The Year began as one where I continued focusing on the Lord and clearly hearing a call for repentance for our nation and the world and especially the church to return to God and His ways. I challenged my family at the beginning of the year with “What if we lose everything?” Would you still follow Christ in this season?
We saw the year begin with celebrations of several grandkids preparing for actual graduations, then several mentors, brother and sisters in Christ went home to be with the Lord. In July I had a distant cousin on the Goodwyn side around the same week my sister Jean also went home to be with the Lord. Then in a few months later I lost one of my accountability partners, close friends Johnny Young. I fell twice during the year and let’s just say, it’s a miracle that I didn’t get hurt badly and only suffered minor injuries. I can say keeping my eyes focused on God has continued to provide confidence in Him, grow my faith and rely on Him even more.
He helps us get through the storms of life with peace, comfort and sometimes joy. He is an awesome God.
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Addendnum
One added bright spot was the new addition to our family, my great great-granddaughter, Jessica Lynn who was an answer to one of my prayers to live long enough to speak into the lives of the 3rd and 4th generations of my descendants. We met her Christmas of 2021 and prayed over her, her dad, Danny and mom Rachel. She has great-grandpapa’s heart! The year 2022 also continues my season as challenging but also seeing God’s promises, provision and at the beginning of the year. His Word to me to continue to stand on Isaiah 26:3 has helped especially after losing my brother-in-love Henry (Junnie) Broady and my cousin Herman Banks in 2022.
We also got a Word that this year, the Lord would take us to the next level in our walk. Caroline completed her ISSA certification and is teaching senior fitness exercise classes in Corona at the senior center. I’m working on a workshop related to our ministry and several bible study teachings. We still experience His goodness in our lives and are truly humbled and grateful for His presence guiding and directing us.
To God be the Glory!