Blessings and joy!

I have been so blessed this year that I don't know what to do with myself. Of course, most of my blessings came at the end of the year, but still, this year has been a good one.

One of the best things to happen for me this year has been getting a new job that lets me work better hours - and it's full time! Working in Opp has been great for the past month and I look forward to many more months here.

One of my blessings in disguise was finding out that I am diabetic. Having this happen at this point in my life has been hard, but I am able to deal with it fairly well. I have always known I would be at risk since my mother had diabetes. But being able to lose weight and really take a step back and look at what I am eating has really made a difference in my life. I'm not where I need to be by any means, but I am well on my way to where I want to go.

I couldn't tell you how many times I talked to my cousin and best friend, Mary Ann since she moved to Lakeland, but I can tell you I have talked to her more in the past 5 months than I have since they moved from Tuscaloosa. It is a blessing that she and I have gotten to be close again despite the distance that separates us. I am lucky to be able to be considered her daughter's aunt even though I'm not Mary Ann's real sister. I know in our hearts, we are and always will be sisters.

I'm blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. I know that I often take for granted the fact that I can go away and not be in church at Mobley Creek for a while and come back and still feel welcome. Though, we may not have a large congregation, it is one that I have come to know and love for a very long time. We are truly blessed to have a wonderful pastor - Terry Powell and I am proud to say that he is every bit a Christian outside the church doors as he is inside.

Writing has always been my passion - well probably since about the age of 15, I wanted to be a writer. I didn't think I was any good or that I might make it big and I still haven't, but I'm well on my way. I'm doing something I love. Talking to people and learning their stories always touches my heart and I am proud that I am gifted enough to do this job.

I think the Lord has truly blessed me with many wonderful gifts, which I know I take for granted. My singing and my writing are both gifts that I know he has given me to show others about my faith in him. I don't sing as much as I should, but I have rejoined the church choir and that is fulfilling in itself.

I don't know what I would do without my wonderful and supportive church family. They have been the ones that I have leaned upon and shared my troubles with over the past few years. They have never faultered in showing me they will do whatever they can to help. Isn't that the most wonderful thing?

I know this blog is jumping all over the place, but I really do have a great deal to be thankful for as 2009 comes to a close. I can only hope that 2010 brings even better things my way - despite the fact that I will be 30 in May.

I wish all of you the very best in the new year and I hope His blessings and goodness shine on you!

God Bless!
-Esther