Countless blessings

In my time zone, 2008 is two hours and 14 minutes away. 2007 is quickly slipping through my fingers and all that I planned to do this past year has either been accomplished or it's on the list for next year. Regardless of my victories or failures in that area, I've had a good year.

Two grandsons were born--Cannon Dennis Hedges and Tyler Henry Gordon. One lives with his brothers Dustin and Hunter in Kentucky; the other lives in Michigan by himself (well, as far as kids go, that is). I traveled a lot this year--to Michigan, Kentucky and Florida; we enjoyed reciprocal visits from loved ones from all of those states, as well. I got a new kitty, Maple, and she's brought untold joy to this household. All in all, it was a great year for our family and I look prayerfully forward to another healthy and happy twelve months in 2008.

I accomplished some things with my writing, although not nearly as much as I should have or that I am capable of doing. That will change in 2008. I was diagnosed with yet another ailment, but I've chosen to look at this new medical problem as a way to become healthier in all other aspects of my life. We will be moving to another base (as yet unknown) this coming summer and we're happily anticipating a new state, home, and community in which to live and prosper.

I've stayed in touch with a couple of cherished old friends; hopefully, we'll have a chance to visit one another this coming year. We've made new friends on this base and are thankful for their company, support, and friendliness. Nothing makes the military life easier than making friends around the world.

God has been extraordinarily kind, generous and loving with my family this year. I praise Him for His power, glory and everlasting love and thank Him endlessly for the many blessings He bestows upon me and my loved ones every minute of the day. I thank Him for my loved ones, for their guidance and love, their humor and support. Without them and our Heavenly Father, I would be less than nothing. And of course, none of the above-mentioned wonderful events and/or people and relationships during this past year (or any of the fifty plus before that) would have been possible without His constant presence in my life.

I can hardly wait for 2008 and the glorious things the Lord has in store for me! Opportunities abound and I know that God has countless blessings ready to pour upon me and those I love. Thank you, Heavenly Father!

Until the next time...

Glutton-free at last!

The Christmas season--for those of us in this household, at least--is over for another year. Yes, the New Year's activities are still looming, but we don't do much to mark that holiday, preferring instead to take it easy, catch up on things, and look forward to starting anew. Besides, it's time for me to begin my yearly ritual--planning, designing, beginning, and ultimately abandoning my latest diet. Celebrating on New Year's Eve would only serve to pile on another pound or two!

This year, though, I believe the Lord has taken that out of my hands. About two weeks before Christmas, I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, which means I'll be eating a gluten-free diet for the remainder of my days. Although I missed eating all the luscious holiday goodies, knowing that I would have been desperately ill during the entire holiday season makes me realize that finding out beforehand was indeed a blessing. Yes, it will be a challenge to eat without consuming any wheat, rye, barley or oat products ever again, but the benefits far outweigh any disadvantages. As soon as I began my gluten-free diet, I noticed immediate results. Besides the obvious advantage of feeling better, my body can now heal from the ravages of consuming gluten all these years and I'll no doubt be a healthier person all around. Who knows, I might even lose a few pounds in the process.

The Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways!

Until the next time...