Looking Back at 2023

The year isn't quite over, but this week between Christmas allows me to reflect on the good things that happened. Yes, there have been mistakes and sins too, and while I hope I learned from them, it does no good to let my mind dwell on them. Instead, I want to build on the good things from last year.

Here is my list.

1. We went on four ministry trips. We went to the Philippines in March to teach in a Bible institute. In July, we went to Maine, where we connected with family, helped in a VBS, and Charlie preached in several churches. After our annual meeting in August, we stayed a month in Pennsylvania, acting as driver and translator to help an undersupported national missionary from Bolivia raise support for his family and three different church plants. We flew to Mexico in October and spent a week with one of IPM's church planters.

2. We celebrated twenty-five years of marriage together. Since we were married later in life, we were unsure we would make this milestone, but God is gracious. He kept Charlie from dying from his stroke four years ago, and we are still able to minister together for Him.

3. My website is up and running. If you found this blog, you know this. Having a web-based location for my writing ministry and for highlighting our missionary experiences is a blessing.

4. I chose a hybrid publisher to help me get my book out into the world. The work they require will make the book a better product than it would have been if I had done everything myself.

5. The local library is a peaceful writing location. I get more done on days I work there than when I work from home.

6. We celebrated Thanksgiving with all of my siblings and most of my nieces and nephews, thanks to the hard work of my sister, Andrea. The last time so many of us were together for Thanksgiving was before my father passed away.

7. I love living with my mother. Not only does it allow me to bless her with cooking and taking her to doctors' appointments, but it allows me to receive her encouragement and love all the time.

8. Running has become my usual mode of exercise again, replacing walking.

9. The gym membership allowed me to exercise on days too hot or too rainy to run outdoors.

10. I read 90 books this year. My reading helps me write better.

Other good things happened this year as well. Reflecting on it, I know God multiplied His blessings over and over again. In truth, there were too many to count.