Oh, 2012

That is how I feel about it.  It has been a whirlwind of a year for us.  With low low valleys and Everest type peaks.  We have watched two kiddos grow and change and adapt better than we ever imagined.

We have changed jobs, became a seminary family, moved to Raleigh and adjusted to traffic and life after Hobby Lobby (sigh, we miss you Greensboro!).  We have been a part of one of the most unique and healthy churches I believe exists.  We have met new friends that just within months, have become life-long relationships.  I have dealt with a health issue that, although not serious, has changed life as I know it (nice knowing you gluten, potatoes, dairy and nuts).  I have seen depth of my sin I didn't know existed as a result.  We have dreamed and planned for the future, and in some of those we have heard the Lord give us a very clear "NO".  We have (attempted) to balance Clint working 2 jobs, raising support, being a landlord and being a full-time seminary student (all with a 4.0 I might add...looks and brains :)).  We moved again into the Pleasantville of seminary housing.  We had our first Christmas at home with just us 4.  And although one (BIG) present came early, it thoroughly enjoyed taking its spot under the tree...

She's been a joy and a means for the Lord to continue to grow my patience :)  The kiddos are crazy about her and so are we, mostly because of what this next picture captures....

Nothing like a girl and her pup.

Although this year has been hard, HARD (did i say hard?), The Lord has once again met us, full of grace and truth.  And he has humbled us.  He has shown us our humanity again and left us weeping at the Cross again, thankful for Him taking our sin upon himself so that we might have His perfect record of deeds instead of our selfish, prideful, impatient ones.  I believe this year has been one of the Lord putting us under His refining fire so that we might be better ministers of the gospel, more gracious friends and more humble servants of His church.  May it be so, Lord.