Reflections on 2009
posted on January 1st, 2010 / by Kelli Jones / 48 CommentsIt is so hard to believe 2009 is coming to an end. It’s amazing to look back on the year and think about all that has happened and all that God has taught me. I love lists (especially on pretty post-it notes but that’s another story) so here are my Top God Moments/Lessons/Blessings/And Everything in Between of 2009:
God the Giver of Good Gifts
It was an exciting and challenging year full of blessings at our house. It seems like only yesterday that I was writing this:
Counting Down the Minutes!
(Written January 15th, 2009 on my personal blog)
Once again here I am finding myself needing to apologize for not blogging for a month! Wow, life got a bit crazy with the holidays, my son Ayden’s birthday and recovering from our trip to Alaska. Now we are in count down mode trying to get everything ready for our new baby girl to come join us. And I must be honest and say that I just haven’t felt like blogging. I was trying to think of something really interesting to write about but since I couldn’t I thought I’d make a list of what I do “feel” like (since it’s not blogging).
- I feel claustrophobic in my own body. That’s right I’m feeling crowded in my own skin and sometimes I almost have a panic attack about it!
- I feel like a Weeble Wobble! Except that I might fall down!
- I feel like I can’t breathe which then leads back to feeling claustrophobic again!
- I feel like everything I eat makes me have heartburn.
- I feel so not fun to be around!
- I feel sorry for my husband and children!
- I feel like my ankles and feet will explode by the end of every day and that they resemble those of an albino elephant!
- I feel like I’m not going to make it four more minutes much less four more weeks!
- I feel like a beached whale!
- I feel like crap but I still want to paint my kitchen!
Ok, well now that I’ve gotten all of that out I FEEL much better. And I do apologize for such a negative post. Just being honest. And it’s ok if you don’t want to be around me for the next four weeks. Honestly, I try to avoid most of you during the last four weeks of your pregnancies! And for all of you that have had babies that don’t know what I’m talking about … well, then, I don’t like you. Well, at least for now. I’ll like you again later!
I must end by saying that I would do it all over again (enduring the pain that is) in a heartbeat just to get the amazing reward of a healthy baby in the end! Which by the way, NO, we won’t be doing it all over again … trust me, there is a doctor out there with a pair of scissors with my husband’s name on it! And now I am publicly apologizing for embarrassing my husband (but it is true)! We are ecstatic to meet our little girl and I do tell myself about every three minutes that the end is in sight and it is well worth the temporary torture. Thanks for being my free counseling service! Good night!
Wow, I bet you wish you were friends with me back then. 8 months pregnant with my fourth baby and high on the hormones! It’s funny how we can become consumed with such temporary tortures and feel like this too shall NEVER pass! But thankfully it did pass and the next month we welcomed our first baby girl into our world of 3 boys! What joy she immediately brought into our lives and continues to daily with one look into her eyes. Looking back it’s kind of cool that the first month of this year we spent preparing for our newest addition and the last few weeks of this year we spent with her celebrating her first Christmas and first snow! While I LOVE having boys so very much there was always a longing deep inside my heart for a daughter. How gracious and kind of my sweet Savior to give me the desire of my heart. We all truly feel like she is such a gift. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
God is FAITHFUL
If life really went like a fairy tale then I guess it would then say “and they lived happily ever after”. You know, we have 3 boys and 1 girl so what more could happen? But life doesn’t always play out like a fairy tale. Shortly after our tiny girl was born my husband’s business that he started 5 years prior began to take a very swift turn south. At first we thought it was just a “season” and that things would pick back up but as time went on we realized this ship was going down and someone hid our lifeboats! We had times that we felt like we were drowning as we came very close to losing our house and our car. We were begging God to show us what to do. I, being the impatient “fixer” like to act like I’m God’s little elf sometimes. I ask Him for his help and then scurry about trying to “fix” the problem myself. So while I prayed constantly asking Him to rescue us, show us what to do, give us wisdom, provide, etc. I