on the library of 2010. What a year it has been. Every year as I look back, I’m amazed at how blessed we are, and how He cares for us in each detail of life.

2010 was a tough year. It marked a year of great loss in our family in more ways than few. With that being said, it was a good year in which we made it through those storms, grew stronger, and no doubt built character along the way.

In what is now an annual tradition, here are some random things in random order that I have learned, experienced, and seen in 2010.


-If the History Channel is one of your favorite channels on TV, you might be a nerd. If you really love the channel like I do, you are fine with that.

-You can’t figure out where you are going if you don’t know where you came from. Study the book of Daniel. That statue in it…it’s your history.

-Keeping an open mind to new things can open the door to awesome things. Two examples- Yoga and Acupuncture

-Good friends are hard to find but so worth the search once you find them.

-I couldn’t figure out what was more depressing: The fact I waved good-bye to my twenties, or that I started using night cream this year. The fact that my husband didn’t seem to mind about either made it all better.

-There is a purpose for everything that happens in life…even if we can’t see it or understand it.

-My husband is still the best decision I have ever made and the biggest blessing I’ve ever received.

-Shooting guns at targets is a whole lot of fun…just saying.

-Using “outdoor bathroom facilities” while camping in the mountains does not make me feel at one with nature. It does allow me some quality time with the hubby and a chance to experience things he is passionate about.

-A freezer full of Blue Bell Ice Cream= a happy home.

-The H’s that make me happy in life: Husband, Hammocks, Ham Loafs, Happy Birthdays, and Hobby Lobby

-My brother-in-law Alan’s BBQ is the best BBQ hands down

-I make a better First Mate than Captain of sail boats.

-Praying with even just a half ounce of faith is powerful. Faith the size of a mustard seed will move a mountain just like we are told it will.

Gracie Mae

I believe the Lord has a reason and purpose for each creation and relationship in our lives. Sometimes he works miracles with His hands. Sometimes He works through His creations to do the same. My childhood dog, Bandy was the best dog a child could have. He died at 16 or 17 years old. This weekend our dog Gracie passed away as well. She was 17 years old and a sweet, sweet girl.

She proved to be a best friend to my husband long before I came along. Because she was such a good dog, it was so hard to say good-bye. I think she hung around as long as she did because she wanted to make sure my husband was going to be well taken care of. Not only did she welcome me into their lives, we even became good friends. I like to believe she passed the torch to me in taking care of him when I proved worthy in her loving eyes.

The Lord certainly used her countless times when my husband needed her. I remember during some really trying times this last year, she stuck so close to me and did her best to make me feel better. The Lord used her in many ways.

I have a sweet picture in my mind. It could be a vision or just even a longing or a hope. With the same innocence I prayed with as a child years ago, I did it again as an adult this past weekend. I don’t know if dogs go to heaven. I’m sure many could debate either side to this. I do know that if my request is granted, two of my favorites are playing up there right now. In our mourning for a dear friend, I know He is honored by us loving one of his most precious creations. Gracie Mae will be missed.