Recap of 2010

Today I was thinking about all our changes this year. Since I have had a dormant blog for a couple of months, I thought this would be a great place to write down some thoughts about all that has taken place.

This has been a very interesting year for our family. In many ways I have seen God's abundant grace, and through some difficult challenges, growth has really occurred in our lives. Here is a month-by-month brief description of what has gone on...

January- Chad offered an opportunity to work at the CFA of Clemson. What does the Lord have for us? Waiting...

February- Our house sells, free living arrangements bestowed, sad goodbye to Pennington friends, warm welcome to Tiger Town, trusting God to redeem, embraced by prayers.

March- New job with new friends, Prodigal God reaches out to us, treasured memories hiking as a family, Clemson baseball, our hearts awaken with the spring.

April- Reuniting with old friends as a new family, crawling boy, imagination blossoms, pouring myself out as a mom, beautiful views, Christ has risen indeed!

May- Tragic slip but miraculous protection, allergies fully discovered, tired Daddy, evening picnics after afternoon hikes.

June- Birthday at the Zoo, evening boat rides, The Happy Berry makes us VERY happy, grilling on our terrace.

July- Chad becomes a manager, Greer learns she is not the boss via swim lessons and Debbie the Drill Sergeant, blueberries, I celebrated my birthday with April, Debbie, Dabo, and the Clemson football players at the Ladies Clinic.

August- Greer goes to Marmie and Poppie Camp with the cousins, trip to visit Ash and Bax in NC, Luke's first birthday, Fan Appreciation Day and sliding down THE Hill, reuniting with the Chick-fil-A sandwich :), Chad moves to CFA of Seneca.

September- First Friday with old and new friends, Daddy and the cows in the First Friday parade, hiking with friends, football weekends with Bax, Ash, and Paul, Community Bible Study, new CP group with the Finleys.

October- a mini-vacation to see the Tigers play in Chapel Hill with Pennington friends, Lazy 5 Ranch with Ash and Bax on the way, continuing the allergen-free diet for Luke, I started working in the CFA office on mornings when Chad was off.

November- Luke discovers the joy of climbing on everything, pumpkin pancakes, Thanksgiving Day with the Tidds.

December- Jesse Tree Devotions, Greer and Daddy date to Clemson Symphony Concert, Greer covers her ears during the entire Christmas program at CBS, early Christmas with the Fowlers in Seneca, my kids scream at Santa, Christmas chaos with all the cousins in Simpsonville (and great food and fellowship!).

Reflecting on the past year, I am reminded on how much I NEED Christ in the midst of my parenting, friendships, time, marriage- just to name a few. This year has been one of new friends and sweet fellowship in our study of the Word. As we sit on the edge of Lake Keowee, I am amazed at how God brought us here and gave us a visual reminder through the beautiful lake of his provisions for our growth.

Greer and I have enjoyed praying each night before bed and each night we entrust our future to God. Usually those prayers are interwoven with thanks for the investment Herb and Karil are making in our lives. Words do not begin to describe how much we appreciate the way they share their lives and business with us. They are great friends as well as mentors in every area of our lives.

Our lives are so rich with a beautiful family, a wealth of people who love us, and so many people that we care deeply about. We trust that God's direction for our lives is good and perfect. We take comfort that He leads our 2011.