Monday, December 30, 2013

2013: Looking Back at my Blessings

As some of you know, I am pretty much a newbie at this blogging stuff. Back in June, after being inspired by so many great blogs that I had been reading, I decided to try my hand at it—a way of sharing some of my photos and thoughts.

In January of 2013...almost exactly one year ago, I had my eyes opened...literally...after having early onset and fast growing cataracts removed from both my eyes. My vision was already quite compromised due to having other issues since childhood and the cataracts drastically compounded those issues. After about a year and a half and numerous attempts to tweak my prescription lenses, a whole new world was opened up to me. Praise the Lord, my vision is now better than I remember it being in many, many years. It was like I was seeing everything for the very first time. I had always been quite the shutterbug but hadn't taken many photos for a while due to my dimmed and blurred vision. The vivid colors and brightness and clarity of the world just astounds me!

This was my facebook post (and my selfie :)) the afternoon after I walked out with my new glasses:

So....finally after about a year and a half of living in a very blurry world, I can see every leaf and branch on every tree, read the license plates of the cars in front of me, see all road signs and everything else one normally sees on any given day. Never again will I ever take my eyesight for granted. My eyes are healed and I got my new glasses today! Being able to finally see clearly was quite an emotional experience for me and I am so grateful! Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!

After that, I began to notice the smallest of details that I had missed and wanted to capture the wonder of it all so I began snapping photos here, there and everywhere! I guess I became sort of consumed by it all and I wanted...I needed...a creative outlet. So began "My Favorite Things". Within a few weeks, I actually had a few followers and I was stunned that anyone would give my little blog a second look. Through my posts and photographs, my intent is to bring glory to my Father, not to myself.  

Here's a look back at some samplings from my 2013 posts...June through December.

June...

In June, I started getting up close and personal with weeds and chasing sunsets.





July... 

I took you on a tour of our mountain get-away in Fancy Gap, Virginia...



...I showed you how I repurposed linens purchased from Goodwill...



...and the Dollar Store into making cute aprons...



...was reminded by a leaf about beauty in living and in dying...


...and brought you my "stump garden"...among a few other things.



August...

...came and found me singing the blues...


...searching for and finding precious jewels...



...and being reminded of where I was going and where I have been.

 

September...

I went on yet another trip down memory lane...


... a nature walk with my best friend, Jesus...



...and we saw lots of these fuzzy little guys...


...and as we were having a wonderful time, I further realized I'd rather have him than anything...
...or anyone.


I was also made aware of what my life would be without Him...


...when I saw this abandoned house. Empty.

October...

 
...ah yes...October...spilling over with vibrant color galore...


...the farmer's markets abounding with goodness...


...the leaves...oh yes, the leaves...and tons of acorns.


And we certainly can't forget about the decorations

 

We had fun times on a foggy Blue Ridge Parkway with the grands, too!



October...also a bittersweet time, with the passing of my dear Aunt Clara...
...she had just celebrated her 103rd birthday the month before.
 

November...


There was also that foggy morning when I was reminded Who gives me my direction.


And as the last of the leaves had fallen, the frosty mornings came...


...it was getting close to, well...you know...


December...
...so much to do...so little time!


Decorating...


...remembering why we do this...



...remembering... He is the Light of the world!



Which brings us up to...

Happy New Year!

want to take this opportunity to say thank you to those of you who have encouraged me and decided to follow. Never did I imagine how communicating with other ladies...from all over the place...could bless me like it has. Your blogs have inspired me, convicted me and taught me that as Sisters in Christ, we can all learn so much from each other. I do feel a kindred spirit with many of you and I want to thank you for your support and encouragement! I pray that 2014 brings forth wonderful things as God's blessings overflow! 


 

Sharing here:


http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/12/197th-inspire-me-tuesday.html
http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2013/12/mosaic-monday-goodbye-2013.html
http://www.impartinggrace.com/2014/01/grace-at-home-no-87.html


























39 comments:

  1. Debby, your photos and your words have truly encouraged my heart. Looking forward to the continued journey in 2014!

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    1. Barbie, thank you so much for your sweet comment...Happy New Year to you! Looking forward to the blessings 2014 will bring!

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  2. Hello Debby, Oh...what a marvelous writer you are.... as is proven in this post! The pictures are over the top fantastic.....such wonderful colors and you have positioned everything so well. I think I have told you how much I admire your lovely clocks. They look so nice on your mantel. Thank you for the New Year wishes and may I say right back to you........Happy New Year and may God bless you and your family.

    Susannah

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    1. Oh my...you are too kind with your comments, Susannah. I so appreciate your sweet encouragement! I pray the new year holds blessings galore for you and yours!

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  3. What a gift you've shared through your blog. Looking forward to the beauty you see and share in the year ahead

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    1. Thank you, Susan... you have been such a blessing to me by your encouraging posts and most beautiful photos! Happy New Year to you, my friend!

      Blessings,
      Debby

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  4. Yours is the most remarkable story! How wonderful to have sight restored so well that you have become an truly gifted photographer. Happy New Year!

