Tuesday, December 30, 2008

I Must Confess


I have a confession to make.

2008 can't be over fast enough. Friends, this has been one tough year.

Watching this year fade into the sunset brings me quite a bit of joy.

2008 has not been my favorite year, not by a long shot. Change has been the theme of my life these past twelve months and I haven't enjoyed it one bit. The economy hasn't helped things out much either. Watching family and friends sell their homes or lose them has been hard to watch. Forcing Paul and I to ask ourselves, "How many months could we survive without work?" Answer...maybe two.

That's a scary thought in itself!

Relationships in my life have been rearranged and redefined. That for me, has been the most difficult of all.

Yes, the Lord has been more than faithful.

Yes, my children have been healthy..Praise God!

Yes, no matter what the storm, we are still standing.


But as far as 2008 goes, this year at 11:59:59 seconds, I will be a whooppin and a hollerin...and not shedding one teeny tinsy tear, not one.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

2009 is gonna be fine. At lest that's the way I am looking at it now!

Michele Williams said...

I'm looking forward to a much better 2009... Blessings...

Growin' With It said...

oh i bet you know my thoughts on this one! amen sista.

sharon brobst said...

Hey girl! it's been a tough one for me too so I'll be standing with you whoopin and a hollerin!!!

But I have to say that while it's been really hard this year it's also been healing, restoring and a growing process...for that I can be thankful.

A Stone Gatherer said...

I haven't had that bad of a year, but CHANGE is one thing that I do not like at all, no way, no thanks! this year has brought alot of change, and this next year promises more! YIPPEE! NOT! But again God is faithful and helps even me!

Mari said...

My year has had it's tough moments, but it's been all right. However - I hate change too. I hope 2009 is better for you!

Chelle' said...

AMEN. Hallelujah. What she said!!!

I agree.

Unknown said...

I just commented, but I'm not sure it went through..so Im doing it again. I appreciate what you shared...as I feel the same thing. It's been a hard year...I just wrote about where I am at on my blog too. I'm learning to cling a little tighter to the savior...but it's hard at times...

Love you.

Unknown said...

Joanne, I can't remember if I told you about my new feature...so please forgive me if I did. I am starting something new on Friday's, if you have time come check it out. I'd love it if you took part in it, and if you want to copy and past the button on to your blog, please feel free.

thanks.

Elizabeth M Thompson said...

Hooray for 2009! But don't forget the blessings of 2008--someone I know figured out she can write and several others figured it out too! Someone I know took a little trip to the South and found a whole bunch of kindred spirits there and fell in love with sweet tea and southern hospitality. Someone I know wrote a stellar book proposal and had her first article accepted for publication in 2008(and made it look so easy!)

I know 2008 has been hard. Real hard, but it brought many blessings and a lot of fun, too.

the voice of melody said...

I know that many share your sentiment. May you and your family be blessed in the coming year! :)

momstheword said...

Change is not always easy, that's for sure! My youngest handles change a lot better than he used to.

BTW, when my husband lost his job several years ago he was out of work for a YEAR! We did survive on severance, then unemployment and our savings, and also our church family was so gracious.

We also had a homeschooling family and one other family give us money so that we could buy Christmas presents for our kids.

It wasn't easy, and I learned alot about frugal living, but God was so faithful!

It's hard watching people go thru difficult times but God gives them the strength they need to get thru it.

Paula V said...

Amen, sister. Except I doubt I will be up at 11:59 as I don't want to be reminded of not only the couples holiday of NYE but also that is it my beloved's and this will be the second I can't share it with it. Ahh...sniff...sniff. Seriously, it's sad but I think sulking on the couch to some movies and going to bed around 11ish is fine with me. Let's just get on with it. :-)
Love,
Paula

Wentworth Family Blog said...

I am glad you stopped by my blog. You have a wonderful blog. I agree with you, I will be welcoming 2009. A new year, a fresh start!

secondofwett said...

It's so nice to read that I'm not alone .....between a MAJOR change in family relations, an older daughter moving back home, my dad having major physical setbacks, my mom having a heart attack and now my beloved dog is dying and we will probably euthanize him in the next couple of days....I'm more than ready to move on....Praise the Lord His mercies are new every morning!

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

A new year, a new start, new opportunities. He makes all things new.
Let's appreciate what was worthwhile and learn from what wasn't.
We had our share of tears and joys. May your 2009 be so blessed.
Susan

Aspiemom said...

Yep. Very bad year here, too.

You are confusing me - this entry has tomorrow's date. I'm on the east coast- and it's still Mon, 12/29 here. You really ARE trying to hurry things along! lol

CalvaryGirl said...

That about brought a tear to my eye. I'm glad someone said it out loud! 2008 has been a hard year for us too.
Wendy
My Blog

Mocha with Linda said...

I echo your words. This has been a challenging year.

I can't imagine where we would all be if we couldn't say "the Lord has been more than faithful."

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Ah, confession is always good for the soul. Joining your heart in expectation for what's ahead. My father has always said, and I believe he's correct...

"The best is yet to be."

Whether here on earth...or there in our next, life continues toward the better as long as we're continuing toward our Father.

Walking it with you, friend.

peace~elaine

Tea with Tiffany said...

I believe God has better times in store for your 2009. My 2008 was healing and hard and beautiful all in one.

Hugs!
And Happy New Year!
I met you in 2008. :)I've enjoyed our friendship.

Fran said...

I've missed you friend. I'm praying for all of our 2009's.

Blessings~
Fran

Wanda said...

I'm right there with you, girlfriend! It has been a tough one for my family too.
I never want to travel that road again.
I can say......God has blessed and cared for us even in the storm!

May you have a rockin 2009!

hey you.... blahhhhhhgitty blaaahhh said...

I can't agree more with you! I too have had one of the worst years in my life! 2009.... bring it on! :D Hope you are doing well and thanks for your comments!

Aly said...

I hate to break it to you, Joanne, but you have an extra LEAP SECOND this year...so 11:59:60...to extra to manage! Remember: Our God will supply all our needs! Phillipians 4:19.

In His Grip,

Aly

Aunt Angie said...

Yes...it has been a rough one...but what I have seen GOD carry us through...has changed my heart forever.

Lessons learned have been valuable. My determined destination is more fixed in my eyesight than ever before as I know Wanda waits...just inside the gates for me! I love you!!!

Lisa Spence said...

I too will be glad to see 2008 in my rear view mirror! May we see the Lord's faithfulness in 2009 in ways we cannot imagine...

Kate said...

I never knew that 2008 was such a rough one for you. I am praying 2009 blessings over you and your family. God has big things in store for you guys, I know it.

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