What a year!

I've been meaning to write this post for a few weeks now, but I can't quite seem to make myself do it. I think it's mostly because I don't quite know how to describe what the year 2008 meant for our family. To say that it had "ups and downs" just doesn't do it justice. This post doesn't have the pictures like I usually post, but I think it will be worth your time. It's not a book or anything, just something I really wanted to say. So, stick with me while I do my best!

Many of you know that Jason and I started a business a little over 2 years ago. We chased a dream, and it is incredible to look back and see God's faithfulness through that time. Jason and I found that working together and following where God was leading made for many learning opportunities in our marriage and family. Our priorities changed--spiritually, financially, and in our married and family life. We had to say "no" when we wanted to say "yes". We had to make hard choices. We had to do without. We had to ask for help even when we just wanted to do something ourselves. In short, we were humbled. But ultimately, we were blessed beyond measure to be loved and supported by our family and friends.

We closed the doors of the business in March of 2008. It was an awful day. It was easy to look around and feel like we failed. Our dream didn't turn out the way we planned. But, in all honestly, failure was a term that the world would use because we had to close. If you ask Jason or I if the business failed, we would likely tell you "no". In our eyes, it didn't. Yes, we no longer operate the business. But, God used the business for so many successes. He opened our eyes to areas where we needed to trust and follow Him more. He showed us that HE is our provider and that He will never forsake us. Our lives have changed because of the path that our Lord took us down, and those changes are the successes that I am most thankful for.

Jason began working at a new job, but God wasn't finished yet! In August we found out about a job opening that would fit Jason perfectly. All of the skills and knowledge that he had from operating his own business, plus the job that he had prior to that, made him seem like a perfect fit. Through a wonderfully swift process (though it seemed agonizingly slow some days!), he was offered this new job. We saw God's faithfulness and provision once again--a few days prior to him being officially offered the job, our second car died. We knew it was coming, but pretty much had prayed that the car would continue operating until we had the ability to replace it. Well, it died, and a few days later the job offer came...which included a company car. Jason started his job in September and has loved it ever since! We're adjusting to the new routines of the job, and it has it's own challenges, but it has been a gift that we are incredibly thankful for!

2008 will always be a year of bittersweet memories. It's wonderful to look back and see the many ways that God has taken care of us. I also remember days where I was brought to my knees and all I could do was cry out to God. I've spent more time in prayer and devotions than I ever have in my entire life. Jason and I started reading through the Bible and we've been blessed by that time together (our goal is to read through the Bible in a year...we should be done around September!). Our challenges are not all behind us. We have responsibilities that we need to take care of that will be with us for a while. But, we now have established a firm foundation that we can use to make decisions and plans.

Will life be perfect in 2009? I definitely don't expect it to be! But, I'm looking forward to many more memories with family and friends and seeing God's faithfulness on whatever path He takes us down this year.