2012... wow.

Life took over this year and I've been so busy and mentally preparing for 2013 that I never thought to look back at the year... till last Sunday's thanksgiving service.

In that 1 second of reflection, it hit me how much God has done in my life this year....

I had my beautiful baby girl Zoe. She arrived all big doe eyes, chubby and inquisitive. Healthy and whole. I was earlier concerned if I could love another child like I did Ian...and how unfounded it was.

I got my new place. We only dared dream we could have a place like this. It was still a roller coaster ride as I recall, the whole considering, offering, signing, renovation and move in process. But, we're here and we're happily settled.

I moved into my new role. The outlook for my work was cloudy in the first half and there were weeks when I kept wondering why, and felt stuck. But I was glad we didn't take matters into our own hands. We just laboured to enter the rest... And my, how God turned things around for me.

When these things happened, I did not check off the list of 3 things I had asked God for at beginning of 2012. It all happened so fast and so "naturally-super". But that's how amazing our God is. No fanfare, no sparks or fireworks. Just quietly behind the scenes lining up everything for me to be surprised with.

We got a bigger vehicle. It's not something we really wanted, to be honest. It's just us knowing now that God supplied even before we know we have a need. & now we see the need and are glad we got it even as COE continues to climb. 

At end 2012, I just want to give all glory to my God. Year after year, I have tasted His goodness and personally experienced His grace. Sometimes I come across books or materials that question His existence or the Bible's consistency. But none of it beats the knowledge that I could have been so much worse in life if left to my own devices... It's only by His grace that I'm here today. Thank you, Jesus.

And I put 2013 into Your Good Hands. There are so many things, but.... Jesus will bring me over to the other side. Like all the previous times.

Ian = God is gracious

Just like that, and 3 years has passed since you first came into our lives.

Happy birthday, my beloved. You will always be the one who opened my heart to the joy and honour of being a mum. The one whom we eagerly anticipated & imagined every night about, the 8 months you were in my tummy. The one who first confirmed in our hearts what God says, that "children are a gift from God." Who surprises us so often with new antics & expressions.

The one whom I tested all baby gym, playgroup, swimming trials & music classes on. The first one who kept everyone guessing who you resemble more. Who continues to reveal the wonder years of toddlerhood to us.

I never thought having you would enrich my life so much. For that, I have God to thank. That's one of the reasons we named you Ian, which means God is gracious. We did nothing to deserve you yet He gave so readily.

My prayer continues to be, that you will know & experience how much Jesus loves you. & never forget how much we love you.

Happy 3rd birthday, my Ian. We look forward to a great ride ahead.