Bye 2012

I, for one, am not the least bit sad that today is the last day of 2012. This year has been, bar none, the most emotionally volatile year of my life. It has had higher highs and lower lows than I want to experience on a regular basis.

The lows have ranged from getting really scary news about diagnoses several times to making a bad decision that cost a relationship that was very important to me. I have watched as someone I love got a death sentence from an oncologist, I had major surgery, and my therapist left... all major lows. But the lowest I felt this year was when it sank in that I would never have biological children. My heart broke as I prepared for my hysterectomy with this news, but then someone reminded me of Isaiah 54:1, "Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, you who have never been in labor. For the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband," says the LORD."

The highs have been REALLY high. First Bennett was born and has completely captured my heart with love. He is the greatest thing that has ever happened to my life. Bennett is absolutely perfect and his parents are extremely gracious and let me share his little life. I started a job that I love! I thought it would be weird at first to work at Whitko full-time, but I absolutely love walking into my room each morning. I love the kids and the staff. My friends Shawn and Michelle Easterling were brought on as pastor at Big Lake Church of God so they live in Columbia City now instead of Pendleton, which is a way easier drive for me to make :). I joined BLCOG's lady's group and have met some terrific people. In the high times I have been reminded to, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow."

2013 is just around the corner and I am happy to see it arrive. I do not make resolutions, but I do make commitments. I commit to:
1. Grow in my walk with God and become more involved at church.
2. Do the best at my job that I can.
3. Love people deeply, because life is extremely short.
4. Move more and eat less; hopefully that will equal more weight loss. (I made a good start in 2012 with nearly 50 pounds gone.)
5. Being more fiscally responsible.

Happy last day of 2012!