Reflections on 2011…

There is so much to say about 2011. Today, I will focus on things I am grateful for that happened this year. God is such a good Father, and through all of the ups and downs (and believe me, there have been many), He has held my hand and walked me through every moment. So first and foremost I am grateful for Jesus; my Love, my Savior, and my dearest Friend. As I find myself at the end of another year, I realize that I trust Him now more than ever…so bring on 2012!!

I’m grateful for my job at FirstBank. I’m thankful for all I learned there and for the friends I made in the process. And I’m grateful for its completion and for the opportunity to move forward to the next steps in life.

I’m grateful for my church, Denver United Church. It has been such a huge blessing in my life on so many levels: friendship, spiritual growth, ministry opportunities, etc.

I’m grateful for my friend, Tanya Low, and for the time that we got to spend together at the beginning of the year. It’s a rarity to have her around like that, so I treasure each moment. She is such a precious and beautiful friend who has blessed me in more ways than she knows. (she also has an INCREDIBLE new CD out, find out more HERE)

I’m grateful for the Word of God and its transforming power. I’ve read it through more than a dozen times and it still feeds my soul every day with fresh revelation and power.

I’m grateful for my pastors. Pastor Rob encourages me to live my dreams and believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself. Pastor Justin is a faithful friend who has dedicated so much time and prayer to Benj and myself as we journey toward full-time missions. And all of the other pastors have blessed me in so many ways and have taught me so much about humble service for the Kingdom of God.

I’m grateful that God has continued to break my heart open for the “least of these,” particularly orphans and those who have been cruelly forced into slavery. These “treasures of darkness” are my heartbeat, my calling, and I know God will use me to bring hope and freedom in the coming years.

I’m grateful for the opportunity Benj and I have been given to be Denver United Church’s Global Missions Coordinators. It’s definitely a growing process and looks different than we might have thought, but God’s timing is perfect and we are so thankful and excited.

I’m grateful that I was able to dance in The Thorn. I gotta say, it was tons of fun dancing in that huge arena in pretty costumes and crazy hair and make-up! Haha!

I’m grateful for Derek and Firdaus Jones. Even though we haven’t seen each other in a while, I am so deeply thankful that God brought them into Benj’s and my life. It has been a huge blessing to have neighbor friends who share our passion for Christ!

I’m grateful for opportunities to write. I have so enjoyed being able to update my blog with thoughts, poems, and book and movie reviews! I’ve read so many incredible books this year (I’m grateful for that, too) about people who have overcome incredible odds. I’ve also seen some very moving foreign films that make my heart burn for the nations. And time to write poetry and such…well, for that I am truly thankful!

I’m grateful for my family. My great parents who have been so generous to us and so hospitable; my brother, Nathan, and sister-in-law, Katie – and the little baby growing in her belly – it has been so fun being newlyweds together:); my precious and wonderful and beautiful twinnie, Kira, who I love with all my heart. My mommy-in-law, Shannon, who never ceases to amaze me with her kindness, hospitality, and heart for God; my little sisters-in-law, Emily and Caroline, who have grown up so much and are both so fun and talented; my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chris and Stacy, who always keep me laughing and looking at the bright side of life; my step-sisters-in-law (heehee) Courtney and Ashley, both beautiful and full of life and talent; my Dad-in-law, Ken, and his wife, Sue, who always make me feel relaxed and happy (and have great taste in wine!;); and my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Willy and Gracie, who have always been so loving and fun and wonderful! And of course, all of my amazing grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We may not see each other often, but I love you all!!

I’m grateful for the worship team at Denver United. It’s been a huge privilege and blessing to be a part of this team. It truly makes my heart come alive to sing with these amazing people. I’m grateful for Austin and Blanca who have so graciously welcomed me and encouraged me to pursue the gifts God has given me.

I’m grateful for Carolyn Hoyt. She has become one of my dearest friends and I can’t thank God enough for bringing her into my life when He did. I felt so lonely in the season when she walked into my life. He always knows what we need and her friendship has blessed me deeply.

I’m grateful for our trip to India. Oh, India. There were so many lessons to be learned and treasures to be gleaned from that trip. It was difficult in such a way that I was forced to grow…and how can I not be grateful for that? I’m especially grateful for Pastor Yesupaddam and his wonderful wife, for the beautiful children at Kathleen home (particularly Jothi Kumari and Amaloo who have touched my heart forever), and for the Alexanders and the beautiful children at Comforter (particularly Tamari, Simmi, and my little deaf boy – such treasures of love).

