Who else feels like it is impossible for 2024 to be almost over? Is it just me or does it seem like each year gets increasingly more busy?
As the end of 2024 approaches, I find myself taking a deep sigh of relief at the refreshing view of the finish line. It is exciting to start a new chapter and step into the unwritten pages of a new year. Yet, I also enjoy taking time to look back at all the amazing things God has done in our lives. Isn’t He faithful to see us through?
Despite the hardships that come every year, my husband Larry and I have experienced many joys. For that we are truly thankful. Some of the favorite highlights of the year have been completing our kitchen cabinet painting project and hosting out-of-state friends for their beautiful flight-themed wedding. We greatly rejoiced with a few other close friends who each welcomed new baby girls into our friend circle and also celebrated Larry being unanimously voted in to serve as a church board member.
It was a lot of fun to grow my first two sunflowers in my summer garden. My neighborhood squirrel finally had his fill of my tomatoes, leaving me quite a few to harvest. I have loved continuing to work as a nanny to my sweet little Esther who turned 2 years old this year. She is such a delight to my heart! I also embarked on a life-changing journey of fresh milled flour as well as beginning to bake sourdough bread that incorporates the fresh milled flour. Larry and I have spent time in prayer and fasting for personal breakthrough and felt the Lord stretching us in new and challenge ways.
Looking back over the year, I see the areas of growth in our lives and I am thankful for the voice of our Heavenly Father, leading and guiding us each step of the way.
Among the joys, we have also felt the sting of disappointment, the stress of overfilled days, the weariness of sickness and the challenge of hope deferred. One phrase I have repeatedly told myself these past few months is that, “suffering brings us closer to Jesus”. Isn’t that the truth? None of us would ever choose to suffer. It is those difficult times that causes us to run to the feet of Jesus where true joy is really found. His presence is with us – always – and that is why we can have joy in all circumstances.
As Larry and I toast the new year at 8 o’clock (because there is no way I’m staying up till midnight) we will be celebrating our deep gratitude for all the Lord has walked us through this year. And we will be jumping into the next unwritten chapter with eyes full of wonder and hearts full of hope! Isn’t it amazing to be able to put our full trust (and unknown future) into the hands of a God who knows it all?
I want to take this opportunity to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to each one of you for following along on my blog. I deeply appreciate all of you who take the time to read what the Lord has placed on my heart to share. Your love and support has meant so much to me this past few years. I look forward to all the Lord has in store for the new year! I am grateful to have you joining me. Thank you!
May the new year bring you peace in your trials, strength in your suffering and a million little blessings to be discovered along the way!
Happy New Year, friends! The best is yet to come!
~ Stephanie
For His Glory, By His Grace 