2014

We have so much to be thankful for this year. Many of the prayers we had were answered this year and we were at the receiving end of many tender mercies. 2014 was a great year. 

When we first moved to Okinawa, we were ready for adventure. In so many ways, this is a perfect fit for where our family currently is. We have been surrounded by amazing people who are kind, positive and resilient. Their generosity in our lives never cease. I was not anticipating this at all. In fact, coming to Japan wasn't in the original plan at all. I was set on moving to California. But after a lot of prayer I felt at peace about it, and then excitement. 

Shortly after we arrived, I had a dream. I do believe in personal revalation from God. That's not to say I think all my dreams mean something- because often times they are strange. But everyonce in a while I have a dream that sticks with me. It helps me to see situations in my life with perspective and clarity. Often times I have experiences that I later realize were helping me prepare for something down the road. I know this is Heavenly Father helping me.  This dream was one of those experiences- its message had prepped me for the year and has provided me with some clarity ever since. 

Here was my dream.

I dreamed that we had just arrived in Okinawa. We were still in our temp lodging at the hotel and hadn't been given a place to live yet. We were ancy. We wanted a home to stay in and a car to explore with. Steven went and checked in with his command. When he came back, he said he had been given a new assignment. He had been given orders to Italy. We were leaving in a few days. With our 10 month old. After already not living in our own place and traveling for over a month. On incredibly long flights and obnoxious layovers. Eating food that made us feel less than our best. 

So this is the craziest part: I wasn't freaking out. I was completely calm and good with it all. Here's why. 

Because I've learned that God is in control and he's got this covered. I feel like I can turn around on any given day and see where Heavenly Father has blessed us- especially when things don't look or feel like they are working in our favor. He puts people in our way to guide us and to look over us. He sends us where we need to be. The list of people who influenced us and who have given direction in both my life and Steven's life is endless. God is in control and he is watching over us. 

That's the end of it. It was simple. But the moment I woke up, I felt the impact. I very distinctly remember having the thought,"You're not going to go to Italy. But you will have a lot of changes you didn't see coming. But it's ok. God is in control. Have faith in his plan."

This last year could have certainly been described as having a lot of things I didn't see coming my way that could have caused anxiousness. But instead, I felt that moments of clarity and peace were given to me because of my faith that He is in control. 

As 2015 begins, my wish is that all people will be able to experience this peace and clarity.  Happy new year everyone.