On the last day of each year I like to go back through my planner and photos and take stock of where my travels have been and what I've done this year, recounting the blessings and God's provision and direction throughout the year. I always start a new year with a sense of adventure for what the year will bring... I know there will be lots of good things but inevitably some difficult things too. It's a good faith-building exercise to go back and see how things work out, how God provided, and how the world didn't end, even when circumstances were very hard. God has never let me down in the past and will be there every moment of the future!
Here's a little video review that I made of the year:
It's a fun tradition for me to go back and see where I spent the most time throughout the year:
- California - 20 days
- Florida - 25 days
- Virginia - 8 days
- Texas - 11 days
- Paris - 22 days
- Italy - 27 days!
Some of the things that stand out to me from 2015 were that my husband and I did Whole30 for 45 straight days; I was on the Illustrated Faith Creative Team; I broke both my feet; Becca got to travel to Paris and London with me (and be a lifesaver with her help!); Brandon and Michelle got married; we went to Switzerland for the first time; Mr. Kitty died and we got our two new kitties; I took three groups of ladies on shopping trips to London, Paris, and New York City; I taught in Paris for the 6th year and in Rome for the 2nd time and in Brescia, Italy for the first time; I taught in 11 different stores across the US; Jeremy and Becca moved from Iowa to Phoenix; and lots and lots more little things.
I'm so thankful that my husband and I are healthy and can do so many fun adventures together. I'm so thankful for his support in all my travels and teaching, for boxing up and shipping all the class supplies, for helping me pack kits, and for being my "donkey" schlepping things around for me!
I'm thankful for my sons and their sweet wives - that they are all are healthy and settled in their jobs. I pray for God's leading them in the new year!
I'm thankful for my parents and that they are healthy and happy in Florida (and that we get to have them up north for the summer!)
I'm thankful for the stores that host my classes and the students that take my classes - you are the greatest blessing to me! Thank you for your love, encouragement and friendship!
I'm thankful for the girls that travel with me - letting me share my delight in travel and enchanting places with them!
I'm thankful for friends around the world - I'm amazed at what a small world it is and that our paths have crossed!
I'm thankful for every person who reads my blog, who likes something I've shared on Facebook or Instagram... I hope and pray that some small thing that I've shared can be an encouragement to you... even if it's just a pretty picture that you enjoy. Thank you for following along.
I'm most thankful to God for His love, grace, and mercy to me - I am most unworthy but grateful for every little thing. I pray that 2016 is the best year yet - with God's fingerprints all over it for me and for YOU!
Much love, Debby xoxo
Your cats look like Mad Max - except that they are probably a lot nicer then he is! I'm still his favorite toy - bites everyday. He's probably going to live until he's 80!
Posted by: Doris | December 31, 2015 at 08:46 AM
Love the music. Chris Tomlin's music is such a blessing. That is a great slide show. I have enjoyed "going with you" on all your trips via your blog posts with pictures. You have had a good year in spite of two broken feet. May 2016 be an even better year.
Posted by: DebJ | December 31, 2015 at 01:17 PM
Happy New Year! I love the video and all of the memories that it brings back for you! What a wonder filled year!!
Love you!!
Posted by: Joey | December 31, 2015 at 09:39 PM
Loved your year's wrap up video. I follow your blog daily but it was beautiful to see a year in review. Please don't ever stop blogging. Happy and healthy 2016.
Suzy in Sydney.
Posted by: Suzanne | January 03, 2016 at 02:04 PM