January began the end of a very long and difficult time in our lives that included an unbelievably extended unemployment. Holding on to hope and the promises of God was being tried to the utmost and it was the most stretching time in our walk of faith.
The prayers of many carried us through when it felt like we had no more words to pray.
God’s promises are trustworthy and His timing is perfect. In His amazing way, He provided our needs and in February, John began a new job that he loves.
~*~
We cherish our grandchildren and pray they will grow to lead God-honoring lives and come to know Him personally.
In April, we said good-bye to our good friend and brother-in-law, George.
We loved every second of every visit with our kids living in up-state New York.
In June, our oldest grandson, Jared, became a teenager.
Our youngest daughter, Abbey, attended her senior prom in May and then in June, accepted her high school diploma.
We had a blast in Ocean City, in July with Erin, AJ and Jared.
One very hot, humid summer evening, my sweetie took us out to the ballgame and we watched the winning Phillies play.
We loved having family and friends celebrate with us, Abbey’s school achievements.
We went to the playground and ran, climbed, played on the swings and monkey bars and threw some balls to eager batters and catchers.
We shared birthday cake celebrating all of our August birthdays.
We enjoyed the boardwalk anew through the eyes of the little ones
and shared the largest pizza we ever saw.
and shared the largest pizza we ever saw.
A Paris themed birthday and some handsome Maitre d attended a party.
September included a great time visiting cousins in Lewes, Delaware.
Beautiful autumn, October days were spent sightseeing in nearby Philadelphia to celebrate our
35th wedding anniversary.
35th wedding anniversary.
A keepsake from my Beloved.
A frightening bee-sting incident involving our grandson and dog with a happy ending.
A perfect day spent with my sister after a book signing by Ina Garten 🙂
A few too many leaf-raking days in the fall.
A boy and a dog ~ happily recovered.
A boy and his Pop-Pop just messin’ around.
A special day in November, our twin daughters celebrated a bench-mark birthday.
Thanksgiving and gratitude.
Our New York family and meeting their playful puppy.
Enjoying our sweet, Spanish friend was also a November highlight.
A very cold but very fun day in Philly with Jill and family & Jamie and family.
Christmas with three of our four daughters.
~*~
A year of blessings from the hands of a Gracious and Loving
Heavenly Father.
Heavenly Father.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:22-33
Lorraine, God has bless you with a wonderful family 🙂
Happy New Year From Southern California.
Don't forget to watch the 122nd Rose Parade on New Year's Day coming from Pasadena, California…only 30 miles from The Old Geezer's home 🙂 If you miss the live telecast, I'm sure there will be lots of reruns through out the day.
No matter what looms ahead, if you can eat today, enjoy today, mix good cheer with friends today enjoy it and bless God for it. ~Henry Ward Beecher
May God Bless and Protect You in the Year to Come. ~Ron
Thank you for sharing your life through your blog, it is always inspiring to read. Wishing you a very Happy New Year.
That was lovely! A year to remember, and to be thankful for our blessings.
Many blessings to you in 2011!
What a blessed year, with ups and downs, but always with God taking care of you, proving the promise, "I will never leave you or forsake you."
You are so very very rich. Thanks for sharing you life & home this 2010. Here is to 2011.
Lovely photos and a glimpse of your year. Truly during hard times, it is God's word and presence with us that sustain us.
Blessings.
2010 was absolutely the WORST year of my entire life. Here's hoping that for both of us 2011 is the best year ever! I enjoyed your poignant post.
Your year in review….what a blessing to see all the Lord has done for you and your beautiful family!!
I pray that 2011 is one full of joy and peace for each of you.
What a lovely family! Thanks for sharing your year full of precious memories. It's always good to look back on all of our blessings, lest we forget where they're all from. 🙂
Thanks for visiting me at scrambled hen fruit. I hope you have a happy and healthy 2011!
Oh my, what a year for you, what a beautiful post. So happy that you shared this.
Hugs to you dear and sweet friend. Have been missing your blog, will be back soon.
Have a blessed and happy New Year!
Nancy
Oh, what a precious post. You've had a year full of lots of happy memories and blessings. May 2011 hold many more of both!!!
What a beautiful look back at 2010. I did a similar thing with our Christmas letter this year (minus the pictures). Happy New Year and may 2011 bring you many more blessings!
Lorraine- What a beautiful, painful, joyful, worrisome year. It is hard sometimes to just sit back and let God be in control. So many times we see to wrest that control away and take matters into our own hands…sometimes with disasterous results. I am glad you were faithful and waited for what was meant to be. In the long run..and overall…what a blessed, happy year you had. God bless you and your beautiful family in the New Year. Hugs- Diana
I really enjoyed this post Lorraine. As one who has read and savored every post you have written, these photo collages remind me of all the times, both happy and trying, that you have been through this past year. You and John certainly are an inspiration and your love for the Lord and for one another is so precious. These verses you have shared are perfect. We wish you all many blessings in the new year. Such a blessing to have met you through blogging and to call you friend.
God see us thought so much. Sometimes for me its hard to see until after it passes. This has been a very hard year for me and Im glad its over and I made it.
Your life in photos is just beautiful. Your so blessed.
Hugs form a very cold Canada.
Stay warm , keep the faith you have and I love and loved your blogs.
Lisa xo
What a wonderful post!
I enjoyed reading about your year!
That was some year. Thankfully your good times outweigh the bad and your family has love and faith to get you through. Best wishes to you for an even better new year.
Isn't it amazing what one year can bring us? Have a very Happy New Year and enjoy looking back on a year filled with love. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x5
You've walked a difficult road and come out on the other side, my friend! Love the Scripture that tells us that not one word of God's promises has ever failed! We can hang on to that assurance when times are tough and remember when the sun shines again. You have a beautiful family – so blessed!
~Adrienne~