I’m grateful for Mauri Brendle and Gaby Spicer – beautiful, amazing women of God who have both encouraged me more than they know.

I’m grateful for the miracle God gave us to pay off ALL of our debt! Hallelujah!

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of A*Dore Dance Company!! I cannot even begin to express all of the ways this has blessed my life. It’s amazing to be a part of a group of women who not only love to dance, but who also Love Jesus!! This is a miracle in my life and I can’t thank God enough for bringing me to this company. I love each and every one of you girls!!

I’m grateful that I had the chance to go visit Kira in NYC! Um, what’s better than hanging out in New York City? Hanging out in New York City with your TWIN of course!! Ahhhhh!!!! Inexplicably wonderful twin bonding time!!!(Seeing Faith, Anne-Allegra, Jalin, and Lynn was an extra bonus!)

I’m grateful for Demi Lovato’s new CD, Unbroken!  Haha, it’s TRUE!  Especially “Skyscraper!”  I’ve never loved a song so much in my life.

I’m grateful for my dearest Emily Rogers. I’m so glad that she moved to Denver when she did. I’m so glad we had a fun Monte Carlo/soup/chocolate lava cake snow day together. I’m so glad that I have been able to be with her as she walks through the hardest time of her life. I’m just so grateful for this long and wonderful friendship. Emily is a treasure I will never let go of!

I’m grateful that Benj and I were able to take a trip to NH and MA to see my amazing grandparents, Aunt Marina, Uncle Helgard, and Uncle Ingo.  I’m so glad Benj finally got to meet Omi and Opi – and it was so fun just listening to all of their incredible stories (wanna know more? There’s a book out about them now! – Click here ).  And of course it was a blast venturing around Boston.  Such a cool city!

I’m grateful for my Christmas dancers! Stephanie, Laura, Ashley, Martha, and April were so supportive, committed, and amazing! Having great dancers to work with is a plus – having great dancers who are also your friends is a double plus! I love you girls! (Watch video here!)

I’m grateful for God’s incredible provision through Benj’s job, the church, and faithful supporters of our ministry. He never leaves us in a bind…it’s truly incredible.

I’m grateful for my awesome new job as Assistant Varsity Poms Coach at Mullen High School. It has been so much fun, a job that I truly love! Kelsey has helped me to learn so much about the sport and I think it could be something I do for a long time. Plus, the girls on the team are the nicest, spunkiest, toughest, most fun girls ever.

I’m grateful for countless friends, both old and new, who have blessed my life in infinite ways. I wish I could name them all. A*Dore friends, church friends, friends from the past and friends that have walked into my life recently. So many beautiful hearts in my world…I am truly amazed. At this time last year I was feeling very very lonely – and now I know that if I am feeling lonely, going through a hard time, or just need to have fun, that there are people who will be by my side. Thank You, Jesus!

I’m grateful for my mom’s successful surgery and that she’s beautifully on her way to a full recovery and a better life!:)

I’m grateful for our multiple small groups. Each one has been wonderful and I have learned so much about myself and about God.

Lastly, I am grateful for my precious, wonderful, heroic husband, Benj. He truly never ceases to amaze me. I feel so deeply humbled and blessed to be Benj’s wife. Marriage has been absolutely incredible so far and I am convinced it is because he is so wonderful. Benj, I have learned so much from you this year about perseverance, humility, joy, peace, patience, and Love. You are the hero of my heart. Thank you for all that you have sacrificed for me. Thank you for continuing to go to work, even when it’s hard, so that we will be provided for. Thank you for always holding me when I’m sad. Thank you for being patient with me as I struggle through situations and as I grow. Thank you for never raising your voice at me and for always treating me with kindness and gentleness. Thank you for all of the fun dates you’ve taken me on this year! Thank you for letting me take care of you when you’re sick or tired. Thank you for encouraging me to be ME and for walking with me on this journey towards complete freedom in Christ. I Love you with all my heart – you are truly an amazing Warrior Poet.

I feel like this list doesn’t even scratch the surface of all that I have to be grateful for this year. Even though there have been some really hard times, I see God’s hand in the midst of it all and I am truly, deeply, humbly thankful.

Much joy,

Gabi

~ by gabiruth on December 31, 2011.