Yesterday, for Gratituesday, Laura challenged her readers to write about “How God Was Great in 2008″.  I knew it was coming because she warned us before her vacation, and I had planned to write the post… but it’s taken me an extra day to finally finish it.  Better late than never, eh?

It’s been a tough year, hasn’t it?  I don’t know of ANYONE in my life that hasn’t had a few extra downs this year – financial problems, health scares, failing relationships, unexpected tragedies – it’s just been one of “those” years.

For the last month or two, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the start of 2009.  I’ve begun pushing 2008 out of my mind and trying to distance myself from some of the tougher moments.  But during our Christmas trip to CA, when I ended up spending so much time in bed, I had a little EXTRA time for reflection.  (And yes, I managed to do some thinking and praying in between all the sleeping).

Turns out, I’ve had a pretty bad attitude.  And I’ve wanted to skip all the gratitude and thankfulness, and just be down in the dumps instead.  I’ve actually caught myself enjoying the misery a bit too much.  Did you know you can do that?  Oh yes, you can!

But no more… because…

…Although our kids experienced pretty significant health issues this year – croup multiple times, reaction to peanuts which ended up with a severe peanut allergy, ER trip after ER trip – every incident turned out OK.  God was watching over us, and I have continued to feel the protecting arm of Him and His angels especially since Martha’s diagnosis.  We’ve made it through six months with the peanut allergy, and no epi-pen yet! (YAY!)

…While we have continued to experience the joys of home-ownership, we’ve had a few extra head-aches.  Allan and I prayed pretty intensely when a plumbing issue first arose in October, because we weren’t sure how bad it was going to be or how costly.  This issue in particular became a disguised blessing, when our insurance company provided enough to cover the damages AND then some.  The leak in the bathroom was repaired, and there was money left over for a much WANTED (not needed) home improvement project.  (Which MIGHT get done on the first day of 2009, if all goes well).    We were so thankful to have such a blessing for an outcome.

…Although my sister was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, she has had a remarkable six months in treatment and the current prognosis is good.  The doctor was hoping to reduce her cancer to less than 50% with chemo, and while we don’t yet know number (hopefully next week), the physical exams lead us to think it has been reduced MUCH more than that.  I have a whole lot more to say on THAT subject, but it’s too hard to type through tears in my eyes.  Suffice it say, God is GOOD, and prayers are being answered.

This year, through hardship after hardship, in our family and in others, I have watched God triumph.  Some relationships are still difficult (at best), but God is bringing about good where satan wants evil.  Family members who were lost to tragic means are missed (greatly), but God is healing those left behind.  Financial issues for some are TOUGH… VERY, VERY tough, but we all still have roofs over our heads, blankets to keep us warm, clothes on our backs, cars to drive, and enough food to eat.

Yes, it’s time for a new year… and I’m mighty thankful about that… and I resolve to do better about being thankful for each new day in 2009 – no matter WHAT comes our way.

God Bless You and Yours this New Year’s Eve…

(and I promise we’ll get back to talking digi-scrappin’ in 09!)