Goodbye 2008

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

My initial approach to this post started out as 2008 reasons (not really that many) why the year 2008 bit the big one, the big rotten stinky one. I proceeded to list every hardship, every heartbreak, every hospital visit, every surgery, and every setback that happened in 2008.
Then I had a change of heart, and decided to delete the whole thing and start over. 2008 has been an incredible year. God has blessed us abundantly this year.
~I became a mother, my lifelong dream.
~We celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary.
~I have 'met' so many wonderful people whom I now consider friends.
~My relationship with God has blossomed in tremendous ways.
~I received the gift of new life.
~I've witnessed miracles.
~We have felt God's calling on how to grow our family and couldn't be more excited.
~Despite everything it's been through, our marriage has become stronger.
~Heartache was turned into rejoicing!
~Prayers have been answered ten-fold.
We have been through more this year than most people experience their entire lifetimes. When I think back to this time last year, I was a different woman. If someone would have told me what the year 2008 had in store for me I never would have imagined that I be standing here today with the amount of peace and assurance that I feel. God has been good to us. (but I'm still hoping for a much better 2009!) We can't wait to see what other blessings God has in store for us.
Thank you all so much for traveling this journey along with me.
May God bless you ALL this coming year!
Grace and Peace
~Katie

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22 Comments »

22 Responses to “ Goodbye 2008 ”

Val said...

Katie,
I am so glad you chose to look at this past year in a positive light. I believe that is what God wants us to do. I do pray you have a seriously great year in 2009!!!! Love ya!! Happy New Year!!!

Amy said...

Wishing you and Robb peace and happiness for 2009! You both deserve it so much. Happy New Year!!

A Truly Grand Haven said...

Blessings to you and Rob as you see what 2009 will bring to you. Happy New Year!

Carrie said...

Every time I read your blog I'm so impressed. You have a way of looking at life and trusting God that so many of us wish we had. Thank you for sharing your story and your faith with the world. You have been in inspiration to many. Here's to a wonderful 2009!

Anonymous said...

What a year! All I can say is hope 2009 is better for you. Although, I want to say thank-you to you for showing me what faith, love, and plain out awesome is. Happy New Year!!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!!!!

Momma to 3 Boys said...

Thank you for allowing God to show through all of the storms in 2008. I have no idea what you guys have gone through for many reasons that are not necessary right now to share but just wanted to say Thanks and Happy New Year!!! Also your faith has been so uplifting to me this last week!

Laurie in Ca. said...

I love your honesty and your heart in this post Katie. It sure was a year of many changes for you and Robb but you stayed true to the Lord through it all. I love the faith you two have and I am wishing for you the most wonderful year in 2009. I just know as you continue delighting in the Lord, the desires of your heart will be met. I just KNOW it. Blessings to you sweet friend.

Love and Hugs, Laurie in Ca.

Verna said...

Wow Katie, what a post! I sure do hope and pray tha 2009 will be a much better year for you and Rob.

Your journey this past year has made you a much stronger person. And your declaring your faith in God as you just did will make you even stronger.
Have a Happy New Year.

Tonkamom said...

What a wonderful and strong woman, Katie! I'm praying 2009 is a fabulous year for you! Happy New Year Katie and Rob!

the sayers said...

May you and Robb continue to delight in Him--and He will give you the desires of your heart!!
You have been thru a lot this year, and God has been with you the whole way!! He will continue to be there for you.
What a great God we have.
Love ya both--

K & J Sayers

Ellen said...

I am a pastor's wife in SC who reads your blog. My daughter has experienced some of the things you have experienced(not all). Your faith has been tested and it has come through like pure gold. Your blog is a blessing to me and I pray the Lord will fill your home with precious children.

aLLie said...

Katie - just "knowing" you has blessed me so much. I have learned so much from you and you have definitely inspired me to really hold God true to His word in all circumstances.

Thank God for you and Robb and Brenham.

I pray that God blesses you & Rob and that you find peace in everything that He has in store for you. I am so happy that you are paper pregnant!

Patrice and Higgins said...

Finding the postive through all the negative! Bravo!

Anonymous said...

I too have experienced many hardships in 2008, but not near the magnitude that you have and you are truly an inspiration. I quietly have followed your blog for some time now and occasionally re-read your posts just to kick myself back into gear. You have taught me to rejoice in the wonderful things in my life instead of feeling sorry for myself. I cannot thank you enough for making me a better person. I sit here typing with tears running down my face because I am that thankful for you, for teaching me that me God has been good to me, even through the hardships. I pray that you have a wonderful 2009.

Anonymous said...

Dear Katie and Robb,

Although I have never met you in person, I have visited your blog daily. You continue to inspire me everyday and I thank you for that. As a new mother myself, you have made me more greatful for the time I have with my daughter. May God continue to bless you all the days of your life! Wishing you both a new baby soon~ of course without forgetting the light of Brenham.

May God be with you both and bring all good things to good people in 2009.

Leslie said...

Not sure if I can comment on twitter so I'm leaving it here :-) I read ur comment on robb smack talking the line judge on wii tennis..must b a guy thing my hubby does the same thing and its hilarious! Best wishes for the New Year, God Bless!

Tricia said...

You are inspiring! You take this year that would have sent most under their bed and turn it into this post full of things to be thankful for. You're amazing and I hope that 2009 is a wonderful year for you and your family!

Lisa Marie said...

Katie and Robb,
HAPPY NEW YEAR! God bless you for looking at all the positive in light of your sufferings... God is so proud of you and will surely rain down his blessings upon you! I'm excited to see the beautiful things God has in store for your family. (I'm a new reader to your blog, I just sent you an email.) God bless and have a Happy Holy Near Year! - Lisa Marie

Anonymous said...

What heartache was turned into rejoicing?

heidi michalak said...

I am so proud of you Katie! :)lol

Anonymous said...

Hello,
We don't know each other and I came across your blog through a relative of a friend. I have only read through to the end of your 2008 posts but I felt that I needed to leave you a message. I am so inspired by your strength, belief in God and your positive outlook on everything in life. You have such poise and are mature beyond your young years. I am a breast cancer survivor and have also come to rely on God to help me through those tough times and the days when it felt like I would never feel normal again or have a reason to go on. My friends, family and strangers prayed for me and I believe those prayers and God's help is what brought me through that time in my life. I was 34 years old and had a 2 year-old at the time. I definitely did not think I would be dealing with cancer at that stage of my life. Anyway, I can't say I understand your pain from losing Brenham (love his name, by the way) but I am so touched with how you dealt (and still deal with) that pain. What hurts me the most when I read your blog is that you reference people who have left negative comments for you. Sometimes people are just so rude and selfish and can't even begin to realize how hurtful they are. You and you alone are the only one who knows the correct way or length of time to grieve for such a loss. I know it's easier said than done, but ignore those people. You don't need them in your life. I am so excited to continue reading your blog and to read about your upcoming blessings. "If God brings You to it, He will guide You through it."