The Reality Is ...

I've been trying to blog for the past several months, wanting to add pictures to cover the progress of CT's barn ( hay shed ) but my computer or blogger or maybe both are against me and just won't allow me to post any photos whatsoever.  So, for the time being -  my posts will be photo free.
As the old year was ending and we were headed into 2014, I kept hearing and even saying myself, that the past year was 'just a bad year',  'So glad to have it over',' This new one will be better', and so on ~  then the other day, as I was working at my 'other' job cleaning toilets, I was thinking ( a job cleaning toilets is a great job to have if you need to go on auto pilot mentally from time to time ) that actually ~ yes, in reality ~ 2013 was not a bad year at all.  It had some rough spots but really in only one way.  Physically, the year was fantastic!  The kids & I have never been healthier, no major ailments & were able to tackle the physical jobs with ease.  Financially, the year was also fantastic!  Am able to pay all household bills, feed & clothe the kids, fill the truck with gas to get places and even purchase some fun and unnecessary things to enjoy.  God has always provided for us and last year was no exception.  Spiritually, the year was beyond wonderful. All four of my children grew spiritually, more so than in years past.  Their faith in and love for the Lord has increased greatly, their willingness and excitement to study His Word increased, they have even been able to encourage me with their words and insight and relationship with our Heavenly Father and isn't that the greatest accomplishment of all?  I believe so.  To grow in the Lord - that is my hope for them every year - so last year was a Good year in that way! The year was full of blessings ... my sister in law gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.  A baby we'd been praying for her to be able to have for the past 5 years.  My daughter KN got her monster turkey with her uncle!  An experience she'll never forget.  CT brought home another deer during deer hunting season and learned how to bbq up some venison steaks - the best we've ever had!  We made several wonderful, memorable trips to visit my brothers & their kids & just spend time enjoying each other.  Finished & paid for the outdoor projects on our list for that year!  ( Always a great feeling. ) That leaves just one way left - and that was the only way last year was just a little bit rough.  Emotionally.  We had several deaths of family members and friends and some members of the family that no longer share our life with us and because of those reasons, there were a few rough emotional moments.  However, through them, we sought God to heal our pain, to bring us joy and peace and we strove to focus on Him, what His plan might be for our lives and how we as a family, a tiny family unit, can help and encourage others.  What a wonderful thing it is when God pulls you out of despair, and fills you with Joy again.  With Peace.  Knowing that if you have Him and focus on Him, nothing and no one can tear you down.  So, the reality is, last year was not a bad year, and may this new year be just as great as the last.