Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Reflections…

This is how I spent ringing in the new year…..

Yes....the empty chair is mine!! Temps in the 70's and lots of relaxing
with some shopping, good seafood, and fireworks over the ocean!!

The warm beaches of Panama City in sunny Florida were a welcome treat as the year lingered for the last time. As one door closes new ones will open….and I look forward with anticipation..........

2011 came to a close like the slamming of a door.  It started out good….really escalated to being on the top of the world…. and then came crashing down all at once.  Life is good when we are constantly walking on the top of the mountain….however; God wants us to rely on Him in every moment.  Those moments when we are struggling deep in the valley of darkness, we are not alone.  I walked in this deep valley from August 30 until the end of the year.  I honestly do not know how people can pick themselves up and move on without the unselfish help and love of our Heavenly Father.  

He has now shut that door and I am glad to put it all behind me…not forgetting and not without learning, but moving ahead and excited about what He has in store for our family in 2012.  I have missed blogging and so appreciate those of you who “checked in” on me throughout this time.  I know without any doubt that things could have been worse and others experienced far greater tragedies than we did; so I must remember how truly blessed we are and to take this valley journey and see it as a bridge between the mountains.  While crossing this swinging dark path, I learned that there are not always answers to our questions…so we have to rely on FAITH and TRUST.  Sometimes that is easier said than done….but the sun will again rise over the hills and a new day is always there. That new door will open wide and welcome us in…..

I have busied myself with crafting and painting. Door hangers (speaking of doors)  seem to be all the craze at the moment …so I tried my hand at it, first making a couple for Holly….and then boom….everyone wanted some!! I’m not complaining, mind you, it’s good money for a hobby I love!  Here are a few I’ve done:


Aubie from Auburn University


This one is reversible!!

Not a door hanger...but still some of my work!
Gooble Gooble!!

These are all designed, cut, sanded, primed, painted,
sealed, and ready to hang.... all by me!!
Yes I use power tools....don't mess with me!! :)
So…. my reflections on the past are for making me stronger, they are for putting a few things into a new perspective, and for making me grow in the Lord and trust Him more each new day. When I look in the mirror this year and see that reflection I hope I will be smiling most of the time....and with God's help I will.

As many bloggers have done in the past by picking a "word for the year"…so shall I this year too.  My word for last year was "HOPE" and I carried it throughout each day until the year ended; but it did not end without "hope"; it was still always there….  This year my word will be
 ….too find "joy" again in everyday experiences and regain some "joy" that was lost somewhere toward the end.  So I’m looking forward to the new year with hope and joy.  I hope you too will have a joyous new year with lots to make you happy!

16 comments:

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

I am SO glad you are back. I know the end of last year was a hard one on you. But God is still good and He still sits on the throne.

I LOVE the things you made. So cute!!!
And my favorite word is JOY! But my motto for the year is "Git er' done!" LOL!

BIG HUGS!
Kim

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

I've missed you too! Glad you are back and I love your post it is so true. Looking forward to a good year!

Unknown said...

Welcome back my friend...you were missed! {{{{HUGS}}}}

Mona

Sewn With Grace said...

I have missed you, Cora! So glad you are back. I think a warm weather vacation is the perfect way to start a brand-new year. You've picked a wonderful word for 2012, may God bless you with abundant J-O-Y!!!

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful way with words!!!!


Debbie Miller Powell

Anonymous said...

great blog!! and yes, am glad you are back writing it again...I truly enjoy reading it and admiring all your pix!! love you!

Bonnie Anderson Hardwick

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed our girls weekend! Looking forward to a year filled with great things. Love you friend!

~Becky~

Tara said...

What a gorgeous setting, I'm envious!
I am pleased to hear you are feeling better Cora. What a blow your family was dealt. I sincerely hope and pray the coming year holds much JOY and many many blessings for you!

The Old Parsonage said...

Cora I KNOW that the Lord was with you every step of the way and that he will help you to find that JOY again.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Leann

Unknown said...

Happy to see you back!!! Love the door letters, must learn too! Praying JOY returns to you soon!

Unknown said...

Hello my friend.. Im sorry for your loss..but I do look forward to what God has in store for you in 2012. He loves you and never let go of your hand....

Love your work.. Im getting ready to start a mosac table for the front porch..wish me luck...
I will take some pics as I go..
Love ya..and so glad your back..Im gonna try to be better at my blogging this year.. wish me luck there toooo..lol.
God bless you and your family and look joyiously to 2012

Janan Doster said...

Oh my goodness, its SEW glad to have you back! I know the JOY you must be getting from crafting, as I get this JOY everytime I sew a stitch in fabrics. I think you have chosen a fantastic word "JOY". You know you are totally correct by faith and trust, but remember all your friends had you and your family wrapped up in their prayers.
Happy New Year, It will be full of JOY.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Sending a hug...I call them our "sackcloth" times in life. Some keep us in the sackcloth longer than others...and only we know when the time has come to remove the sackcloth.

Blessings in this new year...JOY! May the joy of the Lord be your strength.

Angie Berry ~ Berry Homespun Primitives said...

Oh girl, that looks divine! I think we all agree that would be the best way to celebrate a new year!

Your handmades are so cute! I'm glad to see you creating and crafting again... and blogging!

God is so good to us. I think of you all often and pray for you. I wish you much JOY in the coming year my dear friend~

Debra said...

I feel awful I have neglected visiting you for so long. I so love your photos....I'm so sorry your year was not all good-but you seem to be plucking what God wants you to take from it, and using it for good.
I guess the same could be said of my year in 2011-but I'm leaving the past just there, and moving forward!
~Debra

Anonymous said...

so happy to have you back!