Happy New Year!
(Wish I could say that I took this picture, but I didn't...
maybe tomorrow I can get to a beach and get the right timing of the tide to take one of my own!)
So here we are at the brink of a new year.... out with the old, in with the new!
2012 has definitely been a busy year! The last few years I have given each year a word that sums it up. 2010 was a year of commitment, as I made and followed up on a number of significant commitments. 2011 was a year of change as Kevin and I both made changes in our jobs. Here is the blog I wrote about those two years.
The word that sums up 2012 for me is roots. Our roots are sinking deeper into this beautiful land that we now call home, Aotearoa - New Zealand. Kevin is now the Interim Senior Pastor of the Chinese Alliance Christian Church, full of wonderful people who love the Lord and eagerly and passionately live their lives to bring Him glory. I have been blessed with a full-time permanent teaching position at Cockle Bay School, where I began working 5.5 years ago in the office - I'm still in shock and awe that God has so graciously led be back into the classroom after so many years! At the beginning of May I will receive my full registration... only 26 years after graduating from University! In July we were able to purchase a house here in Auckland, that perfectly suits our needs! We thank God every day for our peaceful haven.
Other highlights of the year include Danae graduating from University with a Degree in Spatial Design; Paige went to Canada for a month in July to visit friends and family and also completed her 2nd year of University; MacKenzie began her first year of her conjoint degree. It has been a busy, fulfilling and blessed year. We've had heaps of company - most of them unknown, surprise guests from Canada on their big travel adventures who we've now come to call friends! We've also been able to welcome many people into our new home, to share food, laughs, stories and friendship.
A few years ago, God gave me a verse that I treasure. This is it:
Isaiah 41:9&10
I took you from the ends of the earth; from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
God continues to strengthen us and help us every day. He is the one who upholds us and gives us the strength, courage, joy and grace to get through each day and love those around us. We thank Him and praise Him for His presence in our lives in 2012 and look forward to carrying on our life's journey with Him in 2013. Who better to guide us into the future than the creator of the universe!?
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