What a year!

What an evening. What a few weeks it's been! What a year!!!!

I look back over the year and think, "Wow!"

Then the recent blessings that has started to pour down on me.... "wow" again.

And I'm eternally thankful!

Since I got promoted for my job back in January this year, I have enjoyed working tremendously. My working relationship with my department and my supervisor has been really great. My annual review was like, if it was a report card, all A+'s with a couple A-'s.   That is probably the best employee evaluation I've ever had in my 22 years of service with the University. I'm still in awe.

The paycheck is nice.  But, for the longest time, we struggled with catching up on bills. In June, I had our cable & internet services cut off, just so we can get back on track and get our finances in order. I had a HUGE bill that I was still struggling to pay off. When that FINAL PAYMENT PAID IN FULL letter came, I rejoiced. I really, really, really did!  Eternally thankful to the Almighty God. Oh yes.

I lost a beloved Great-Aunt Lomie ....she passed away peacefully last month. I am sad, though, that her son wasn't such a loving son, but she should have peace knowing she had many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and gave her a wonderful memorial service.

Had to deal with a serious family crisis.  With the intervention and help, we were able to get help for this person.  I'm just thankful that God had guided me through this very trying time, and I had such a wonderful group of friends & family who were my prayer warriors.  You know who you are!

Celebrated Thanksgiving with my baby sister and my middle sister at my baby  sister's house this year. And the house full of kids was just wonderful. Holding the 2 youngest nephews was just a blessing. By the way, brother-in-law, where is that picture you took of us?!?!  I want it!

Now, the holidays is upon us....and my schedule has gotten so busy, I am scrambling to make time for ME.  For my family.  And I remarked to my daughter that we will have a really good Christmas this year.

By the way, my daughter will be turning 16 next week! Whoa...time flies! 

So many things happening, and God has been with me every step of the way.  I have even made new friends, and I actually find myself enjoying and wanting to visit my church more---I honestly feel that it's happy now after years of many negativeness, struggles and issues.  But, with those out of the way, and a new Senior Pastor, I felt the church has become..."happy".  

I look forward to Christmas, to spend time with my family and friends.  And just relaxing. I have a lot of bad but also good things to remember about 2011.  I look forward to what 2012 will bring.