Waving Goodbye

We all blinked and 2014 is about to be nothing but a memory.

You hear it all your life. . .about how time fly's, but you absolutely do not understand until you are a

grown up.

2014 has over all been a good year to the Wilkinson 5.

We've laughed some, cried some, yelled some, taken leaps of faith, tripped over baby steps and

learned along the way.   Some days we loved each other more, others we weren't sure what

we were doing and why we were doing it together.  But, everyday God was there.



Jerry and I celebrated twenty-two years of marriage.  It hasn't all been sunshine and roses, romance

and candlelight, but grace has flowed and God's been patient with us - and we even survived our

first ever major house remodeling project as we gutted our hall bathroom.  We laugh more than we

cried and we loved more than we were angry. I call that a success.


This year we crossed some thresholds has parents.


Chose a new school path for our oldest-who also had the audacity to turn 16- which hasn't been easy

but has been very rewarding.  Saw that same kiddo through a major eye surgery.  And let him set

out on a grand adventure with his friends were he spent six days canoeing in the remote Boundary

Waters of Minnesota.


Our Middle is stepping his toe into the Tween/Teen years, and we are gearing up to hang on.

Watching him become a man of prayer and a loving friend and big brother has inspired me on

many difficult days.  He also pushes me and makes me think which often leaves me tired and worn

out-but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  He recently finished up playing one of the main characters

in the school Christmas program. . .something so far out of his comfort zone, but he did it and did it

well.  I want to be as brave as him when I grow up.  And if I could just siphon off some of that energy

--well, I'd be rich.



Our precious baby girl, isn't a baby anymore.  She's eight and growing into a beautiful, smart, fun

young lady.  I see the 'mean girl' thing beginning to creep into her peer group at school -and oh if

I could I would shield her from every hurt.  But that is a mother's heartbreak, we can't protect them

from everything. So we teach, and love and listen.  As I watch her discovering who she is and

watch her gifts unfold, I marvel at how I could be this fantastic person's mother.




Personally, this has been a somewhat difficult year for me.  I've struggled with some health issues that

landed me in the hospital in March and still are giving me the business.  I've taken on more hours at

my children's school, which while a blessing, has also been an adjustment. I've lost a friendship

along the way that has still left me somewhat broken.

But, each step, God has been there.

I was blessed to be apart of the launch team for Beth Moore's newest Bible study, Children of the Day

and speak at a few churches and ladies groups-which I pray I never take for granted.  Women's

Ministry, and doing it well, burns deep in my bones.  The blog is like a faithful friend, even when

neglected it's still there waiting for me and I've been blessed to have several new readers and

encouragers this year, which I do not take lightly. The fact that people would take their precious time

and read my words and then comment or share them with others is a wonder and a blessing to me

each and every time.  So, thank you Dear Readers, you are more precious to me than you know.


2015 is a blank slate.  Just waiting there for us to put our stamp upon it.

Dreams and passions to pursue.  Goals to conquer.  Laundry to fold, bathrooms to clean,  groceries to

be bought--


 and grace to find in the everyday and ordinary.

What will this year bring?  I don't know. But,  I know who goes before and I know He has a plan, for

me and for you too.

Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have for you,” announces the Lord. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come.



Blessings to you, My Friends, in this new year to come.  As you wave goodbye to 2014 I would

love to hear some highlights and how you saw God at work there.


Grace and Peace,