Thoughts toward 2006

So my Christmas was really nice. I thank my God every day for these people He's put in my life that are so willing to continually welcome me in... not just as a friend dropping by, but as a real part of their family. Marc & Susannah, their boys and Marc's parents were a special blessing to me this Christmas that was harder than most with my parents halfway around the world (this is only the 3rd time in my almost 37 years that I have spent Christmas away from my parents). To some of you that may not seem like such a big deal, but ask yourself if that is because you have had your own family for quite some time and you spend it with them. For me, yes, still single and waiting on the Lord to bring me my husband and family, spending time away from my parents means I am without family. But this year these special people who are dear to my heart, took me under their wing and continued to allow me to be "Aunt Debby". I know God must have special blessings in store for them, for their sacrifices of "just family time" and allowing an outsider to be on the inside. I am forever grateful!

On another note, I found out last weekend that my grandparents have made the decision to move from their duplex/townhouse into an apartment at the home they have been a part of for the last 7-8 years. My grandmother is just having a more difficult time getting around these last couple months and is much weaker after the ordeals of the past year and a half. Plus, living in a land of winter, it will allow them to gather with people and maybe do some activities that they wouldn't have done it they stayed out in the townhouse because it would mean getting out in the cold/snow/ice, etc. So, my aunt is up there this week starting to help with some packing. I had intended to go this weekend, but I still have this cold/cough hanging on and may put it off another week. I don't want to make them sick or to have mine get worse. I haven't worked it all out yet, but my aunt will call me this afternoon or early evening to let me know how she did and what she got accomplished. We are all very grateful to my uncle for being there a couple times a week and for helping them with doc appts and with making the difficult decisions.

I really don't know what this coming year holds for me. In the past, I've kind of been able to look forward and know some of the big things that might be coming, but as I'm looking forward to next year, this time, I just don't know. As of right now, I'm planning only one trip the beginning of April. I will spend the first 2 weeks of the month in Australia with Mom and Dad and I'm looking forward to it. Then they will be making a trip back to the States in July or August, which will mean that their assignment is half over - it really seems to be flying by!

I will also begin the biggest challenge of my adult life - I will begin drastic measures of cutting up my credit cards, paying off my debt and living on a cash only basis. I know that seems like a really strange thing to do in today's world, but through much prayer, thought and support from my parents, I believe it is what the Lord is leading me to do. I'm praying for His help, especially in the first 6 months as I adjust and will have to say "no" to things when I don't have the money to do it. I think once I get in the habit it will be a little easier and I know that once I have paid off my debt completely I will be a much happier person for it. It won't always be easy and I covet your prayers for me, but when I'm done, I believe I'll be able to live much more as the Lord wants me to as well as be able to contribute to His causes and His people much more freely than I can now!

My other goal is to return to the South Beach lifestyle of eating and exercising. I did very well when I stuck to it, but the past year and a half with everything going on I've not done as well at sticking to it and have put weight back on. I'm intending for this year to be a year of health - all around. Spiritually, economically, physically, creatively, etc, etc. I'm planning to continue with my scrapbooking. I've finished everything up through my 2 years of college, but have 16 years to go after that! I also have two quilts that I need to do and need to diligently work on them. As well as many sewing projects for me, hopefully as I lose weight, I will need new clothes and have plenty of fabric and patterns to work with.

Well, I guess this post has turned into a New Year's resolution list of sorts. Though I'm not usually good with the resolution/goals list, so maybe I'll just look at it as some of the things I'd like to work on this year, the Lord willing. Well, guess that's it, my mind is pretty empty for now. Have a great New Year's Eve, whatever you may be doing to celebrate, please be safe!