Rejoice! {The End of 2012}

Another year is winding down already, and I have posted on this blog exactly twice. Quite an accomplishment, right? There are a few posts that were begun and never completed; a couple that were completed and never published.... until now. Those two are below. Sometimes I write these thoughts down when I'm riled up and decide not to publish them later for fear that I might offend someone. Realizing now that approximately five people (if that) are actually reading here, I decided if I'm going to offend anyone, it's better the few than the many. So, read away... and maybe I'll dig back into my archives of Drafts and publish some more for your offensive reading enjoyment.

That being said, I would like to keep up with this blog more in 2013. You could say it's a resolution... again. But really the best thing about posting on a blog online is being able to read back on all the silly/embarrassing/semi-insightful thoughts I've had over the years. Plus, I can type faster than I can write, so it's easier than keeping a written journal.

2012 has been a big year for us, and to sum it all up I've put together a list of highlights from the year... it's been filled with some wonderful experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

February
I started a new job with CBRE as a "Marketing Specialist"

May

Youngest Sister's College Graduation -- last in line (so far) of 

the family legacy at Hillsdale College

August
Patrick’s 30th & my 26th
 Birthday Party at the River Shannon Bar

September
Patrick’s Birthday Hunting Trip
to Alder, Montana at the
Broken Arrow Lodge

October

Girls' Weekend in Louisville with my favorite college buds

November
11-Day Anniversary Trip to Croatia

I'm probably forgetting some big events, so I'll add those later -- but, as you can see, it's been a great year and I've enjoyed every moment of it. We were blessed to be able to travel to some pretty amazing places and see the beauty of this world that God has created while experiencing different ways of life that couldn't help but give worthwhile perspective. There is so much to be grateful for and that's really all I can say: I'm so grateful for all that God has blessed us with and whatever 2013 brings, I pray that I can face it with this same gratitude I feel now!

So, to close, I'll give you the verse that has been with me all year -- my anthem for 2012, you could say. I wrote it down on a little scrap of paper while I was interviewing in January for what is now my current job. It was a stressful time and a tough decision, but as I recited this verse over and over in my head during that month, I knew it would all work out for the best...and it did (as He planned): 

Phillipians 4:4-9 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."