New Years Eve 2008

Peaceful...that's how i'd describe our New Year's Eve. We're at home of course, enjoying our latest edition (who is slightly confused about when she should sleep...but we'll help her fix that up soon!) and since all is quiet for a moment I thought I'd reflect on 2008 (check out the questions at simple mom on that topic).

I can't believe tomorrow is 2009 (well, technically it'll be 2009 in about an hr and a half lol).

2008 has been a great year. Full of so many blessings I wouldn't be able to list them all.

A little reflection, using some of the questions from the simple mom post...

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
I always feel such pressure when I can only list one thing! Of course the most obvious one is our precious daughter. What an amazing blessing from God.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
Finding this one hard to answer...it was challenging being pregnant this time, but I know I had it pretty easy relatively speaking. It was challenging balancing raising children/managing home/working outside the home etc etc but I don't usually view it that way because I actually enjoy that challenge. I had some challenging relationship issues that are still being worked out, but praise God, they ARE being worked out :)

5. Pick three words to describe 2008.
Victorious, blessed, fun

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
I think I am less prone to being affected by the way other people behave toward me. Better able to process things and give people the benefit of the doubt.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
Realised how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE personal devotion time...wish I had more time for it! Perhaps a little less legalistic :)

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
I laughed at this one cause all I did was GROW physically all year! Seriously tho, I gained a better perspective on the importance of caring for one's health and look forward to getting more into that next year

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
Working on the 'challenging' relationships has been really valuable. I've also tried to spend a little more time with friends, realising that relationships do eventually die (or at least shrivel up!) without some investment.

15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?
Getting more organised around the place - I really enjoy that!

16. What was your most challenging area of home management?
Establishing a good cleaning routine

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
The computer/internet

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Starting the day with God

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
I don't think I could limit this to one thing...I learned...to let some things go because it was better overall...that I (and my whole family) thrive when we follow a flexible routine, but I don't always stick to it and then things unravel...more about my own limitations, and how important it is to prioritise and forgive myself for not being super-woman (and rejecting my own and other's expectations that I should be super-woman just like '_________' - insert perfect person's name in there) lol...that God really is FOR me, and since all power in heaven and earth belong to Him, I should just be cruising along in the assurance of His love and not sweating the small stuff!!

Well, my beautiful princess has decided she wants a snack so I'd better finish up there. I have really enjoyed 2008, my year of victory. Now I am looking forward to 2009, my year of gratitude and can't wait to see what the Lord has in store!

God bless you all as you farewell 2008 and begin the adventure of 2009!