What a great year 2010 was for me. I will never be able to recount all of the memories and blessings and friends--but here are a few of some highlights that came to my mind tonight as I was reminiscing........
I have never had Joy, Sarah, and Joel all at the same time in Vienna--my second home. Since Joel was born in Vienna, he was thrilled to be able to be with us and to attend a wonderful concert in the famous Musik Verein where we heard Motzart. Sarah and I have many memories together here, but to finish Joy's trip here and to make "favorite" places with her was so fun. We four were such an easy-going little traveling troop--such a grand memory. It was one of my best memories being in this wonderful city with them. Next time, Clay and Nate will have to come!
I found Chocolove's Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Almond bars and fell in love with it!
Pandora is new to me and I gave it to myself as a Christmas gift--for a yearly subscription, so that I could make up my own channels of music and play it all the time--at home and on the road. I enjoy it every day all day.
My 15 year old trip with Joy--since she was a little one, she has always been dragged around with all the older kids. She has had to wait her turn to get her turn to jump in to the many conversations and happenings. I loved, loved, loved being alone with her. She is a hoot, funny, adventurous, spiritual, great mind, sweet friend and so much fun. Great memories and blessings.
I have dreamed for years of having a smaller conference in my home to train leaders and feed them home-cooked meals, share ideas and inspiration, tea times, discussions and this year, 52 sweet women from all over the world, took a chance and came together for our first mom-heart intensive training. What a blessing each of them was to me. We learned a lot and hope to be doing 4 more this year, but with just 20 women at each one--but a favorite memory. (My wonderful 9, mentioned below, are in here--Jerrine, Deb, Shelley, Stacy, Micala, Denise, Karla, Kellie, Brandee--and my sweet team friends, Lynn, Beth, Sandra, and Zan)
My every Sunday afternoon phone call to my cell phone from Nathan, without fail, to talk and catch up on life and the long stem white rose he gave me Christmas Eve that is just now wilting.
My sweet little group of 10 women came together who work with me on conferences, pray together, do the intensives, and they are my support system that I couldn't live without. Also an unusual blessing this year-a kiss from God.
Memories from Ellis Island--Statue of Liberty
My history group that meets every Wednesday, took a historical historical trip to Boston, New York City and Philadelphia and trained the whole way. We had been planning to do this for a couple of years and it was so much fun.
My verse for the year that the Lord used a lot, "I am humble and meek. Learn from me." Don't remember anyplace else Jesus said, "Learn from me." Am still pondering that.
The Relevant Blogging conference where I met Sarah Mae after being online friends and had such a great time with so many other inspiring women. (likeawarmcupofcoffee.com)
Really enjoyed two new books by friends:
Small Steps for Catholic Moms by Elizabeth Foss --Elizabeth is one of my favorite thoughtful writers and she included in this book so many quotations and thoughts by some of my favorite writers throughout history--the saints of old, and I found it quite thoughtful. (http://www.elizabethfoss.com/)
Also blessed by 1000 Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voscamp Such grace-giving words that take you to the heart of God,(http://www.aholyexperience.com/)
Always heartened by her writing, insights, recommendations and the many, many comments and bits of love and encouragement from my friend Brenda. We were sisters in another life. She always "does me good." (coffeeteabooksandme.blogspot.com)
Of course my sweet husband, Clay, who has loved me in spite of it all, for so many years and partnered together in the adventure of life, children, ministry, writing and always one more ideal.
There are so many ways He blessed me and so many more memories, moments, graces and joys this year and so many of you were used by Him to bless me. I am very fortunate and filled with peace and joy just to reflect on it all. Love and wishes for your year this year to be so blessed.