Dear Friends in Blogland...
Christmas will be here in just a few days and my time and focus has once again turned towards tending to the needs of my family as we look forward to celebrating the birthday of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Before I sign off for another year I want to wish you all a beautiful Christmas! I also want to thank you for the kindness and friendship you've offered up to my family and I over the past twelve months and for staying with me through the thick & thin of blogging as well as the joys and sorrows that have come our way. Not only have you blessed me with your loving words and support, but you've displayed a willingness to follow along side me when my own pathway wasn't always clear...
Not unlike the lyrics (see below) of the first song on my play-list (it's by the Vision Impaired/Blind artist, Ginny Owens), I'm not altogether sure why I'm here... Ever feel like that?
Can I be honest with you? I first started blogging as a way to promote my website, but since that frosty January day of almost two years ago much has changed in my life. All the things I initially planned on writing about in regards to my business eventually evolved into sharing a great deal more than just my latest creation. I've formed some lasting friendships, met some of the most amazingly talented women (and a few men!), while being inspired by those much more gifted than I. I've rejoiced over the birth of new babies and grieved over the loss of loved ones held dear. I've oftentimes been buoyed by your faith and even struggled to understand the bitterness I sometimes see flying through the air. And without a doubt, some of you have crawled right into my heart and I suspect that is where many of you will always stay...
I'm trying desperately to stay true to my heart's calling while being as truthful as I can be about where I am on any given day. I'm terribly flawed at best, and I sincerely question at times if I have anything left within the coffers of my life that may still interest you. Still, I feel led to 'carry on' and so I will be doing just that.
God has been incredibly generous to me this year and miraculously topped off our list of blessings by saving the life of my son just this week. A couple of days ago I shared with you how he was involved in terrible automobile accident where his brand new SUV flipped over and was totaled. Everyone in our family knows if not for God's grace the outcome could have been devastating. Thank you, God! And, thank YOU for your kind comments! I want you to know they were not only a huge blessing to me, but also to Brandon and his little family... Our SarahGirl and my Miss K would have been heartbroken if something had happened to him (and this Momma as well!)...
~BRAN'S FLIPPED SUV~
I will be taking at least the next ten days off to enjoy some out of town company and to rest and recoup from a busy (and prosperous) last two months. I'll be back after the first of the year with more, well...everything I guess! :) Thank you for your faith in me, in my voice, in my work, in my heart. You truly give rise to my passion and make my very soul sing...
Merry Christmas to you all and may your New Year be the best one of your life. May God bless each of you in a mighty way!
Love,
(and her Mr. AGPMan, too)
IF YOU WANT ME TO
The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to
Chorus:
Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone
So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering that Your love put You through
And I will walk through the darkness
If You want me to
Cuz when I cross over Jordan
Gonna sing, gonna shout,
Gonna look into Your eyes and see You never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to You
And I will walk though the valley
If You want me to
Yes, I will walk through the valley
If You want me to
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to
Chorus:
Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone
So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering that Your love put You through
And I will walk through the darkness
If You want me to
Cuz when I cross over Jordan
Gonna sing, gonna shout,
Gonna look into Your eyes and see You never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to You
And I will walk though the valley
If You want me to
Yes, I will walk through the valley
If You want me to