As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Reflections {2013}

For many years, our family has made a list of the past year's highlights. And for the past several years, I have also noted some of the memorable moments of our year as recorded through my blog.

Reflection is a good thing. Often we see better through hindsight. We can see how the Lord has directed our paths as we look back at where we've been. As I have looked back at 2013 through my blog, I can see how He was preparing my heart for what would lie ahead. I see His faithfulness. 




JANUARY
I began the year with some quiet reflection and a New Year's Prayer. 

Homeschool was in full swing as I wrote about enjoying


FEBRUARY
This month, I told you about "Special Days" With Papa and Gran  and then shared two of this year's "special days" with you.





MARCH
In March, we hosted a gathering, a ladies' game night. Some of you were curious about the details, so I responded with 

I also told you about some of our favorite homeschool books.







APRIL
We celebrated Bekah's 12th birthday, I ended my winter-long blog series of bread recipes,



MAY
We were blessed with lots of family togetherness. We had the nearby grands for the weekend...and then we spent a week with Ryan, Sarah, and the faraway grands in Maine! Oh joy! (There was a bonus in that trip to Maine too!)

I also told you about my hair transformation in Raising the White Flag. And somewhere along the way, the Lord began to whisper to me here and there about gray and gloom and growth.





JUNE
I kicked off my summer recipe series, Fruit on Tuesday, and mused about honoring fathers and the fellowship of food.



JULY
Continuing with our summer reorganizing, we spruced up Bekah's room. I also shared some photos of our summer deluge!





AUGUST
Ahhh...the month of numbering our days.  There were a whole host of birthdays, which I wrote about here and here and here and here and here. And then there was our anniversary getaway, celebrating 35 years of marriage.

But there were also musings about the "small" things, the simple pleasures.

SEPTEMBER
September was new beginnings and doing some house projects and (of course!) welcoming my favorite season.






OCTOBER
For 31 days in October, I challenged us to have a renewed vision for celebrations.





NOVEMBER
I had lots to share this month! We marked Kati's 20th birthday with a celebration. I showed you our front porch makeover. I told you all about our DIY island. We had a wonderful visit with our son Ryan and his family, including a birthday party for Peter and our Thanksgiving gathering.

But in the midst of all the fun, our hearts were heavy and I felt the need to focus on the important.




DECEMBER
Oh, December.  I announced our special project, shared our special day with the Rabes, invited you along on our Farmhouse Christmas Tour...and then I told you about the joy and sorrow that marked our celebrations in




And so I end this year with the idea that has permeated my thoughts and my heart these past months...Ebenezer.

"Thus far the Lord has helped us." 


7 comments:

  1. I have enjoyed every minute of reading your blog this past year. Cheryl, you have a gift, and like the obedient servants we read of in the Bible, you have honored your Master and King bringing Him great glory. Knowing you has made me love Him more!

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  2. Your blog is one of my must-reads. I learn so much here. You have so much to share and it's more than "fluff and stuff." I have made a note once more of the Foster books. You have an influence on us! I purchased Apples to Apples Jr. as a Christmas gift and we had such fun playing it Christmas evening. We haven't laughed so hard in a long time!

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  3. What a great look back!

    It's been a wonderful year, with some pain and sadness. I am looking forward to 2014!

    Love you
    Deanna

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  4. I agree with Vee…your blog is one I don't miss. Love your ebenezer thoughts--as you know that's special to me. Its funny how I read through your year and remember things as if I had been part of it! And that's what's so nice about blogging I think! Enjoy today and what a nice photo of your house!

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  5. Cheryl, I spend more time NOT reading blogs these days, I just don't have the interest as before. I read each and every one of your posts. I love the way you write and the subject matter always touches my heart . Happy New Year, with much happiness, good health and yes, prosperity. In any amount to equal enough. xo

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  6. You had a full and blessed year! Best wishes for a terrific 2014!

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