would spend my days on the computer applying for jobs for my husband. What is wrong with applying for jobs you ask. Well, my husband was still running his business and doing everything in his power to generate more business. So lets just say it was less than encouraging to him when he got an email one day confirming his job application (that I had submitted for him) to UPS. It makes me want to cry just thinking about how I crushed his spirit by doing that! Ugh! For about 6 months we were in a very desperate financial situation and felt like God was being silent. Well, I did. My husband really felt like God was telling him to be patient and that He was going to open a door for him with another company. He had met one of the partners in this company a few years back and he really felt like God was going to do something with them. Me, I couldn’t see it. I hadn’t even met these people but in my mind if the door wasn’t opening tomorrow then it wasn’t opening at all! Looking back on this time God has shown me how small my faith was. I’m thankful though for a loving husband that listened to my anxious heart and questions but stood firm in waiting for what he knew God was telling him to be true. God taught me to trust my husband and never question his leadership. He is in a God given position as head of our house and any position given by God deserves my utmost respect, trust and honor. Turns out he was right, anyway! God did open an amazing door and the last 5 months have been the best work experience of his life. My heart overflows with thankfulness when I look back on this path that we walked down knowing now how God was preparing the way even through some of our darkest times. He is so good. “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
God is our PROTECTOR!
No really, He is. All of the things below happened and we’re all still alive and healthy! Seriously, here’s a short rundown of my 2009 with 4 kids, a husband and no pets!
- 2 broken arms (at the same time, same kid)
- Magnetic marble swallowed and stuck in son’s throat
- 16 trips to the ER/Urgent Care
- 3 Staples in the Head of another son
- Large Spider Bite on the Back of my Tiny Girl’s Head
- Stomach virus (All of us! Need I say more?), Swine Flu, Bronchitis (like 14 times), Ear Infections, Pneumonia
“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” Isaiah 53:5
AND THE TOP LESSON OF 2009 …
I think you’ve probably picked up on the fact that this year was full of challenges (financial, health, and just the norm of learning to be a Mommy to 4 kids). Wouldn’t it have been a shame if I went through all of that and didn’t learn anything? I am so thankful that I did learn so many lessons. The greatest lesson though came from these verses:
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.” Romans 8:26-30
Life is hard and sometimes confusing. Sometimes I don’t know what to do or what to pray or even what to think. Sometimes I don’t even think I know how to be a good wife or Mommy. This year I learned that it’s ok. I’m not supposed to know everything! The first part of the verse where it says “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness” has given me so much freedom. If I will just ask Him to fill me with His Spirit, He will! What a burden this lifts from my shoulders! He knows I’m weak and that I can’t “do it all”. How loving and kind to give His children the Holy Spirit to help us so that we don’t have to do it all on our own! So many times we get so busy with life and all the things on our to do lists and suddenly feel overwhelmed. We feel pulled in a million directions. It is in these moments that we can stop and claim these verses and truly feel His power! I didn’t just learn about the Holy Spirit for the first time this year but I do think I truly experienced the power of being filled with the Spirit for the first time this year. And what hope and excitement this gives me as I go into a new year. I know I don’t enter into it alone with my God sitting way up in Heaven a bizillion miles away looking down on me. No, His Spirit is here with me, inside of me, and I go armed ready to take on whatever He sends my way. May I never be too busy that I don’t allow the Holy Spirit to go on this crazy ride with me! And this is my prayer for you today “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19
What has God taught you this year?
Thank you for sharing Kelli. Your honesty is refreshing and such a blessing! Love to you and the fam!
This is beautiful Kelli… I remember reading that post on your blog a year ago (and being newly pregnant myself felt much the same way!) What a year you’ve had, but what amazing insights and truths God has given you through it! Great reminder that God truly is faithful to supply ALL our needs!
