It can be overwhelming to think back and remember 2011 as there were many joys and concerns. Yet in an attempt to look back and begin a tradition on my blog of review here goes:
December
Joy: family; this can be a repeated joy for me because I love to spend time with family. This December was a time of welcoming a new member to our family, Nora Lynn Davis. It was a joy to hold and love on this little one along with spending time with the entire Pederson family and on Christmas Eve time with the Walker family as well.
Concern: losses; this month was the loss of Adam and Renee's baby. I am praying God's grace, peace, and His will for their lives ahead in 2012.
November
Joy: spending time monthly with younger women in the faith than I and discipling them to be
Christ-Followers who encounter Christ through His word.
Concern: a surgery I had on November 8th that was quite hard on my body. As I wait for complete and total healing I am amazed at how the Father has already done a great work both physically and emotionally.
October
Joy: to see the growth in my best friend and husband after attending the Men's retreat. We are learning to love each other more each day and I am loving spending time each Tuesday night away from all screens (TV, Computer, Texts) and sharing time as we read a good book together.
Concern: thinking forward to the time when my youngest daughter, Ashley deploys in less than 7 months, desiring to know that her strength is in none other than Jesus Christ, her Savior as she is away briefly from me.
September
Joy: a new school year, a new teacher, a new opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child, one student at a time.
Concern: using my time wisely as working full-time limits my time with family and friends
August
Joy: times of meeting with two girlfriends, Andrea and Ginny and learning from one another how to best invest in the women of New Hope Church.
Concern: for a friend who had many needs with the greatest one being a need for Christ
July
Joy: preparation to "go" to the mission field of Minneapolis with my husband to help with tornado relief.
Concern: will we be able to raise the funds to "go" (and we did, Praise the Lord)
June
Joy: school's out for the summer and the joy of reading books and walking outside in His creation.
Concern: I will not be able to do and go all the places I want in the coming 3 short months of "summer vacation"
May
Joy: always a joy for me is to sing in the mother's day choir at our church. I do not know how to sing and I do not know how to read music but this is the one time per year that I enjoy singing with my girls at our church.
Concern: I have had some stomach issues once again and have had trouble finding the root problem. (finally after many tests and doctors visits I am lactose intolerant)
April
Joy: A trip to Dallas TX, time spent with grandchildren and a weekend spent with my 2nd daughter at her women's retreat. What fun to get to know the women she shares life with each day so many miles away from Minneapolis.
Concern: I am still working on not spending my money on earthly things, temporary stuff, things I don't need.
March
Joy: during the winter months my joy is having and taking time to study the word each morning.
Concern: my student loans are now coming due and at times I get concerned with making the payment each month.
February
Joy: evenings where the golfer and I have time to just sit by the fire and watch a little TV
Concern: a good friend walking through cancer (I love you Judy, and am praising God now December 31, 2011 that you are cancer-free)
January
Joy: a time to reflect on where I want to be personally, professionally and missionally through the vision workshop led by oldest daughter. (want to think forward plan on attending this year, more information here):
http://lisavanahn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=107#2012_visioning_worshop
Concern: making the time I need to read and write more.
