A Year In Review: 2008 Edition

January- Coming back from Florida at the end of December brought a lot of challenges to my life. I desperately wanted to stay. I wanted to be somewhere other than here. I wanted to run my own life, no matter what anyone else or even God wanted. Also in the middle of January I created Only One Life, my handy dandy blog. I also got to see the most snow I’ve ever seen, have a snowball fight with my family, AND build a snowman But, January was such a hard time for me, with longings of the heart pulling against what I knew to be God’s will for me.

February- In February we traveled to Alabama for an evangelistic meeting my dad was preaching. As soon as we arrived my poor back started to spasm and I became very ill. On top of everything I got a nasty virus and my fever was constantly spiking. I finally got over it, but a couple days after we arrived home I began to have the worst back spasm I’ve ever had, lasting over four days. Those four days were filled with so much pain, tears, and just struggling to breathe. Through it all God’s presence was SO real to me, and I truly learned that “No pit is so deep that He is not deeper still.” I turned 19 in February and had an amazing party (“I got my picture with you!”) and felt loved by all. My actual birthday was a little rough, but definitely picked up when the amazing Tiffany surprised me with a surprise outing for ice cream and heart to hearts

March- March came in with the beautiful news of my best friend’s new relationship, and hopes for a wedding. With those beautiful changes also came hard realizations that things would be changed forever. It was also during this wonderful time that God led me to start the most insane thing ever. For those of you who don’t know, I am writing a book. Me, myself and I. Oy.  Read more about that here. 

April- April was a good month, filled with peace to calm the storm that came in January. I learned…

“…For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater…
…For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace…”

But it was still hard not to go painting pictures of Egypt

May- May brought me a much needed break away from everything. Darling Aimee brought me down to stay with her at her little cottage. Of course it was the week after she went on vacation with Mike so she was hopelessly lost in her dream world. It was a wonderful break, and God taught me SO much about contentment, and complete trust in Him.

June- In June I began Pebbles Of Joy. My best friend also got engaged to Joshua Duggar on the 23rd. Some of you who have TLC have been able to see the engagement story. It was a beautifully bittersweet time as we prayed together the day before she got engaged. I love her, and am so thankful for her amazing heart for God.

July- July was a hard month as I continued to work for the Portrait Studio. It was such an emotionally draining job, with constant pressure. But God is good, and continued to help me through it. Our church had another VBS, and we had even more kids than last year! One amazing little boy named Orick changed our lives forever I think. What a precious soul, brought into God’s family!

(In my private note to family and friends I had Orick’s picture here, but have decided not to put that on this public blog, thus the blank space )

August- In August a crushing blow was dealt to my hopes of making it to my best friends wedding. As I cried to my Heavenly Father He reminded me that circumstances do not change His perfect love for me, and no matter what, I still belong to me, and He never leaves my side. After giving it over to Him my heroic brother chose between taking me to her wedding, and going to one of his oldest friend’s wedding. In his words “If I had to choose between being there for him, or supporting you, I’d choose you.” Yeah…I melted too.

September – In September I took some beautiful people’s engagement pictures and endured way too much PG-ness. Ew. Just kidding guys, I love ya!

The end of September something I thought would never happen, happened. A day I honestly thought never would come, came. Something I had given up praying for, because I believed it to be impossible, became very real. On September 26th, 2008, 4 years and 2 months after saying what we both thought was a final goodbye, my best friend and I were joyfully reunited. As I sat in the wedding audience tears streamed down my face. So different from tears of previous days, and previous years. Tears of joy. I silently thanked my dear Jesus, who is SO good to me. He brought impossible things to pass, He healed broken hearts, and He has truly brought beauty for ashes. After returning home I looked at my mom with tears in my eyes and said with joy in my heart, “He really has redeemed the years mom…like it says in the Bible, ‘He redeems the years the locust have eaten.’ What man meant for evil, He has meant for good!”

