The Beginning of a New Year...

Current Song: Someone Like You by Adele

The beginning of another year brings me to reflect over the past year and think about what this year is going to bring. This past year I have been faced with a few different challenges here and there but also some huge blessings and joys. Let me reflect...

After being convicted from turning my back on a homeless girl not knowing what to do, I looked into studying youth work. The decision was huge as I had only been in my current job for eight months during which I was given leave for my wedding and honeymoon and the opportunity to lead on a snow camp in NZ. I followed what I believed to be God's calling and gave my resignation before actually being accepted into any courses. I was brought back to familiar territory enrolling in Youth Work with Tabor College, although this time a fresh start at a new campus that felt much more like a university leaving conflicting memories about YITS back in Ringwood.

Through my study I was faced with many challenges, coming to a new place where I knew nobody was the first. I was blessed with meeting some beautiful like-minded people, girls in particular. I have always desired to have like-minded Christian girl friends closer to my age. I was blessed to develop friendships with Lucy, Tania, Jemma, Adriana and particularly in the second semester Emma, Steph, Leny and Candace. I am very much hoping that I will be able to continue these friendships into 2012 when study recommences.

I have had to accept that my husband is more than willing to provide for me and I have had to learn different ways of showing my appreciation for that. I have had a few opportunities open up for work but each time have missed out by a thread. At times this has been trying as I would love to contribute financially and also gain experience in the community welfare working environment. I wasn't successful at Headspace as I didn't have a medical administration background, I wasn't successful at Anglicare as there were others who had more community experience than I did and I was unable to be considered at Berry Street for a Residential Care Worker (a little devastated) because I was unable to attend the second training day. This last opportunity was recent and sounded very challenging but I was very willing to take it on. I think now I have come to realise that perhaps I wasn't ready for that sort of commitment while trying to complete my degree. God has perfect timing and perhaps Baz getting sick and having to be in hospital which was why I couldn't get to the second training was God's roadblock. I am content believing that maybe I'm not ready for that position yet and I need a little more life experience and more journey of my own. In 2012 I am going to have the opportunity to volunteer with Berry Street and one of their mentoring programs. Although this will not contribute financially, I will be able to experience more and perhaps Residential Care might come up again later on.

I have also been forced to think what if I had not have turned down an administration position with Simonds. The amount of my study would have been in jeopardy but I would be able to contribute financially. I also had to trust God with this decision. I believe I am being taught to live simply and be content with what we have. I believe God also wants to teach me to rely on my husband providing for me and how I can show him how I appreciate him by learning to be a godly and honourable wife for him.

That brings me to my next thought. I have been told by a few friends about a book called 'Created to be his Help Meet'. The book is about being a godly wife for your husband. I have only read two chapters. Each chapter has a devotional component and a bible study component. I do not want to skip through these sections. My aim for this book is to read once chapter a week (more if I feel I've done the chapter justice) and really learn more about what it means to be a godly wife, partner and help meet for my husband. I am excited to be doing this and how my relationship with God and Baz will develop through this challenge.

So as for what 2012 will bring, I hope that I can be disciplined enough to pursue God as he would desire me to and in turn know how to be the best partner I can be for Baz. In terms of study, I am only able to undertake two subjects this semester as the timetable is very spread out. Initially I was disappointed with this but I do have six months to 'play with' as I have been credited for my YITS classes. I still hope to have completed by degree by 2013 (...if the world doesn't end on 20th December, 2012! HAHA!) but if not, it's all in God's timing. I know that I endeavour to be obedient to God.

I have also really enjoyed learning some more chords on guitar so that I can play some of my favourite songs and also jam with Baz on the bass. I have discovered I can play a lot of worship songs too which is really cool - singing out to God! I have also really enjoyed (and have been quite proud of) my persistence and ability to learn a beautiful piano piece called 'River Flows in You' by Yiruma. I am really blessed to have Baz around to help me learn and his patience is amazing. We are both learning how to communicate with each other in the best way for the other and it's really valuable.

I have spent the past few days with some friends up in Cowes and have really learned the value of real, genuine friendships. I have had some great laughs with Katie, Rob and Baz and also some really deep conversations that have inspired me to think about what I believe and how that is shown in my life. I am hoping that these friendships will last a lifetime and even though international travel is on the cards for some that we can continue to grow our friendships. I just...(in joke) feel really refreshed by the laughs, kindness and genuineness of the past couple of weeks with family at Christmas to friends over New Years. I am excited to see what 2012 will bring.

PS - I was also blessed with two gorgeous little nieces earlier this year. Our first visit to them at home was the night before Baz and I went to Tasmania for our first wedding anniversary - another highlight of my year.

Current Song: The Only Exception by Paramore