I started a blog about 4 years ago but never kept up with it.  I always enjoying reading other peoples blogs and though that I would start again. The title of the blog is Everyday Blessings. Each day is a blessing and I hope that we all will recognize the blessings of each new day that we are alive. 

Everyday that I wake up, I consider it a blessing to be alive and thankful for each new day.  As I begin 2014 I am reminded of all the blessings that the Lord gave me in 2013:

• A beautiful new home in Oregon

• Watching my oldest son, Josh make the Tigard JBO American baseball team as catcher

• Amazed at all the creative things my younger son, Jeremy comes up with

• Both boys are now in Middle school, play in the band and both involved in Scouts

• Entertaining my sister-in-law and her family from Virginia

• Going on a sky-ride to the top of Mount Hood

• An opportunity to travel to Northern California and visit Mark's Aunt Chris

• Visited Crater Lake which is absolutely breathtaking

• Enjoyed a weekend away with my hubby at the Oregon Coast in Lincoln City

• Volunteering for a wonderful Breast Cancer non-profit organization called Breast Friends

• Starting a new lifestyle eating plan with the help of Shred and lost 35 pounds

• Celebrating my 9th year of being cancer free

I read a book at the end of last year called “If You Want To Walk On Water, You’ve Got To Get Out Of The Boat” by John Ortberg and it is about the potential that we all have if we will get out of our comfort zones and trust the Lord in all that we do. At times in my life I have wanted to stay comfortable because it was too much work to try something new or I thought that I wouldn’t succeed. Through reading this book it taught me that if I want to reach my full potential on what the Lord has called me to do, I have to get out of the boat and put my complete faith and trust in Him.  Once I get out of the boat I have put my trust in the Lord and have to remember that and not try to do things my way or question why things aren’t moving more quickly.  God calls us at times to wait on His timing. When God called Moses to lead the people to the Promised Land he acted in obedience but had to wait forty years in the wilderness.  That is a long time to wait. In the times of waiting it teaches us a lot about ourselves and develops our character.

My prayer for 2014 is that I would trust the Lord more this year and take those risks of getting out of the boat and put my complete faith in Him.  Through the years I can look back on my life and count it a blessing that the Lord was with me each step of the way through the good times and through the times of trials.  I am looking forward to new adventures this coming year.

Crater Lake

Mount Hood

On Top of Mount Hood

Oregon Coast - Lincoln City 

Tigard JBO American Team

Lego Fest

Scouts - Court of Honor

Scouts - Court of Honor