HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Can you believe that it is 2009 already? I sure can't! I have a thing for even numbers so I don't really like the sound of 2009, I prefer 2008 or 2010. But I am so thankful for another year and all the blessings from it. We are so often a forward moving culture. "Keep moving forward" (Meet the Robinsons movie quote). Often we forget to look behind and thank God for what He did. In the Bible Abraham was always building little monuments to thank God for what He had done. I need more of that in my life. I need more people asking me what I'm thankful that God has done, instead of what am I doing next. And I need to ask more people that as well.

Things I am thankful for in 2008

1. God bringing us to France-it has not been easy, but we have seen so much more of Him and grown so much

2. Health for our famalies-always a worry when you live far away

3. That I live in a country with good food-can't argue on this point.

4. For amazing friendships here. We were worried when we left that we wouldn't be able to find other young couples to be friends with. God provided, not one, but two couples we thank Him for.

5. My new black boots-super cute-I'm finally French!

6. Our comfy apartment with amazing heat.

7. At the beginning of the year we played a get to know you game in our Bible study and I had to say what was one place I wanted to go to. I said East Asia. In April, Lord willing we will be going.

8. Keith as always, every day I thank the Lord for him. Also grateful for his blooming culinary skills

9. Candles, it would be hard for me to live without them, especially smelly ones.

10. Our wall of Christmas cards from friends and family back in the states who love us!

11. I could go on and on, but that might get kind of boring.

Happy New Year! Bonne Annee!