Thursday, December 31, 2015

Looking Back: Reflections of 2015


Wait...wasn't it just a few months ago that I was writing a re-cap of 2014??
I have stopped trying to figure out how time flies by so quickly.
All I know is this...
...there are the same amount of hours and days as there were last year and years before that.
We just seem to get so busy, don't we?


January found me starting over, as usual and craving a fresh new beginning for the fresh new year.
I don't know when I've ever started a new year without making a resolution of some kind...
...although I have to admit keeping them is usually quite a different story :(
I'm still working on that.
~
February took us to Tennessee for a week to care for those sweet youngins,
 as their mom and dad went off on a cruise to celebrate their 10th anniversary...
...and a little DIY project was completed as a surprise for them on returning home.
~
March came in like a lion, blessing us with a beautiful blanket of snow.
There you would find me tromping through the yard, carrying my camera and a vase of flowers...
...you know the rest :) 
And as predicted, it went out like a lamb as we flew to San Destin, Florida,
  a birthday surprise for Jim's older sister for her 75th birthday.
Sadly, we lost our precious Hunter the day before we were to leave.
Needless to say, we began our trip with heavy hearts.


April brought a special delivery as I was blessed to receive one of Stephanie's lovely giveaways
and spring arrived in all of it's splendor and the many photo ops that accompany it.
I also reconnected with an old friend from junior high on facebook...
...she actually had the other half of these photo booth pictures!
~
In May, I finally got up the nerve (and energy) to paint my kitchen cabinets...whew!
I was quite proud and relieved at the same time that I didn't make a big mess out of them!
~
And the month of June found me traipsing through the fields of thistle 
and dreaming of fried green tomatoes :)


Home improvement was the name of the game as July descended upon us...
...and it is to this day, still a work in not-so-much progress.
Don't even get me started on this subject :(
~
In July we returned to our Old Kentucky Home and then on to Ohio for my family reunion.
It was a joy to see all of my siblings and meet up with an old friend from childhood!
~
The old glider got a facelift in August and our brown house became red...with a new front porch.
And of course, I found a few moments to chase a butterfly or two.
~
I turned another year older in September and spent some time on the road less traveled,
thanking the Lord along the way for his goodness, grace and mercy...
...and for the many other gifts he has given to me.


And then it was October...aahh...my favorite month of the year...
...and time for some yummy soup after a long, hot summer.
 I also participated in Stephanie's tea cup exchange for the first time and it was so much fun.
~
When I think of November, this is what comes to mind...
...from brokenness to blessed.
God is so good.
~
El NiƱo has created many strange weather patterns for us this December
and Christmas Day was unbelievably warm...almost hot.
And speaking of hot, we did a good job of keeping the roads hot as well...
...celebrating a family Christmas on the run!
~
The Lord has certainly had his hand on my family in 2015
and there just really aren't enough words to express my gratitude.
I do want to say thank you to any and all who read my simple words.
Your expressions of encouragement and kindness fill my heart
and I am blessed to "know" each and every one of you!
~
It is my prayer that your 2016 will be filled with God's love, peace and grace.

Happy New Year, friends!


23 comments:

  1. As I look through this lovely post, Debby, I just see the beauty of the past year! The Lord has brought us through & we know He has 2016 in His hands!
    Wishing you all a blessed new year!

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  2. Looks like a great 2015! Happy New Year!

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  3. It's been a very full and eventful year...for both of us! I love your new banner and it makes me want to go change mine. Oh...and you know how we all speed read a bit when we're in a hurry. I caught the word Facelift and it stopped me enough to see that you were talking about your old glider..and not you! hahaha! Happy New year! Hugs, Diane

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  4. I enjoyed reading your summary of 2015,complete with pictures. Happy New Year to you.

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  5. What a great job! That bouquet of posies in the snow struck me then and strikes me now. Such contrast... Sorta like 2015. A Happy New Year to you!

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  6. It's amazing when we look back how much is in a year, good and hard times…lots of memories and so much to be thankful for. I recognize a lot of your pictures--such as your glider refresh and your kitchen cabinets being painted and more. Happy 2016!

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  7. I love how you have gathered the moments of your year. We can always see the Lord's hand as we look back!! Happy New Year to you, Debby!!

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  8. Enjoyed your look back over 2015. No wonder the year went by so fast, a lot of living crammed in there! You did a great job on your cabinets, that was no small task! Happy New Year!

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  9. So glad to have found your blog in 2015. Your words are always encouraging, even in the difficult times, and I appreciate that. Wishing you many blessings in 2016.

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  10. Hello Debby, a lovely look back over your 2015 year. I wish you all the best in 2016! Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  11. Debby, it sounds like you had an active year, and I have to say, your new Header is so pretty with the roses. It's good that you spent time on the road less traveled. I actually have a quote on this, and it's a wonderful place to be. That picture of the purple flower and the dew drops is gorgeous. I think flowers are even prettier with a few drops of rain on them. Stephanie's tea cup exchange is so delightful. Although I haven't participated yet, I always browse through the delightful tea cups that are shared.

    Happy New Year, my friend. I admire and appreciate your beautiful photos, they are so lovely. And looking forward to seeing more of them this year.

    ~Sheri

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  12. I really enjoyed looking back at your year...I hope the year ahead is wonderful for you.

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  13. What a beautiful recap / that first photo is amazing for the start of it! : )

    Happy New Year :)

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  14. What a beautiful recap / that first photo is amazing for the start of it! : )

    Happy New Year :)

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  15. What a beautiful recap / that first photo is amazing for the start of it! : )

    Happy New Year :)

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  16. These recaps everyone is doing are such a great idea. It's good to look back and remember the year -- I especially remember those flowers in the snow. What a stunning picture. So unexpected and beautiful. I'm glad to be your blogging friend Debby, and look forward to visiting you in 2016. Blessings, Deborah

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  17. Awesome and wishing u a great year ahead
    http://shilpachandrasekheran.blogspot.in/?m=1

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  18. Hi Debby! Looking back with you, I remember so much of your trips and pictures. It's like we walked the year together somehow? What a great year, so many blessings and adventures...and photos!
    God bless your 2016, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for you :)
    Ceil

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  19. Happiest New Year to you, too, dear friend.

    I loved this recap of 2015, reminded me so much of the things that I have enjoyed along with you this past year - and some of the things that we prayed about. Isn't it amazing, when we look back, how we can see the fingerprints of God on it all?! The ups and downs, He has a way of weaving them into the pattern that He deems best, doesn't He?!

    This year He has given me the word - grateful. It's going to stretch me, but in the best possible way.

    And today, my *grateful word* was FRIENDS. I reflected on the blessing of my friends, and how they consistently encourage and uplift me. YOU, dear one, are one of my special friends, and I am very grateful for YOU!

    GOD BLESS!

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  20. What a lovely look back as we look forward to 2016! Wishing you a year filled with blessings....

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