October – I began job searching in October, and it has been a long road! It seemed as if October was the month for bad news. Friends losing husbands, Blogging friends losing brothers and nephews, broken dreams, mistakes, but through it all God gave grace to “weep with those that weep.”

November – November came to me bringing a lot of extra challenges with friends. Re-evaluating friendships, and honestly taking a step back from the situation. Trying to learn to guard my heart just that much closer, to trust my Heavenly Father more. As a friend reminded me, “He is worthy to be trusted.” Friends may fail, family may leave, but He is still faithful. “He cannot deny Himself.”

December- This December has been all about family. Skipping the usual hectic parties for some serious family time was wonderful. Lunches with “sisters”, and family time in Florida. This Christmas was so much different from last year. God gave me this overwhelming sense of peace the entire time we were in Florida, and not one moment was tainted with sadness. The memories didn’t bring tears to my eyes, but rather a smile. Somehow I think this year is less about a new chapter in my life, and more about the beautiful end to a rather hard chapter. My story is still going, and I am so excited to see what God is going to do in this new year!

“Every day is fresh, with no mistakes in it.”

“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.”

A Little Baby Brings Hope

My sweet friend Hannah P. wrote this and sent it out for Christmas day. I knew nothing I could write would be exactly how I wanted to say it, and this sounded just like what I wanted to write. She kindly agreed to let me share it with you as well:

Dear Friends and Family,

Christmas…it’s supposed to be a time of joy and happiness, right?
Sparkling lights, laughing children, sugar cookies, glittering trees,
holiday parties, loving couples…and yet, somehow Christmas can also be
a very difficult time. Over the years, some Christmases have found me
feeling very down. The naïve-ness I once had as a child was gone as I
learned about all the evil there is in this world. How could one be
joyful when so many people live in sorrow? In my own life, Christmastime
sometimes served as a painful reminder of how imperfect my life was.

I think many people share those same thoughts. The holiday only reminds
them of unpleasant things…of their brokeness, of their financial
situation, of their singleness, of their loss, of their hopelessness.
They see the Christmas card painting of the happy family snuggled close
together around a fireplace and know that it’s not them.

In these past few weeks, I have been in somewhat of a battle. Having
been absorbed in my schoolwork until two weeks ago, I found myself
totally unprepared for the holidays. Because of school, I didn’t have
time or money to buy gifts. I also didn’t have time to participate in as
many holiday gatherings or in decorating for Christmas as much as I have
in the past. In addition, after reflecting over the past year, I still
have tasks that I have not accomplished, and dreams that I have yet to
fulfill. God has brought me a long way this year, but I am still not the
person I had hoped to be. I still have so many areas I need to work on.
This is not how I had planned to end my year. As you can understand, I
have been in a battle to not be completely overwhelmed by life. However,
as I sat and prayed in the Lord’s presence this morning, I was filled
with a new sense of hope.

You see, over 2000 years ago, a couple celebrated a Christmas that was
also less than perfect, filled with unexpected turns and trials. The man
and woman were just simple peasants who planned to get married, start a
family, live life, and eventually die. However, this was not how the
story unfolded. Instead, one day the woman was told (by an angel, no
less. Can you imagine how that interrupted her day?) that she was to
become pregnant. Pregnant! And she wasn’t even married yet! If that
wasn’t enough, after her fiancé found out the news, he wanted to break
up with her. Who wants a wife who is carrying someone else’s son? Life
was not happening the way the man had planned.

The story doesn’t end there. Around the time the woman was expected to
give birth, the couple had to travel to a town for a census. Have you
ever been to the mall at Christmastime? There are people everywhere.
They are loud, noisy, angry, boisterous, and rude. This is how it was in
that little town. Definitely not very peaceful. There were so many
people in the town that when the woman started to go into labor, they
couldn’t even find a place to stay. The only room available was just a
little old barn. Can you imagine already being in pain and now you can’t
even have a bed to lay on?

