Thursday, December 31, 2009

Seriously...It's Over?

Yep...I am alive. This is the longest I have ever gone without writing a new post. As you know, I don't post just to have something to write. Here I sit not knowing what I am going to say, but I know I'm supposed to write.

Many thoughts have gone through my head as 2009 comes to a close. The first one was "good riddance"!! But then I had to really reflect. The year was not a fun one. My divorce was final in '09. I watched my children walk through the fire in '09. Emotions have run high. Hearts have broken. Doesn't sound like a year we would want to do over, does it?

But...I am so glad that we had 2009. Without it there would not have been growth, healing, truth, lessons learned, tears, venting, learning, new friendships, pulling together...

What a year! I don't want to do it over again but I am grateful for it. If we let HIM, God will use everything in our lives to bring good. Wow, it's been painful. It's also been one of the best years of my life. YES..one of the best. I don't like watching my son making choices that can have lifelong consequences. But I love that we can talk about everything. I don't like watching my daughter bottle up her feelings. But I love watching as God begins to peel back her protective shell until she finds her voice. I don't like going through a divorce and feeling rejected again. But I love seeing God at work in my life. Bringing the beauty from the ash.

Hard to believe that another year is gone. Please, Lord, don't let us forget all that you've taught us. Bring on 2010. I am so excited to see what God has in store. He has blessed me this year in ways that I cannot even begin to count. He is good...all the time.

Looking for more beauty as I keep letting go of the ash,


37 comments:

Emily said...

Beautiful Sheryl. I love you and am so thankful to have been able to share in your 2009. Now on to 2010! May that bring many more fun times at Sheryls. :)

Tia said...

He is so good! Praying this next year will blow your mind with things God has in store. And of course... there'll be more of me in 2010 :)

JD said...

Your words strike a harmonious chord with my heart's song for 2009 as well, Sheryl. What a journey this year has been. Looking at all that God has brought you through, and how your heart sings for him -- I'm so grateful for the way you have handled this year with grace.

I think you have earned yourself a brand new pair of shoes to walk the journey of 2010 in... :o)

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

Beautiful post...you have such a way with words. I wrote "Bring on 2010" too this morning! So funny...

I love how you allow your children to walk their walk. I am trying to do the same thing...knowing that God has my boys in the palm of His hand and loves them more than I do. God told me just the other day, in regard to my husband, "You worry about ME and let ME worry about HIM." Okie dokie, Lord. Thanks for the reminder that I am nobody's Holy Spirit!

I pray blessings for you my friend...you are strong and courageous...xoxoxo

C.C. and Double T said...

Yes, He IS good!

Erin said...

You made it! You made it through some hard times but God is good and He was with you all the way. He will continue to be with in 2010 and all of eternity.

Much love you, sister :-)
Erin

Sue said...

Hi Sheryl for someone who didn't know what to write you have done a wonderful job of summing up this year. What blesses me the most is that even though there were so many hardships you are seeing the Light at the end of the tunnel ,and that you are able to give glory and honor to God. I don't find many people who would be able to do that, especially with everything that your family has gone through.

You have been and continue to inspire all of us, your heart felt posts give us hope that no matter what we are facing we can make it.

May this New Year bring you and your family many blessings, and Joy.
Hugs,
Sue

Kathleen said...

Wow. You have traveled a long, arduous road. You have also staked out the high ground and made your way there! I'm so proud of you. What an encouragement you are.

I can hardly wait to see what the Lord has in store for the coming year. In my quiet times (with Psalm 30 as a reflection) I have the sense He's promising greater joy & peace than ever before; and even greater boldness & courage. I pray it is so! I'll trade sackcloth for garments of praise any day!!!!

Happy New Year!
Kathleen

ShEiLa said...

May the Lord bless you with all the things that can bring you health and happiness in the new year.

ToOdLeS.

UL Cards Fan said...

Happy New Year Sheryl. Having our Gatlinburg get-away was a blessing in 2009 for me. Looking forward to much JOY and more fun times in 2010.

Love you, Linda

His Girl said...

happy new year, girlie.

can't believe it's over, too.

nancygrayce said...

Happy New Year and may 2010 be a year that God brings healing and that ultimate joy that only He can bring!