Amazing year! I have often wondered what we would learn if everything was easy. God knows His children. Thank you Kelli for sharing with us!
Your honesty is inspiring. I find myself wondering some of the same things at times and am happy to know I am not alone in that. I am also so thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit who is faithful to be our helper in times of need!
2009 has been an incredible year for me too – Spiritually!! I am so thankful to the lessons God has taught me!
Kelli girl, we are hanging out more in 2010! LOVE YOU!
Great Encouragement! I am constantly trying to remind myself that God doesn’t need my help… I need HIS! Thanks
Kelli!!
Thanks so much for sharing what God has done in your life in 2009. May God bless you and your sweet family in 2010!!!
Kelli, what a year! Thank you for sharing. I love the Zephaniah verse…one of my favorites! It brings such peace and calm to my heart.
Thank you for sharing the amazing journey God has brought you and your family on this year Kelli. What a great reminder that God is in control. All we have to do is come alongside Him – allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, strengthen us! Amen!
Kelli,
Thank you for being transparent and honestly sharing your life with others. Your faith increases mine and reminds me that I am inadequate to do all things without Him…for He created me to need Him!! May God continue to bless you and your family in 2010!!
Great information Kelli. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this blog with us Kelli. Sometimes as moms and wifes we forget we cant do it all on our own and try to be wonder woman. Through your blog I am inspired to seek out God for more direction than I have in the past few years. I forgot somewhere along the way I wasn’t alone in this hectic life He has created for me.
your devotion to your family is so encouraging to me…as well as your friendship! I look forward to seeing what God does with and through you this year!
awesome!
Kelli,
Your words never fail to inspire, humble, and make me just stop and think how I should be quiet more often and listen to God’s word through believers such as yourself. You a quite the vessel through which God has chosen to declare His existence. Thanks so much – and don’t forget to send me thsoe reminders! I don’t want to miss ONE entry!
What a gifted communicator for this time! Thanks for your vulnerability, humor, and trust in The Lord Your Rock!! (mine too)
Sweetheart, I’m always amazed by the way God speaks to your heart! You’re beautiful and amazing! Thanks for being obedient to God’s voice!
Great post! Our year sounds much the same, only half the kids
! God has taught me to call to Him in those moments when I feel as if I can’t breath without Him there… He’s there & holding us in the palm of his hands!
Kelli, I am so glad you are back on the blogging! I loved this post! You are an amazing writer and such an encouragement!
Kel….I am amazed with all the urgent care visits… I am only kidding…You ARE truly a woman after Gods own heart and I hope one day I Really DO get to meet you and give you a great big hug to say thanks for sharing all you do….I enjoy and I am blessed by your words!! Thanks girl!!
i am SO glad you’ve joined us kelli- i look forward to many more wonderful and uplifting blogs like this one!
Love Rom. 8:26! Love the Holy Spirit! Awesome encouraging post. So thankful to have you!
Kelli, thank you for sharing your heart with us. What have I learned this year…to seize the day, don’t let fear and anxiety drive out God’s love for me and others, that life is a mixture of joy and sorrow, and to trust him…to quit clinging to my idea of life…and to trust him with his idea though it may seem upside down from the way i see things…his ways are better.
Also, if you ever have time to read a good book, then check out Henri Nouwen “Here and Now – Life in the Spirit”. It’s awesome!
Awesome words Kelli! You are so talented! It’s always great to be reminded that God is bigger than anything this life throws our way!
Beautifully written Kel – you are such an inspiration to me. Thanks for always encouraging me to depend upon the power of the Holy Spirit living within me to get me beyond my circumstances. Dad would be so proud of you and the great opportunity you have to share your heart with so many. We love you, Mom
I can’t believe someone that I watched growing up is writing like this. To see the truths that were taught you from an early age are now interwoven in yours and your families life. This writing is and was a blessing, keep writing.