Finally, the baby was born. The only people who celebrated were some
smelly shepherds, and (a few years later) some astrologers from the
east.  If this baby were just an ordinary child, this would have been a
very frustrating, depressing, and meaningless story. But of course, this
was no ordinary baby. The couple was Mary and Joseph. The baby was
Jesus. He was the Son of God, who later died and was resurrected that we
might be forgiven and that we might have HOPE. In the midst of
craziness, frustration, and confusion lie a little baby in a manger who
would bring HOPE to the world. Don’t you see? God sent us a Savior not
because we deserved it, but because we needed one. Because we are lost
and broken and helpless.  And Mary and Joseph and the others got to be a
part of this crazy plan not because they understood it, or because they
planned everything out, but because they were willing to follow God.

Life is not about accomplishments. It’s not about having everything
together. It’s not about being perfect. Instead, life is about
confessing our failures. It’s about learning. It’s about making mistakes
and growing. It’s about admitting our weaknesses and turning to God for
help. And it’s about facing reality. Reality that life without God is
desolate and bleak, and that only in Him…in that little baby who came to
give us hope…can we find purpose and meaning.

I pray you will celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year!”

All Things Blogish

Last week I did a poll asking how many visitors you thought I’d had. Before September my blog had received close to 1,000 visitors. I posted the Duggar wedding pictures and things just exploded! When I posted the poll I had received 20,000 visitors.

The next day Jordyn-Grace Duggar was born (a bit early) and things took off again. At this time today (noon) I have had almost 1,000, just today. When I shared the numbers with my brother he reminded me that, “with great power comes great responsibility.” Right after I posted the wedding pictures I did a strong post on abortion and the election. I know that God has his ways of reaching people, and I would just like to say if you have been touched through my blog, please leave a comment. Also, those of you who guessed 20,000 please comment! I hope you all have a wonderful, happy Christmas.

Uber-Amazing

I’ve been awarded the Uber Amazing Award. Abigail and Lauren from Pearls and Diamonds have so graciously decided that I:

1. Inspire them

2. Make them smile and laugh

3. Give amazing information

4. Am a great read

5. Have an amazing design

6. And any other reasons you can think of that makes me uber amazing!

Uber means “super” in German, and I happen to use it in my vocabulary quite often.

 

I am going to cheat and say that all the blogs I link to on my blog are uber-amazing, so check them all out!  

And in other blogging news, we are taking a poll! Please vote! Answers will be announed Dec. 23rd!

Pre-Interview Worship

“The words of the Holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens, and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

I know your works, Behold I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know you have but a little power, and yet you have kepy my word, and have not denied my name.”

“Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth, would care to know my name, would care to see my hurts…I am yours…”

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

“Better is one day in your courts, better is one day in your house, better is one day in your courts, than a thousand elsewhere.”

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

“Let my lifesong sing to you….”

 “And you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.”

“I lay my burdens down, now I’m traveling light. My spirit lifted high, I found my freedom now and I’m traveling light”

 “Blessed are those who learn to acclaim you, to walk in the light of your blessing oh Lord”

“Indescribable, uncontainable, you place the stars in the sky and you know them by name. You are amazing God. All powerful, untamable, awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim, you are amazing…”

 “I have set the Lord always before me, Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”

“I have a shelter in the storm, when troubles pour upon me, though fears are rising like a flood, my soul can rest securely. Oh Jesus I can hide in you, my place of peace an solace, no trial is deeper than your love, that comforts all my sorrows.”

 

The Path of Life

“We may be sure that days of adversity, as well as days of prosperity, are full of blessing.  The believer does not need to wait until he sees the reason of God’s afflictive dealings with him [before] he is satisfied; he knows that all things work together for good to them that love God.” - Hudson Taylor

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” These words have been such an encouragement to me lately. The middle of September found me quitting a job without any prospects. October found an offer to live overseas in my inbox, provided I can earn the money. November found me losing a job before I actually got it. December finds me still searching for a job, applying weekly, and scheduling interviews every week.

