1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
Picking one thing is honestly so hard for me because 2012 has been a really good year for me. But if I have to pick one thing it would be going off all my medications for fibromyalgia!
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
January through April was one big challenging mess-out of control pain, repeated sickness and infections and horrible withdraw symptoms going off my medications.
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
In May, I felt God call me to leave my primary job as a nanny. It turned out to be such a blessing to me in many ways but at the time I wasn't sure what I would do financially. But I stepped out in faith and obeyed God and got an unexpected check in the mail from my insurance company for almost $900!
4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
I guess the challenges with going off my medicine...not because I didn't know it would be challenging to go off of but because I had no idea that 2012 would be the year God would tell me to do it.
5. Pick three words to describe 2012.
Change, Praying Big
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2012
(don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2012 (again, without asking).
You can do these if you're married:)
8. What were the best books you read this year?
Hands down the best, most life changing book I read was The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.
For my other favorites check out this list:)
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
As always my roommates -Mom and Todd:) I call us Three's Company because we're always laughing and having fun. I have no idea what I would without the support of both of them.
Me, Mom and my brother Todd
This is basically every picture of Todd & I
My dad-who always supports me and is especially encouraging with my blog! And I was so happy for he and my brother to enjoy all of Kent State's wins this year:)
My Dad waited 39 years for these wins!
Kelly-who I loved hanging out with last summer and I miss lots!
Todd, Mom, Kelly & I at Kelly's 20's party
Candace-love what God has done this year and I love praying for you! Your prayers have meant the world to me this year. Can't wait to see what 2013 brings for both of us! Thank you for going on this crazy prayer ride with me;)
Loved this day! Let's do it again soon:)
My Unglued girls-especially Jen, Mindy, Bethany and Rachel-love studying God's Word with you ladies. You each bless me so much and I look forward to our monthly Starbucks dates:)
Mandy-Love our catch up phone calls but let's hang out in real life in 2013!
Um this is the last time we saw each other...in 2011...not ok!
My sweet girls J, E, L and G-you have no idea how happy it makes me that you moved back from China and that I get to watch you several days a week (even though I know you would rather I just move in:) I have never had anyone in my life love me and compliment me as much as you girls and I feel so honored to watch you grow up. It makes me cry happy tears when you tell me you want to be just like me. I want nothing more than for you girls to know and love Jesus and live big lives for Him! You will always be my little girls no matter how old you get and I will always be here for you.
Jamie and Anna-love how long we've been friends and that even though we don't get to talk or see each other as much as we'd like you are both always in my heart and I cherish the times we spend together.
Anna, Me and Jamie
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
I finally started living life according to the bigness of God not the smallness of my thinking.
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
I dealt with some past issues that were holding me back and have found more joy this year than any other year of my life.When I realized how big God is and how the possibilities for what he can do are endless, it made me realize what a beautiful, wild ride life can be.
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
I learned to really trust God even when it's scary and risky. I learned that obeying God, no matter what He asks you to do, is the safest place to be, and I learned that God is far bigger and more powerful than I ever knew.
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
My pain levels became much more manageable this year (and this is AFTER going off my medicines). I'm using all natural essential oils and supplements I love and have felt better this year than I have in at least a decade. I still have a ways to go but I'm hopeful I will continue to get healthier and have less pain.
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
I have always loved and appreciated the people in my life but this year I've felt extra thankful. Seriously from family and friends to people I only know online I really have the most wonderful, supportive, encouraging people in my life. Everyone should be so blessed.
15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
Making the switch to working more from home. It has greatly improved my health to not have to get up early and to be able to take breaks when I need to plus who wouldn't love to work in their pjs?! I also love watching my girls who moved back from China this year!
16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
Always the most challenging part is not feeling well enough to work full time yet still needing to financially support myself. I often push myself more than I should physically and it's a constant battle for balance yet still trying to pay the bills.
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
Worrying....who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Taking "retreat" days-basically I don't work, I spend extended time in prayer, read a lot, sometimes write/journal, go for long walks (if it's warm enough!), even nap. I just spend the day prioritizing my health and walk with God. I will be doing more of this in 2013! Plus anytime spent with friends or family. Time with God and others is always the best use of my time.
19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
This will sound cheesy but I feel like I've been let in on some huge secret to living this year. Praying big and seeking God has led me on a wild ride where I realize anything, seriously ANYTHING is possible!
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2012 for you.
The year everything changed....for the better!
If you answer this questions be sure to put your links in the comments so I can read along!
Happy New Year friends!
Stacy
Don't miss any of the new posts at Finding Purpose in the Pain. Subscribe above to our newsletter, like us on facebook or follow on twitter!
