Friday, December 30, 2011

20 Reflection Questions on 2011

One of my favorite websites for inspiration is   (In)Courage.  I have prayer time every morning at work, I work in a ministry, and that is one of the places a visit each morning. Today there was a post with 20 questions for reflecting the New Year and I thought I would post my answers here: 



20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? This year, though not the best year, has held many wonderful things. If I had to choose one, I would say that my nephew Luke's miraculous recovery. 
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? My husband and I brought our third homeschool graduate to college. Even though she was the third to go to college, it was still challenging. She was 17 years old, because she graduated a year early and she was 12 hours away. However, she has done amazing and looking back, I'm glad that we allowed her to go. 
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? The most unexpected joy was when the Board of Directors voted me in as the Executive Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center where I work. 
4. What was an unexpected obstacle? My husband lost his job in June and though God has been faithful, it was not something we anticipated. 
5. Pick three words to describe 2011. Traumatic, Belief, Thankful
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you). Prayerfull, Growth, Determined 
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking). Humbling, Trust, Educational
8. What were the best books you read this year? A Woman and Her God, Beth Moore, 
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships? This year I would have to say most valualable relationships were with my husband, my children, my sister, and a few special friends. 
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? My biggest personal change was from being a stay at home homeschool mom to working full time. 
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? I learned that I am a competant adult and I can succeed at things. I also learned that being a leader is not a bad thing, it is how God designed me. 
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? I learned that no matter what man says, God always has the final say. I also learned that prayer is vital and that God truly knows me intimately. 
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically? This one is more difficult. I started jogging this spring, but then Luke's accident happened and life got totally sidetracked. In looking at this question and answering honestly, I did not grow physically this year, at least not in a good way. 
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? In all honesty between family, work, and being a full time student many of my relationships have taken a back seat. I am learning that I cannot 'do it all' and I also cannot 'have it all'. My focus has to be on what God has called me to do and I am blessed that my friends have continued to stand by me and love me any way. 
15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)? The most enjoyable part of my work is helping people and ministering the love of God to them.  I also love training the volunteers and sharing what I am currently learning in my studies with them.  It is also wonderful to be able to pray with people and be open about my faith in Jesus. 
The most enjoyable part of my home is knowing that my husband has taken the responsibility of homeschooling our son and is doing a wonderful job! I also know that our home is filled with love, laughter, and that God is in the center of our lives. 
16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)? The most challenging part of my work is when people can't, for one reason or another, move forward. I see many people who stay stuck in their circumstances and who don't walk in freedom of the Lord.  
My most challenging aspect of home is probably finances. However, God continues to be faithful and His provision is always greater then our need. 
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? I have not had much down time this year, but if I had to pick a biggest time waster I think it would be worrying.  I tend to worry too much and trust too little. 
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year? Spending time each morning in prayer and praise to God.  I have found that when I do not turn to God first, my day does not go smoothly. Another best use of time has been continuing my education, even though it keeps me extremely busy.  I know that God has appointed it, so I will continue to pursue my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Christian Counseling. 
19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year? God is truly faithful. I just need to always remember that, especially when money is tight. 
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you. Trusting God is all things. 

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