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    1. Vee, what a sweet thing for you to say. Thank you for encouragement I pray you have a fantastic 2014!

      Blessings,
      Debby

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  5. I knew you were special right from the start! Not only are your photos beautiful but they reflect what a sweet heart you have and your love for the Lord! Love and hugs and many, many blessings my friend on the New Year!!

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    1. Awww...you're gonna make me cry! The feelings are mutual, sweet friend. You don't know much I appreciate your encouragement! You are such sweetie and your post and comments always bring a smile to my face. Happy New Year, Lisa!

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  6. I just love the way your eyes *see* the world - (and I'm rather glad that they can see better now, too!)

    The colors you pick, the subjects you snap - the commentary behind your photos - your pictures truly tell a thousand words!

    And Blog Land is all the better for your presence! (My life, too!)

    Happiest New Year, and GOD BLESS!

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    1. Sharon... you are such a blessing to me. I would love to be able to meet you in person some day so I could give you a big hug! Your posts always speak right to my heart and your love for the Father just radiates from you. Blessings to you, sweet friend...may your 2014 be filled to the brim!

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  7. It's been a joy following your blog, Debby. I pray the new year abounds with blessings for you and yours.

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    1. Thank you Gayle...your words always inspire me. Blessings to and your sweet family this year.

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  8. Hi Debbie, what a lovely post. Truly inspirational and gorgeous photos. I am your newest follower. happy New year!

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    1. Thank you, Linda for your sweet comments and for following me! Happy New Year to you as well!

      Blessings,
      Debby

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  9. Debby,I am so glad that you have joined the blogging world. I love coming here to see what you have to share with all of us. You are a blessing to me.Have a Blessed New Year and looking forward to more of your pictures in 2014.

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    1. You are so sweet....thank you for your kind words! I pray your New Year is blessed beyond measure!

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  10. What a beautiful year to look back on. Really enjoyed your pictures. Lovely
    Janice

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    1. Thank you, Janice! Happy New Year!

      Blessings,
      Debby!

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  11. Lovely pictures and great memories.
    So inspiring.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

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    1. Thank you, Audrey...blessings to you this year!

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  12. Debby Ray, what an absolutely beautiful summary. Such an amazing blend of color and poetry and faith...it gave me goosebumps...you have a wonderful gift...thank you for sharing His glory with us through your photos!-aimee

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    1. Aimee, what a sweetie you are. Thank you for your kind comments and I appreciate your encouragement to me! I pray your 2014 is truly blessed!

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  13. Wow, I can see that we are all very blessed that you have gotten your vision restored -- your photography is beautiful! Happy New Year!

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comment, Carol. I pray your 2014 is truly blessed...Happy New Year to you!

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  14. some wonderful memories here. Love those grandkid photos on the blue ridge parkway. Happy New Year.

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    1. Thank you, Joyce! Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year to you as well!

      Blessings, Debby

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  15. Such fun scrolling through the year with you through your photos and rejoicing with you that your vision is so improved! Sending wishes for a Very Happy New Year and looking forward to your upcoming posts!

    Kindly, Lorraine

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    1. Lorraine, sorry I am so late with my reply :( Thank you so much for your sweet comments! I hope your new year has gotten off to a great start! Blessings, sweet friend!

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  16. You captured perfect examples of the blessings that abound and are often overlooked or not recognized as blessings. Thank you for sharing. I wish you many more blessings to see and capture in 2014! ~Zuni

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    1. Zuni, thank you for stopping by my humble little blog and for your kind comments. I hope you have a fabulous 2014! Blessings!

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  17. Debby, I am so thankful that you decided to share your talents with the blog world! I ooh and ahh over each and every picture you share! So happy that your eye sight is much better. You certainly capture every little detail! Not only that, but I enjoy your touching posts so very much!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Jann...sorry for just now commenting back...what a sweetie you are. Thank you so much for your encouraging words. Many blessings to you in 2014!

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  18. Such a beautiful blog, I'm a new follower! Thank you for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful new year!

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    1. Jody, forgive me for the late reply. Thank you so much for the sweet compliment and for following me! Many blessings to you in the new year!

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  19. Hi, Debby! I just found your blog through Imparting Grace today. I love the feel of your blog - your words and pictures are such a blessing. This post was a great way to get to know you a little bit. Although I now live in Canada, I grew up in upstate SC, and my parents still live there. One of their favorite places to vacation is Fancy Gap. I've never been there, so your pictures showed me a little of what my parents love about it. I also loved your aprons from thrift store and dollar store finds - so creative! I hope your year is a blessed one!

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    1. Hi Susan! Thank you for stopping by and for the sweet comments! Wow, you really moved far away from home! I am from Ohio originally and have been in NC since '92. That is so amazing that you know about Fancy Gap! I hope you get to see it in person one day but am so glad I was able to give you a little pictorial tour! I pray you have a fantastic 2014!

      Blessings!

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Thank you for stopping by today! Your sweet comments are such an encouragement to me.