Farewell 2010!

If you're like me, you're surprised at how fast 2010 seemed to pass. When I see or read retrospectives for the year it always amazes me how many notable events have occurred.




I think, if we're not careful, we can dwell too much on all the negative things and forget every beautiful sunrise, every kindness, every moment of every day that is a gift from God.






We are so used to having all we need - even if it's not all we may want - that we simply expect it as our due. Looking farther back, I can see that even the so-called disasters of my life have brought eventual peace and happiness and I like to think that's what the Lord had in mind all along. James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete and lacking nothing."


That said, I must admit that I am already looking forward to another spring, God willing, so I can once again enjoy beauty like the pictures I've included. They were taken in my yard and I have to say that the first blooms always thrill me the most. As I said above, it's easy to get used to the beauty all around us and miss each new miracle.

May we always be aware of our many blessings,
Valerie Hansen