Kimberly said...

Happy New Year Sherly!
I love you...kb

aimymichelle said...

all i have to really say is i love you! and i'm glad we met in a little thing called bloom.

Laura said...

Happy 2010! This was beautiful and full of truth! It's in the valleys that we grow. I pray though that you see more than a few mountaintops this coming year!

Sadie said...

Happy New Year, Sheryl!

I do love you so. and happy to begin a new year with you, friend.

Amrita said...

Amen sister.

Truly inspirational for me. I have to let go of a sck of ashes from 2009 and keep the beauty.

Unknown said...

Wonderfully put! Happy New Year!

Julie said...

Sheryl,
I felt the same way about 2009... it was quite a year... a sad year for me with the death of my dear sweet aunt and my father... as well as my daughter moving across country.... It was truly a year of goodbyes.....

I loved reading your heart here. I've written about my desires for 2010 on my blog. I'd love to have you visit. http://jewelsightings.blogspot.com

Happy New Year... I anticipate amazing things in 2010.. may it be so!!!

~*Michelle*~ said...

I am thankful for 2009....yes, I have had my share of walking in some valleys with our early pregnancy losses and other family issues.....but I also have been brought to the mountain tops with many events of joy, meeting new Believers (yes, YOU!!!) and living/spreading the Joy of Christ with others.

I believe there are great things for us with this new year ahead, and decade!

He & Me + 3 said...

I always love coming here because your attitude is always so positive. He will bring beauty from ashes. Have a blessed New Year!

Robin said...

Happy New Year! I am so looking forward to what God has in store for your family in 2010! I love looking back and seeing what He has done! Always praying for you and your family :o)

Robin

Sherri Murphy said...

Yes, He does bring beauty from ashes...just how does He do that? Amazing!

Thanks for the kind words you left on my blog- and I'm glad today's post did not scare you away. God's best to you in 2010...many good changes coming your way.

Anonymous said...

"but i'm grateful for it". i love your heart. and your faith.

i hope to be able to say that same sentence some day.

Unknown said...

God is good...even during the difficult times. I will continually praise Him!

Blessings~
Sheryl

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

Aw, blessings to you in the new year. I hope it's a good one for you and your sweet kids.

Blessings,
Sasha

Lisa Smith said...

so excited to be going on a safari through Daniel with you!!

Paula V said...

Wow, you are something else. To be able to say it's been one of the best years. I'm just not there. I can't say life is good. God is good but I can't say MY life is good. I pray I get there one day.

"If we let HIM, God will use everything in our lives to bring good." This resonates with me. LET Him make good from the bad.

Farmgirl Paints said...

Sheryl may God's richest blessings pour out on you and your family this year. His love is never ending. So excited to see what great things will come out of 2010.

Jackie said...

Beautiful post Sheryl!

I'm with you on looking ahead to 2010. I'm so longing to enter into the new season(s) He has for us. Seasons of new purpose and fresh insight and repositioning.

You come to my mind often and I lift you before the Father! HE IS GOOD AND HE IS FAITHFUL!

Sweet Blessings!
Jackie

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Sis,
((Hugz))) Happy New Year!! Miss you and just wanted to say hello and see how you are doing? I know it's been awhile. but like you said so many things have been happening but I know where I an find my sisters who are just a click away!!!

Blessings Lorie

Cherie Hill said...

What a GREAT post Sheryl! God's light shines through you in your words. I'm glad I found your blog and will be following AND praying!
God bless!
Cherie

Sue said...

Hi Sheryl,
Stopping by to say hi, and hope you are well. Hugs and blessings,
Sue

Lora said...

May God's extravagant blessings abound to you and your family in 2010.

I am always amazed at how our hurts and pain bring us closer to the heart of God.

He is good - all the time! Amen!

Susan said...

Dear Cheryl,

You never cease to amaze me... What a heart, what a love for Jesus.

God will truly use all the pain and suffering you and your family have endured for HIS GLORY.

I've learned so much from your journey.

Thanks for keeping it real, and sharing all the wonderful things God reveals to you.

Praying 2010 will be year of healing and great HOPE. God is not finished yet!!

Love you♥

prashant said...

Praying this next year will blow your mind with things God has in store

Work from home

Heather said...
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