For those of you who follow our blog, and for those of you who stop in on occasion, most know that 2007 was quite a year for us.
It began with mild thoughts of transition, and a few local changes. It progressed through feelings of panic, of provision, of peace, and then more panic. We played and had fun winter days, enjoying the beauty of God's creation; we cried as we said farewell to some great friends, then rejoiced as we saw them blessed...Ever faithful, God gave us just the right mix of both the old and the new.
We camped, we fished, we laughed, we worked, we cried, we taught, we fell, we loved, and we learned. I felt over and over that 2007 was so hard, so stressful, such a struggle and an overwhelming battle for all things good. What I learned as I looked back over the pictures, was that in each month, the memories I kept, the images I have stamped on my soul, reflect abundance. I am surrounded by wondrous and vast nature, which others long to glimpse on a fleeting holiday, I am able, I am blessed, I am loved by so many, some very near, and some very far, and although my heart aches with the freshness of change, I have not lost, it is now only a longer journey to enjoy.
It is because of these reflections that I decided to put together a slide show of "2007 With The Candlines". I was so focused on the struggles of this year that I had lost sight of the blessings, until I looked, and when I really looked, that was all I saw. Each loss can be counted for gain, and each struggle could be considered a privilege. I chose the song, "You and Me" by Lifehouse because the words really spoke to me. The song begins by talking about the rapid movement of time, how it can truly take on a life of its own. This rang very true to me when I looked back over 2007; time really was alive, and it certainly didn't stop to wait for me. So, I encourage each one of you, enjoy the moment, whatever it is, because it will not come again. And I promise, if you do this, when you look back at your own "year at a glance," whatever your struggles have been, the gifts, the blessings, the love and the glory of God will come shining through.
P.S.
I'm expecting EVERY person who views this to leave me a comment, or I may never go through this much trouble again!!!
5 comments:
Hi Barry, Laura and Matt;
2007 was certainly a year of change for you. Change is always hard, but with it comes growth and strength. We are all very blessed in this country, even in our stuggles. We are especially blessed to have you as family.
D.
LOL I totally hear ya on the comment thing after making a slide show like that!!!! ;) BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Isn't it just awesome to see a year flash before your eyes like that???!!!
Blessings Candelines!! We love you!!
Laura,
You have a way with words. The combination of what you said, the pictures and your choice of song had me in tears. Not too sure if the keyboard of my laptop will ever be the same.
Always thinking about the three of you and are so very thankful that you are a member of our family.
Margaret
Wow, great post!! I love the pictures!! Love ya!!
Ryan and Emma would like to know why there is no picture of them?? Lol!! And I am wondering why I am titled 'truth'?
Hmmmm...
Love you, but now we miss you!!
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