from me

So much has happened since my last post here. I’ve had so much to say – and yet didn’t. 2010 has ended with much mixed emotion and activity, several ups and downs. But it has ended. 2011 holds much promise, much hope – much increase to come.

So we part with 2010 with no great resources for you to enjoy, no helpful tips, no timely news updates, no super sales – just my heart to yours.

The day after my last post here, I headed for a 3 day trip to join my sister in taking our mom out for a special Christmas present, dinner at the Renaissance Mansion. We had a great time together. Those times together come too few and far between with the distance that separates us in miles, but not love.

A couple days after I returned, I awoke to a horrifying phone call. The unexpected death of my father-in-law changed our last two weeks of 2010 profoundly. No intensive writing time to finish my next book, no leisurely time for shopping and decorating and baking and wrapping and caroling and … In the midst of our grief, there was still joy at seeing family members (and friends) that we see too irregularly, the bustle of trying to get preparations complete for our usual Christmas family gatherings, and of course the joy of celebrating the advent of our Lord and Savior, that no earthly sorrow can diminish.

That week between the year end holidays, that seems to get lost every year, left time for reflection, restoring of health, and resting – things that had been thus far crowded out. In more than one sense, it was a bit of a down time.

But the year was not to end thus. We anticipated the arrival of our 9th grandchild – possibly a bit early to crown the old year with a welcome tax deduction for its parents, – as a grand way for 2010 to go out. But God has chosen to allow him or her to be amongst our 2011 increases, as was originally expected.

The year ended rather with the announcement of another new increase to the family. Not like the small bundle that will be coming this month and another like it this summer, but a larger package – yet just as joyful. One, like the others, that we’ve also known for some months would be a soon addition. With just a few short hours left in the old year, Josh asked for the hand of Amariah. With Mark’s and my blessing, he proposed on one knee in the snow and raging, sub-zero temp and wind. Far enough away from the New Year’s partying church crowd, her screams of delight were not heard. Though no public announcement was made, when they returned inside, the news was soon clearly known and rejoiced over.

2010 is gone. Gone are its sorrows, its busyness, its events, its joys. Time marches on. As a fitting farewell to the year, we worshiped the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Creator of all – including time, only Savior of mankind and remembered His priceless gift through His Supper. Thus 2011 was welcomed in Hope, Faith and Love – from the hand of our loving, most merciful and gracious Father, the giver of time – and all.

I pray your 2010 has gone out peacefully – and
May you have a Blessed 2011!

For Me & My House,
Lisa @ Me & My House

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