Kelli~ Thank you for sharing! It’s nice to know that I have a friend that can relate to the craziness of motherhood and laugh about it the next day. Look forward to more stories!!
You’re a rockstar Kelly!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!
Kelli….thanks for sharing your heart! What an incredible year. Looking forward to seeing God bless the Jones’ richly in 2010!
This has encouraged me to journal about everything God has taught me in 2009! I am so proud of you for taking the time in your busy schedule to share! I am blessed to know you….you have definitely been an encouragement to me this year! Thanks again for sharing! Lots of love!
Wow! I can’t believe you find the time to write like this…awesome!
Thank you Kelli for your transparency and lessons learned. Loved how you spoke inromy life today and how God is using you!
It’s so good to be remined that cares about the details of life. As I am transitioning into a mother of 2, I’ve found myself having a hard time including God in my craziness. Being reminded that He wants to join me and will give me peace through it is so encouraging to me. It is a constant battle to trust God with my boys, but He is their creator and has entrusted them to me for time. Who else is more trustworthy?
Welcome to DIB!! This was a really encouraging blog! It is filled with hope even when life gets messy! One of my favorite of your sayings..”Sometimes I don’t even think I know how to be a good wife or Mommy. This year I learned that it’s ok.” That is a very freeing statement. Because God sent His Holy Spirit to help us..we have helper! (Lord knows we need one!). I look forward to reading more! Bless you, Celeste
Thanks for sharing your family moments. You are an inspiration and joy to us Hellers! Blessings on your new year…hopefully no more broken bones and spider bites! ha!
Kelli, looks like a fun way to express yourself. I enjoyed reading, don’t know if I could ever feel free enough to share like you do. Thanks !
Kelly Kidd-awesome article! I love how real you are…sure helps to know you’re not alone. Hugs! Mariann
Oh this is so true. I have been there 100 times. Thank goodness for the wonderful God seeking men that are put in our lives to lead our homes!
Kelli,
Thank you for being an inspiration to me. You are truly an amazing woman and I love how honest and real you are. God bless you and your family in 2010!
Awesome, Kelli! It’s awesome when we are given the opportunity to trust Him by trusting our amazing husbands. Thank you for sharing…..looking forward to many more!
It is so great to see how we all have crazy lives and God always comes through! Thanks for sharing your life. Hope to hear more in the future.
Hi Kelli, Just wanted to add my “well dones” to the long list of comments. I laughed when I read your honest “feelings” and smiled with understanding when you made 16 visits to the urgent care center (I’m a mom of 4 also – so I totally get that!) Mostly I was encouraged when I read how in the midst of much activity, trial and joy you pressed into God. How I love the Holy Spirit! Isn’t He amazing? Bless you in 2010 – so much opportunity to love and be loved is yours! Keep writing! You are a joy!
Great article. Very uplifting!
Kelli,
Always enjoy your blogs! I know how challenging it can be with 3 boys and a little girl. Wink wink
You are truly a gifted writer, mother, sister, daughter, friend and daughter of God. Keep up the good work.
PS I agree with your mom……your Dad would be soooooo proud.
A very real perspective on life. You have such a way with words. I look forward to reading many more of your posts this year. I wish you and your family many blessings in 2010.
Once again my friend you perfectly articulate what we are all really thinking about our life and circumstances!!!:) Thank you for being honest and precious! I LOVE standing alongside the Lord with you…God has taught me much of the same in the last year and I echo the comment of another that said praise God that you have reminded us all that we have to press into Him and His power as we step. Keep sharing my friend…God will continue to use your words to set His daughters free! Praise God!!
love, love!
Kelli-
I love your honest and inspirational writing! I am so glad you’ve given us a glimpse of your year. Hearing others’ stories always helps to put things into perspective and reminds me of how amazing God’s plans for us are!
Kelli,
It’s been one interesting year, hasn’t it? Thanks for the inspiration and the insight into our family. Love you all
Dale