At the Close of 2012...

Yes, it is the end of another year. Did you all really think the world was going to end on the 21st? (Just kidding.:D) Another year in which I saw great blessings. A year where I accomplished most of my 2012 goals. And a year in which I learned much (again).

Every year when I take the time to look back on the past, I am always amazed how much we can fit into 365 days. All the activities, social events, demands, requirements, schedules, family time, friend get-togethers, studies, commitments...really it's remarkable sometimes.

I saw the providence of God and the faithfulness of people again this year. I am currently writing out a newsletter of this year's activities, and it was amazing to see our Savior's hand in it all. He provided for our family when my dad's work slowed. He gave me the endurance to complete my music exams and graduate high school. I walked the oral surgeon's halls in His strength when I went to get my wisdom teeth out. I saw His hand in the events and decisions leading up to my degree consultation. When all seemed hopeless, I received His hope.

It was a challenging year; one that I would not push the rewind button on. However, I can look back now and I am grateful for what it taught me. Perhaps some of you remember the post I wrote back in March entitled He's Been There. All of those events are now past, and I can see that He truly was there and has been all along--just as He had promised. He is faithful.

I look forward to 2013, not because it will have no challenges to overcome, but because I can go forward in the strength of Christ. 2013 will be another year of challenges and blessings, but, Lord willing, it will be another that draws me closer to Him.

Anna and I have loved receiving and reading all your comments over the year. It has been a blessing to write for you all, and it has been an encouragement to us in the process. We hope that you will be encouraged through our next year of blogging. May you go forward into this new year "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." Live each and every day as though He were returning in the next moment. Enter His plans for you striving to do all to bring glory to Him. Don't give up; keep going. "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4) And remember that "the One who gave the vision still calls, and what God calls us to do, He gives the strength to accomplish".

Deuternomy 31:8 (NIV 2011)
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. 

John 16:33 (KJV)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. 

Mark 4:37-41
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

I can face the waves, for I trust the One who made the ocean. 

Your sister in Christ,
Kaleigh
(and Julianna)