2013: Looking Ahead

Via Pinterest

Hi, friends.  I hope you are all enjoying the first day of this brand new year!  I have seen tons of blog posts today doing a recap of the events of 2012.  I'm not doing that today.  Although 2012 was an amazing year, I just don't have the desire to blog about it right now.

Instead, I would like to talk about 2013.  There's nothing like the beginning of a new year for a fresh start.  Already, before the year even gets a good start, there are changes coming for my family.  Changes that we didn't plan on and things that we aren't prepared for.  Situations that will require us to trust in God more completely than we ever have.


The day after Christmas, our family received some news concerning my dad's place of employment that was pretty devastating.  His company will be closing permanently this Friday.  After 20 years of employment at the same place, with the same people, he will be without a job, without health insurance, without a vehicle and cell phone, as these were provided for him by the company.  It was heartbreaking news, to say the least.


Sometimes, friends, it is hard to put your complete trust in God.  It is our human nature to want to control situations; to want to "fix" things.  It is especially hard when we can't immediately see His plan.  But that's what faith is all about, isn't it?

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)

Faith is confidence and assurance about what we do not or can not see.  Faith gives us hope and proves to us that everything will be ok, even though we can not see the resolution right now.

I don't know what the future holds for my parents or our family.  But I do know the One who holds the future.  I know the power in prayer because I have felt it and seen it work so many times.  I ask you, friends, to pray with us for faith to trust in God, even when we can't see what the plan is.  

2013 is going to be a great year.  I know it, because I know Him and with Him, all things are possible.

Please Read!

If you have watched television any at all over the past week, you know about the devastating tornadoes that struck our beloved Bluegrass state.

So many people lost loved ones, homes, jobs, and their sense of security and stability.  It is tragic and sad and my heart breaks for them.  I can't begin to imagine what they are going through.

As followers of Christ, we are commanded to love each other and to help in times of need.  Stephanie at A Blue-Eyed Boy Met a Brown-Eyed Girl is heading a relief effort to help a specific family who lost everything in the storm.  Please visit her blog and check it out!  She has also listed several other ways to donate to the relief efforts.

We don't always understand why things happen the way that they do.  We sometimes have to look hard to see God in the midst of a tragedy.  But He is there.  If you can't donate, please pray.  Those who are hurting need your prayers.

God bless you all, friends.