I hesitated to share about this overseas offer because I wanted to wait until it all worked out. I waited to share about my job search until God had provided the perfect job. Then I thought to myself, why am I not sharing what God is doing during this process? It’s as if I’m protecting God. If that thought doesn’t show you how off my thinking was, then nothing will.

The truth is my Jesus has been so good to me. He has held my hand through this entire process. When I quit my job I had the most peace I’d had since I started working there. When the overseas offer came, and also the immediate list of obstacles, He simply told me that He was a big God, and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. When the job hunt seemed to be useless I cried out in the night and said “God, I cannot do this. I cannot make this happen without your help.” Every time it seems as if there are no more options, Jesus whispers peace to my heart, and then gives me a “token for good” (Psalm 86:17).

I came across this quote by Hudson Taylor yesterday,  and it made me stop and think. I think sometimes we wait to share the lessons that we’re learning until they’re over. Instead, I am reminded that I should rejoice in where I am today. The things that God is teaching me are fresher and more precious to me right now, and from now on I plan to share each step of the journey. I can be satisfied even in the middle of all these decisions because no matter where I am, or what I’m doing, I am drinking in the goodness that is found at His right hand.

“I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us” (Isaiah 63:7a)

 

 

Traveling Light

I’m sorry blog posting has been rather light lately. Job searching and photoshoots have taken up most of my time, and then add in the usual Christmas craziness and that’s pretty much my life right now. Soon, soon, updates will come. Until then I leave you with the words to one of my favorite songs, which has encouraged me so much lately.

“Well I was doubling over the load on my shoulders
Was a weight I carried with me everyday
Crossing miles of frustrations and rivers a raging
Picking up stones I found along the way
I staggered and I stumbled down
Pathways of trouble
I was hauling those souvenirs of misery
And with each step taken my back was breaking
‘Til I found the One who took it all from me

Down by the riverside
(Down by the riverside)
I laid my burdens down,
Now I’m traveling light
My spirit lifted high
(I found my freedom now)
I found my freedom now
And I’m traveling light

Through the darkest alleys and loneliest valleys
I was dragging those heavy chains of doubt and fear
Then with the one word spoken the locks were broken
Now He’s leading me to places
Where there are no tears

Down by the riverside
(Down by the riverside)
I laid my burdens down,
Now I’m traveling light
My spirit lifted high
(I found my freedom now)
I found my freedom now
And I’m traveling light”

“Casting all your cares upon Him…”

Thou Art Mine

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…

 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee…”

Isaiah 43:1-4

A Safe House

I recently had the opportunity to show Christ’s love in a very practical, very moving way. To see pictures and read my thoughts on this event, click here.

God gives us so much. How can we help but give to others?

 ”35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

 36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

 37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

 38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

 39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

 40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

 41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

 42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

 43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

 44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

 45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. ” ~ Matthew 25:35-47

Thankful For My Saviour

This holiday season caught me by suprise. Somehow the winter blues came a little late, and the heart full of joy and gratefullness came just a few days after Thanksgiving. I am so very grateful for my dear Saviour, and for His forever love for me. I love Him because He first loved me.

“Thank You, Lord

I’m thankful, Lord, for many things,
But this Thanksgiving day
I’m dedicating to the praise
Of only You, I pray.

Aside from blessings temporal,
Apart from gifts so kind,
I’m thankful for the Giver more
Than all the gifts combined.

I’m thankful, Lord, for who You are,
For Your great love divine
That stooped one day at Calvary’s cross
And saved a soul like mine.

I’m grateful for the years gone by
In which, with guiding hand,
You have with utmost wisdom led,
All by a perfect plan.

I’m thankful, Lord, for many things,
Apart from gifts so kind,
I’m thankful for the Giver more
Than all the gifts combined.”

-Georgia B. Adams