Goal (noun): the end toward which effort is directed

My Facebook news feed has been overflowing with posts about New Years resolutions and all the joyous events that 2011 brought. Being the the 6th day into the year, I would think all the excitement should have worn off by now - but, to each his own. So while reading these updates of what felt more like a "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul" book, I began analyzing and racking my brain trying to come up with a clever post that summed up my year. I guess that's what I get for being part "Beaver" personality. I eventually gave up and decided to spare everyone from what would have been a very depressing status update. Lets face it, this year wasn't exactly one for the books. Because for me, 2011 wasn't filled with joyful memories, but rather memories I would prefer never to remember. That all changed after my pastor said something during Sunday's service that I will never forget...


"Rather than forgetting the past and moving on, remember all the good things God has done in your life and be reminded that If he did it once, he will do it again."


I may not have all I want, but I'm still a recipient of God's mercy! That statement holds so much weight, yet it can be easily forgotten. Did I forget the AMAZING husband that the Lord blessed me with? Or the income that allows Ben and I to enjoy that spontaneous weekend getaway? And what about the family and friends that I couldn't imagine my life without? Because the truth is, We may be infertile and not able to have children the way most couples dream of, but I could be much worse off.


I typically don't make New Years resolutions, never really have. Not because I think its lame, (although, it kind of is) but because I know deep down I would never really follow through with it. A good friend of mine, and fellow blogger said it best,"While I don’t think we should set ourselves up for failure with resolutions we aren’t motivated to accomplish, I do think there is empowerment in setting goals and defining HOW to accomplish them". This year I am not going to take things for granted. I am going to thankful for all the things that the Lord gives me; the good, the bad and the ugly! I plan on volunteering my time for an organization that I believe in,"The West Pasco Pregnancy Center". This year, I also plan on becoming a mother!


OK, now for a Foster Care update....
We had our final home visit 2 weeks ago and now we are just waiting for our Licensing Coordinator to complete her home study and send it off to licensing. Which means we should be licensed very soon! As my little sister says "We shall have a little cherub soon!"


For those of you that are interested in Foster Care or Adoption, visit "Eckerd Community Alternatives" for more information!!