Goodbye, 2014!

2014 started out as the worst year of my life. My Daddy had his second stroke in January, resulting in a lengthy hospital stay followed by rehab and a harrowing two weeks at home before his final 8-day hospital stay in March. As Dad suffered from respiratory failure, we had to make a decision that no one wants to make for their loved one, and Dad passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Despite this terrible loss, 2014 was not the worst year of my life. You see, as I have traveled this journey of letting go of my Daddy, I have rested wholly and completely in the arms of Jesus. I have depended on Him for strength to survive every moment, and He has not failed me. He has surrounded me with His most perfect peace, and He has comforted me as only He can. The Lord has drawn me ever closer to Him. He has given me a hiding place, where I can leave my burdens and grief with Him. Through Daddy's death, I've learned to depend on Jesus for every breath. What a gift!!

In this year of hardship, God has graciously sent many blessings. He has surrounded me with wonderful friends and co-workers, and precious family. Sweet angels disguised as humans have come into my life and blessed me beyond measure. I've discovered how truly loved I am, and what it means to be a part of an awesome family.

So, I will remember 2014 as a year of great change in my life, but not one of great sorrow. My Daddy left this earth to join our Father in heaven, and it makes me sad that I don't have his companionship here, but God's promise that I will see Dad again one day brings me hope! Not only that, but God has poured out so many beautiful blessings on me this year, I just can't hold back my joy!

It is my prayer that all of my friends and family experience this kind of relationship with Jesus Christ. If you don't know Him, I pray that you will seek Him. Reach out to me if you aren't sure where to start. If you know Him, but aren't close, I pray that you will draw closer to Him. If you don't know how to do that, please let me know and I'll help you!
I can't wait to see what God has in store for me in 2015, and I'm so glad I get to experience the journey with Him!

"...Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10