Saying Goodbye to 2022

As the final days of the year are upon us, I reflect on the beauty, blessing, and events of 2022

I've been a little silent in the last couple of months as competition season was upon us at school.  The busier I am, the less I have time to put my thoughts on paper.  However, the end of the year always brings reflection, and this year has a lot to reflect on - moments of dreams come true and moments of nightmares turned reality.  Yet, in it all, God has faithfully brought our family through each moment with the comfort of His presence.  While I can say that 2022 has probably been the most difficult year I've ever experienced in many ways, I am also in awe of several moments that carried me through the year - through amazing travel opportunities, successes in my work, and family who has been a constant when so much has been in flux.  My break is almost over - a break that has been filled with crafts and family time.  But a break is not complete without a post from me to you! 

Some highlights of this year for me are: 

    TAFE State in February - student success and election as TAFE President school - making history for our rural school.

    England in March with Mom (and a bonus stop in Amsterdam, Netherlands) 🇳🇱 

    More trips to State Parks throughout the year

    In States travel to Washington D.C., North Dakota, and across Texas

    Book reading and collecting (21 books read this year! Let's see if I can make it 23 in 2023!)

    And finally - starting this blog! For years, I've had a desire to have a space to share my thoughts with the world.  While social media gives a platform, the layout and design of this space feel so distinctly mine,  and I love that I've had the opportunity to share some of my poetry and reflections with you all - my faithful and close knit friends and family who have been supportive of this venture.  Thank you for walking this journey and letting me share a small portion of the ponderings this year has brought.  I believe that sharing journals and poetry is one of the most vulnerable things I've ever done - to take such a personal aspect of my heart and mind and put it out there is honestly terrifying.  But as I was telling a friend the other day - maybe being vulnerable this way is helping someone who is in a similar struggle.  If my words have helped you understand yourself, others, or myself, as your friend, then I have accomplished my goal.  

I've never been one for epic "New Year's Resolutions", but for those of you who wonder what things I plan to be working on in the coming year: 

    Art - I plan to continue to explore mediums and methods, take courses and practice techniques to expand my artistic abilities and work towards some of my artistic goals (maybe even making it lucrative. . .?)

    "Debt Free in 2023" - It's catchy, and it's feasible if I put my nose to the grindstone! My college and car are almost equal, and almost paid, and I cannot be more excited 😊 

    Travel - I always intend to travel, and I hope to explore several more Caves in Texas (I started a cool Cave challenge last summer, and I want my free t-shirt to explore the rest on the challenge. . .!) I hope my passport needs to be pulled out again, and I will do what I can to make that happen. 

- Hope -

The other day, I was reading where I was in my Chronological Bible plan (very behind I might add. . . but not behind in God's perfect plan).  I was reading in Ezekiel in the well known passage where God sends Ezekiel to the valley of dry bones. For those of you who, like me, need the breath of God to breathe hope into your future - remember that He is the God of renewal and hope.

Romans 5:5: "And this hope will not lead to disappointment.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (NLT)

May your 2023 be filled with peace and joy - may the struggles you face be few, and may you face all of your fears with bravery.  May your friends be constant and kind, may your faith be strong, and may your eyes be able to see all the beauty and blessing surrounding you.  May you never lose heart, and may you boldly travel your journey with confidence.  May the God of all comfort be present with you as you grieve what 2022 lost, and may He restore you in body and soul in 2023.