seriously folks... 2007 = worst. year. ever.
of my whole entire life.
bar none.
nuff said??
Here's praying that 2008 brings happier times, better health, less depression and anxiety, and closer relationships...
If you've been following my blog you know that the downsides of 2007 have been many... 1 cancer scare (sept), 1 cancer surgery (april), a big long recovery (april to now, and still going), many doubts in my faith (felt like God gave me wayyyyy more than I could handle), doubts in myself (I changed a huge amount because of that surgery), doubts in my marriage (felt like things just weren't working the way they should be), doubts in everything...
we didn't even put up our Christmas tree or send a single card because I couldn't think of anything positive to write...
and a friend called me on that -- challenged me to write down the positives even if I never sent the letter or even showed anyone... but I'm going to do that here...
positives of 2007...
1. Kathleen Elise Ciarochi -- born 1/17/07 -- my adorable niece -- I just can't say enough about my nieces!!
2. Mia Lauren Ciarochi -- turned 3 in may -- she's so much more interactive this year -- in the times that I got to see her she really was talkative and fun to play with.
3. Since I'm on a roll with nieces... Elizabeth Grace Ciarochi - born 6/6/07 -- love that lil sweet baby -- always grinning and just last night in talking to David (my brother) I overheard her cooing and chatting away in her babytalk in the background...
4. My two awesome sister-in-laws -- getting really close to these ladies and appreciating them more every time I get to hang out with them.
5. Tater Pie -- and ironically he was born the day after I had my surgery -- which cracks me up -- because if I hadn't had the surgery, we may never have gotten him... the whole reason I really needed another cat was because I was so terribly unhappy that I needed something that would make me happy just by it's very presence... just in and of itself... happiness occurs... and Tater totally fulfills that... just looking at him makes me grin, giggle or just bust out laughing.
6. All the other blessings that have been born into my friends' lives... Elli Smith (january 3), Josiah Ryan (april 27), Josiah Daniel (august 3 i believe)... all beautiful happy healthy babies that I have enjoyed watching them grow and develop over the past year...
7. The KnitWits -- who are they? you might ask... that is the name of the group of crazy knitters that I hang out with several times a week now... Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays... They are a great bunch of women who are sweet, funny, caring, talented, loving, and who have adopted me in and made me one of their own. They are teaching me as I hone my skills as a knitter -- I realize that I need to post my pics here soon! -- I have finished 8 pairs of socks since taking that first class in August. Plus 4 hats, 2 baby blankets, and a scarf!! This year has been the year of the knitting... for sure. Once I get my chair I plan to pick up my cross stitch as well -- I have a lady that I began in February of last year but haven't gotten any further with...
I think that's all my brain can handle coming up with for now... it is 2:20am and although I am more of a night owl now than before... I am coming down with a nasty cough/cold that Andy happened to pass on to me -- so I'm sniffly and my eyes are starting to water as I type... time to dose myself with some NyQuil (thank you LORD for NyQuil!!) and sleep like a rock.
I will post about my "resolutions" tomorrow -- not so much resolutions (because I don't believe in them really) as a "general plan" for the year 2008...
Hey Kristen,
Sorry the year's been so rough for you, hon. I do promise that God hasn't given you more than He can help you handle. But I do know the overwhelmed feeling.
I'll tell you one of my favorite stories to read for doubt. Read I Kings 18:17-46 first, but that's not the story you're headed for. It's just necessary background. It's Elijah on Mt. Carmel and the fire on the altar.
Once you've read that, so you have the content of the tremendous high point Elijah is coming off of, then read 19:1-18. How quickly Elijah goes to utter depression from such a tremendously successful demonstration of God's power. I especially like reading vs 10 and comparing to vs 14. After all the demonstrations of God in 11-13, Elijah gives God the same complaint WORD FOR WORD. This tells me he's been rehearsing this line the whole journey, so dedicated is he to his depression. God's answer to Elijah's depression is to show him that things aren't as bad as they seem. God's already got a plan to handle them, and now he chooses to let Elijah in on it. He doesn't always let us in on it, but He's always got a plan for our good, Kristen. The pain won't last forever, hon, and God's always good.
You and Andy both should have my phone number to pick up a phone and call anytime you need. If you get the answering machine, leave a message! If you don't have the home number, email me.
Posted by: Jonathan B at December 31, 2007 6:17 AM