Good Riddance 2012, Welcome 2013

I have been trying to figure out how to usher in my new blog. I wanted a cool template, and for everything to be perfect before I went "public" but nothing seems to be working and no one seems to have any idea how to actually install a blogger template that works with the new blogger...so this will have to do...at least for now. One day when I have oodles of time on my hands...I can figure out how to make an updated header and/or a cool template.
A new year is as good as time as any to start blogging again, right? I have never been more ready to tuck a year behind me as I am 2012. It was a year full of losses in many ways, and one that I feel echoed in so many of my friends lives. If I actually have the time and energy to really start blogging again, I am sure that the stories will eventually come out. For now they are tucked in my heart, still processing through my thoughts. But the great thing about difficulty, is that it brings with it the possibility for redemption. 2012 was not a great year, but it was a year of tremendous growth. Jonathan and I are stronger for it. I am stronger for it. Going through it, I just wanted out. But now I can see how I had so many necessary things to learn. I still regret some of it...wish some of it could be erased. But looking back, we didn't lose anything we could not afford (ie...we are all alive), and while what was done was meant to harm, I believe that God has and will continue to redeem it for His purposes. You see, while what happened had nothing to do with Jonathan and I or our relationship, directly, it did all culminate on the day after our tenth anniversary. So on the evening of our anniversary, August 9, 2012...as we tried to go out to dinner, there was such anxiety and turmoil about the day ahead that I couldn't eat a single thing. And I ended up going to the car before the bill even came. There was no grand celebration. It was one of the most difficult days of my life. Unfortunately, It was just another thing this person stole from us...our tenth anniversary. But God is in the details. I have always believed that, but for the last two years have begun to question just how far into the details He really is. The events of this year threatened to take those questions to an even further extent, but God in His mercy, whispered just enough Truth to fight the lies. He has redeemed much of what was taken...but there is still a lot of growth to come. Still so many unanswered questions. But if you ever doubted that God is in the details...or the business of redemption, then take note that the month I thought I would forever hate because of the association with what happened last August, has been redeemed. For what threatened to destroy life as we knew it last August is gone...and new things have come. Namely, this beautiful baby... due...get this...August 9, 2013, our eleventh wedding anniversary. How is that for redemption?

Welcome 2013. I pray it will be a year of redemption for us all! Open your eyes and your ears and your heart...listen for the whispered Truth...let Him fight the battle that was never yours to fight...and you will see the seeds of redemption...slight here on earth...but ever so abundantly and fully in Heaven. This baby is my figurative Isaac. A desire that I laid upon an alter. Instead of making it my alter, as I did for so long, I laid it down. The Lord has granted life, and we are so very excited to complete our family in this most amazing way.