Amy Shares Some Thoughts on 2020

For many, this year has been a challenging one.  But each time I think back to the events of this year for me and for my family, my heart is filled with joy.  Of course the pandemic and political state of our nation have caused great stress for many.  I don’t mean to minimize that.  For me though it has been a perfect time to truly live out the faith I say I believe.  I do not fear the pandemic because I know ultimately that the God I love and serve is on the throne.  I know that He is the same God who has walked with his people through countless dark times in the past.  As for the election and the state of our country, again I trust the Lord.  I serve the same God who in Daniel 2:21 it says, “ He changes times and seasons: he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”  Whatever side of the election you are on, rest in this!

For me this year has been a call back to all the things that are really important.  We have had amazing family time and adventures.  We’ve been able to travel our new state of WV exploring beautiful lakes, boat rides and spectacular views.  We’ve played games, watched movies, worked on projects together around our home, swam in our pool, were given a delightful beach vacaton, enjoyed campfires with deep and not so deep conversations, spontaneously played the snow late at night, and shared lots of laughter!  It has been a call back to enjoy the time we do have with each other. The simple things. I really love each member of my family!  The blessings God has for us right under our roof are good and He wants us to enjoy them.  And we have!  

I have been able to make more time to spend with Jesus in the quietness of the mornings!  What a sweet time to hear His voice through His Word and to be reminded of His love and encouraged to love those around me well.

I have also found my love for ministry again.  To be honest the past 8 years have been filled with stress in ministry and personal heartache for me. Quite frankly, there were times I was so angry and frustrated with the church and with God for calling us into ministry, and into leaving a church and community I loved dearly,  that it crippled me.  I have been freed of that!  God has given us a healthy place to learn, grow and to pour into others.  He’s given me an amazing ministry to teens with disabilities.  I have learned so much about how big His Kingdom really is and it brings me joy to serve and share the Gospel again! I have a renewed passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be known and heard by all.

This morning as I was reading my advent devotional on Joy, I was led to these verses in Psalm 126 that sums up this year for me.

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.  Our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with songs of joy.  Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”  The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.”  Psalm 126:1-3

Oh sweet friend, wherever you are, The Lord has done great things for you!!  May you experience the joy this Christmas that only He can bring amidst a crazy year like 2020!!  I’m praying you do!

​- Amy 

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