At church on Sunday, our pastor asked us to list the 5 things that impacted our lives in 2011. He then challenged us that they could propel us – either for the good or the bad – if we let them.

I reflected on the top 5 things that impacted my 2011. As I did, I realized that I had a pretty awesome year. The negative things that I did go through in 2011 (don’t we all?) were all but forgotten, and certainly worth the final outcome.

1) The Move. We tend to move a lot. I’d like for that trend to stop. This move has been AMAZING for us in so many ways – we love our church, our neighborhood, our friends, the kids schools, our jobs, the weather. There’s really nothing bad we can say about the move. Moves are never easy and almost always stressful – this is where much of the “negative” came in last year. However, the ultimate outcome was absolutely worth the price – even though we wish we didn’t have to pay it!


2) House Guests. Our brother-in-law took a 6 month job overseas. Because of where they lived, he’d basically only get to his family (Jon’s sister and their 3 kids) see them at Christmas. Their family consists of a 5 year old, 2 year old, and 7 month old. Having done the “work travel” gig, we know it’s no fun. Adding a new born to the mix makes it even more challenging. Because we live only a short plane ride from where he’s working, we offered for them to live with us during his 6 month stint. We have a “guest house” of sorts, but share laundry and kitchen facilities. They moved in the very same day we closed on our house. Needless to say, our life has been chaotic! It has also been a huge blessing – we’ve had a chance to get to know Jon’s sister better, get to know her family. The kids have always wanted to have family close. Not only that, but I’ve learned a lot about myself – two women in the kitchen can cause for a lot of introspection and growth! We’ve got about a month left of this living situation, and while there have certainly been challenges, we’re thankful we had the opportunity to host them.


3) New Church. In our last location, we spent 3 years church hunting. It was a miserable, empty, lonely feeling. We never found one where we felt we belonged. In the previous 3 moves, we found churches we really enjoyed, we loved Sunday mornings, loved the “family” we formed at our church, and really felt like we were growing in our walk with Christ and with each other. I won’t sugar coat it – the last 3 years have been some of the darkest in our walk with Christ and with each other. We feel now like that fog has lifted. After having gone without, we have a new appreciation for our church, love the people, love to serve, and can’t wait to continue that growth.


4) Small Groups / New Friends. Similar to missing church, we missed the Small Groups. We have been immensely blessed in our Small Groups in the past – they are very much as close as family to us. This is another thing that we have not had in the past 3 years and left a gaping hole in our lives. We have joined small groups and have met wonderful new friends through these groups. In fact, just this weekend, Jon texted a friend giving him the heads up that he was using his name as a reference. The return text invited us to dinner that very evening. Jon responded that dinner was already on the stove, but did they want to join us. It was a very impromptu, non-fancy dinner – and it meant the world to us. To fellowship over leftovers – not much is sweeter. I’m thankful to have friends like that again – that don’t require plans, but enjoy drop-ins.


5) Running. I’ve taken up running again. Something about living in a place that always hovers in the 70s-80s makes you want to eat and live healthier. For me, fitness and happiness are kind of a never-ending cycle – I need one to have the other. I discovered this past fall as I trained for a half marathon that when I run, everything works better – my attitude is better, which makes my relationships better, which makes my eating habits better, which makes me sleep better. I mentioned in a previous post that we are responsible for choosing happiness, choosing joy. In doing that, I think it’s important to understand the situations where it’s easiest to choose joy – and do what we can to plug in to those situations!


So what will I carry with me into 2012, and what will I cast off as lessons learned?


The move is behind me. I’ll cast off the negatives that were associated with it and dwell on everything that we love about our new home.


My sister-in-law’s 6 month stint is nearly complete. I’ll wish them Godspeed on their next endeavor, and apply the lessons I learned about myself in hopes of making me a more tolerable person. OK, maybe that’s a bit overstated – but unfortunately I did learn more about my negative qualities than my positive ones – things I definitely need to make strides to change in myself.


I absolutely plan to continue with our new church, and in doing so plan to become more involved in service.


Ditto small groups. When our travel schedule lets down, we’d also like to lead one. Maybe just host one for the short term? The friendships associated with them I’m holding onto like a lifeline (without suffocating the friends, that is). I’m better at acquaintances than friendships – and I need to keep working on that.


Running. My next big race is another half at the end of March. I figure if I keep paying the fee, I’ve got to keep running so as not to waste money! My head knows that it makes me happy… but my sleepy eyes don’t want to get out of bed! We’ll get there…


And I wonder what else? As he closed the sermon, he told us to stop asking God What If? And instead ask Why Not? With an Almighty God charting my course, Why Not? Anything is possible?

What great things will He lead me to and through in 2012 if I allow it? If I keep my mind and heart open to His call? I need to not doubt by asking “what if?” but instead look forward eagerly by asking, “Why not?!”

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13