It dawned on me last week that I have a life up here in Chattanooga. I've lived here for well over a year now (which is still odd at times to not be in Dalton) so I'm guessing it happened sometime after that. :) It was so fun being at the beach with my family (aside from the fact that I'm not the biggest fan of extended camping trips) but it was nice to come back and to see people that I've grown close to over the last (almost) 2 years. Some over just the last 6 months or so.
In October, a week after a the joyous union of Scott and Leslie (WOOOO HOOOOOOO-thoughts of that wedding and what God has done still bring me such joy), there were 11 of us that went to Blue Ridge for a weekend getaway. It was FABULOUS. Those that have children left them at home and we just went to have a relaxing time filled with laughter. After praying about that trip for a few months, it was evident that God answered those prayers. We laughed, played games, laughed, slept (a little) and laughed a little more. Below is the only group shot we took and a picture of all of us girls before we went out on Saturday night.
In December, a dear friend that God blessed me with last February, got married to a wonderful man. It was such a fun wedding party and that weekend was also filled with laughter, prayer and dancing! I was also fortunate to learn a little Spanish from some new friends that were with Mandy, the bride, in Peru while she served there for 2 years. This picture sums up Friday night and Saturday....all day. :)
All in all, 2011 ended in a fabulous manner. At times, I've become restless and weary because life isn't how I had planned it. Can I just say that I'm thankful that I don't get to plan it all out....sometimes that's easier said that actually lived out but it's true. If things were like I had originally intended or hoped, I probably wouldn't have met and grown close to some of the amazing men and women that God has brought into my life.
What does 2012 hold? Well, I'm glad you asked...Kimberly and Tony have a little one due in June so that is so stinkin exciting! Another good friend from college is expecting in May! Ladies, there must be something in the water so look out! One of my dear friends up here in Chattanooga got engaged this past Friday to a wonderful, God fearing man. So preparing for her wedding will be a blast! Two dear guy friends (the younger and older brothers I never wanted....at least that's what I tell them) will be marrying lovely young women who truly love the Lord so that will be a blessing as well.
I'll be facilitating our small group for a month or two (for one assessment/study) until God either brings a man to lead (I won't lead a co-ed group) or until we're supposed to dissolve into other groups. It's a wonderful peace to know that He's got it.
Here's to a new year, new opportunities and new perspectives. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
