12 Highlights of 2012

Looking back I'm grateful for a year full of God's goodness. Here are 12 happenings, blessings, and highlights in no particular order. Sorry just words, no pics:

My coffee job
Working part time has taught me many things. Soft skills for one and the recurring lessons of patience and perseverance. It enabled me to be pulled outside of my comfort zone of working inside my home behind a computer and four walls. It also supplemented me with side income so that I could continue to do freelance design work.

Short hair
I never thought I could rock short hair well. I explored the option of cutting my hair this short cause I wanted to venture out and try something different. Do you ever tell yourself you need a change but rarely go do anything about it? Well you can start by shaving your head. Just kidding. But please do something and this is something I keep telling myself to do: Do something out of the ordinary (or rather your ordinary).

Clients
Without you I would not be possible and neither would FreshBatchDesigns. I still believe because you guys supported me. To all my clients out there, you're truly wonderful and thanks for your continued support! 2013 is a new year and I'm branching out to do more girly, creative, and beautiful work. If you're getting married, hit me up for your wedding design needs cause I'd love to beautify your wedding day according to the kind of couple you are. Whether it's invitations, programs, table numbers or favor tags, you're going to love it!

:)

Sponsoring Shaina from India

Two years ago I went to India for a mission trip and visited the slums and villages there. Two years later I came back and felt compelled to adopt a child from a school there that we fundraised to build. The team that went this year met my sponsor child and it was amazing to see photos of her.

Adopting Misto 

I'm more of a dog person but Misto is a Siamese snowshoe which is a breed that bears the behavioral characteristics of a dog. We trained her to come, sit, down, and now shake hands.. in progress. She's brought both energy and mild chaos into our life.

Celebrating two years of marriage 

After being married for two years and still holding on. It's no big deal just two years. Though we encountered challenges we somehow managed to not destroy each other so that's a good sign. Overall just thankful that we have each other and everything else is just secondary. I have an awesome husband who truly cares for me and loves the Lord.

Suffering

While suffering isn't favorable it's inevitable. Through suffering we endured trials and are reminded of how gracious God is.

Driving
I'm not a driver but I did it for the sake of completing it. Just don't ever ask me for a ride until I own my own vehicle.

Friendships
Through thick and thin we all know friendships that stand the test of time. I'm blessed to be able to have a few who stood by me, never second guessed me, kept in touch with me, and allowed our friendship to grow deeper and richer as years go by. Thank you for making me who I am; trusting me, loving me, and accepting me despite my imperfections.

Bible study group
A nice bond came from this humble beginning. I can't ask for more wisdom and spirit-filled discussions that we've had. Thank you for upholding me. Thank you for coming into my life at the perfect time. Thank you for being a part of the group cause each one of you makes it special.

Poverty 
What do you if one day you wake up and you realize you have nothing? We came into this world with nothing. Being impoverished in more ways than one, I learned to be complete and sufficient with little and to acknowledge abundance in what is given to me. It's a blessing to have little and be able to do so much more. To experience poverty is a gift. It's a challenge to love the worldly things a little less and love people more. Being in poverty allows me to relate and sympathize with those who are also impoverished. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Peace 
Before this year ended I found peace with my current employment situation. I found peace in gaining confidence in my life situation. I started to accept my gifts and offer them to others. I started to accept my unique situation(s). I embraced my path and direction. I stopped caring about what I don't have. I know my life isn't a template of another but there would be times when I'd wish it were so I'd know how to live, what to do, etc. Well goodbye to that kind of un-beneficial and pointless wishful thinking. Life is filled with so much noise and the noise is usually a bunch of things that don't really matter. So with more faith and courage 2013 will be a year to focus on what really matters.

(continued on my next post..)