A Haven for Vee

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Remembering

When I was younger I could remember anything, whether it happened or not. ~ Mark Twain

Twain, what a pistol he is even after he's been gone for nearly a hundred years. He reminds me of a pastor friend who often says, "I've already told you more than I know." Sometimes I feel this way blogging.

Today, I am reflecting back over this past year. Those who have been reading Haven, and I thank you, know that two eventful things happened to me in 2008. The first was that my sister married in January. This is made more pertinent in that we had shared a home for seven years. Even now we co-own a home, this very haven where I am now living. 2007 was a year filled with anxiety as I did not know how I would cope with all the changes; 2008 began in anxiety as these same fears continued. I was trusting God on the one hand, but still feeling nervous. Here I was, just like the disciples in the boat with Jesus, yet scared silly when a storm blew up.

The second eventful thing was that I married in July. I'll not retell the story, though you can find it here, if you are unfamiliar with it. What a blessing to marry a friend! I highly recommend it.

Still, there are concerns. The economy struggles on and this has affected us a lot. (I know that this is true for many of you as well.) I find myself wondering what 2009 holds and what challenges we will face. Grateful I am that God does not reveal everything in advance. Even as I am asking (begging?) for answers, I don't want to know e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. Enough light for today — enough grace, enough mercy, enough love, enough wisdom, enough with some to spare.

And there are also many joys: A new family to get to know better, grands growing up like weeds, children who delight. And John will become a great-grandfather twice in the new year! (Let's not mention what that will make me as I'm just now used to being a grandmother. :D)

Thank you, Dear Ones, for being a part of my journey here at A Haven and for being the supportive souls that you are. I appreciate and love you more than I can possibly express. I look forward to sharing your journeys in the new year, too.

May your reflections on 2008 be sweet and may 2009 be the best year evah!

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:12–14

24 comments:

  1. It has been a delight to be on the adventure through 2008 with you, Vee, and may 2009 bring much happiness, health and contentment to both you and yours.
    Happy New Year!

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  2. Hi Vee!
    I so enjoyed this post of yours. I am a pretty new reader of Haven---I think I "found" you when we participated in Karen's Christmas Fair! I couldn't leave a comment on your blog because I wasn't Blogger and my Google Acct keeps getting messed up--I was so delighted to see you were able to add the Name/URL area!!! You may be sorry with this long and rambling comment from me. They won't normally be this long! :)

    I didn't realize the "new" events that have taken place in your life over the last two years! Very exciting! (the marriage part!)
    I love the sweet photo on your banner, by the way.

    I wish a very Happy New Year to you and yours and I look forward to reading your wonderful blog in 2009! Dana

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  3. Vee,
    I am so glad I have you to press on with! I can't wait to see the changes and the challenges 2009 holds but more than that, the blessings! Happy New Year to you and yours!

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  4. I have enjoyed the journey along with you my friend. Patience is hard to learn and trust is the hardest to find when we need it the most. I my old age I've found it's very difficult to rock my boat as I've weathered so many storms I'm an expert.

    About Mark Twain....he was indeed a pistol. I will say that his humor, his biting wit is so close to my heart.

    May you have a happy and blessed New Year.

    - Suzanne

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  5. Such a wonderful reflection. I wish you much happiness and love in the New Year!

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  6. I had to laugh about the comment "I've already told you more than I know"...and yes, that's how I often feel about blogging as well. What in the world will I blog about tomorrow...or all of 2009 for that matter?

    Thanks for sharing your journey with us in 2008, Vee...the highs and the lows. It was a testimony to God's faithfulness...one step at a time.

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  7. Vee, please know your blog has blessed me more than you can ever know... Brenna xoxoxo

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  8. My New Year's Wish for all is that we'll learn from the 'hard times,' we're facing. They are here, and no wishing will banish them. But we are still in control of our mind set, in facing them.

    May we all learn to know the difference between our 'needs' and our 'wants.' And come to more contentment, with what we have. And latch onto many more of those good and {dare I say?} old fashioned views. :-)

    Happy New Year!
    Aunt Amelia
    "The night was clear and frosty, all ebony of shadow and silver of snowy slope; big stars were shining over the silent fields."

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  9. I'm loving this quote... ""I've already told you more than I know." -happy chuckle-

    Aunt Amelia
    "The night was clear and frosty, all ebony of shadow and silver of snowy slope; big stars were shining over the silent fields."

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  10. Were we separated at birth? :) Seems someone else is contemplative as the new year approaches! I love the scripture and it's promise as we run the race. I'm glad to have run a leg with you this last year. I'm confident what lies ahead will be even more amazing! Have a blessed New Year. ~Kathy

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  11. What a great post! I have enjoyed reading your blog each day this year and look forward to reading it next year too.
    Happy New Year my friend! :-)

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  12. Vee, it has been a pleasure reading your blog this past year. . I appreciate your transperancy in who you are. . .I feel like we would truly be next door friends.
    You have had quite the year. . may your next year be filled with blessings galore. . .

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  13. Happy New Year Vee! I have enjoyed you so much and I am so glad we have become friends.

    May 2009 be filled with great health and happiness!

    Hugs,
    robin

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  14. Best of all to you in the new year..

    Happy New Year...
    HUgs
    Linda

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  15. Oh Vee, what wisdom you share here. Yes, you have had quite the year. I pray that 2009 will be full of blessings for you and all those you love.

    Christi

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  16. Wow, what a year for you! I am looking forward to adventuring into 2009 with you!

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  17. A lovely piece of writing and testimony Vee. May you be doubly blessed in 2009. 9 is the number of the Holy Spirit and 8 is the number of New Beginnings.

    Loved the Christmas photos - John is looking very serious.

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  18. I forgot to answer your question Vee. The bunker did not creep me out at all but the first visit did as I did not know what to expect.

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  19. Happy New Year! I was unfamiliar with your story and clicked back on a few posts. How romantic - and a gift from God.

    blessings to you and those you love,
    Lorrie

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  20. Happy 2009 to you and John and all your families, Vee! I wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity in the new year.

    I have enjoyed getting to know you this year, and I look forward to another year of being your blog friend.

    Hugs, Pat

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  21. I love this quote by Mark Twain! I have written it down for my daughter who loves to tell stories about the family that never happened! She swears me or nana or papa told her the story.
    Peggy

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  22. This was so beautiful Vee. It's wonderful watching God's plans unfold, may He continue to pour out blessings on you, John and your family this year.

    Hugs,
    Kathi :)

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