My 2018 Memories

I really do not know how to describe 2018 but it has been another year of challenges and precious memories for me. I cannot relive it but I can reflect on how good God has been to me. I have experienced His grace in ways I do not fully realize. I am just sharing a few memories in this blog post.

The 'Beast from the East' hit Ireland at the end of Feb/beginning of March. It was a dangerous time for everyone who had to work and drive in it but Cesar and I were able to keep warm inside.

I had the privilege of helping to organize the Lifeboat children's mission in June which Everett Smith took and was greatly encouraged in it. I do not have any photos of it.

During it my beautiful corgi dog Cesar died. You can read about him in my blog
Poor Cesar's Gone

Then, Freya and Bridie arrived to stay at our house and what a difference two puppies have made in our home! They are best mates and spoilt rotten but our garden is just like a big playpen lol.

I finally got our dining room decorated, after a lot of work stripping wallpaper off, preparing walls and painting...but I had the satisfaction of doing it myself.

I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful hot summer. Adrian and I had lots of day trips throughout Northern Ireland. We, also, visited Kells in Co.Kilkenny...beautiful place, I had never been there before; Tramore in Co.Waterford where Adrian was saved, as well as our old favourites Cork and Kerry. I am just sharing a collage of photos of them.

Adrian and I enjoyed a lovely holiday in Carlisle and Lake District area in September. We were so glad to have had this time before settling back into winter work. It truly is a beautiful area with some breath-taking views.

I thought I would try my hand at crocheting a cushion cover, making the pattern up as I went along. After a lot of trial and error, ripping out and crocheting I finally got a design I am satisfied with. I wrote down a rough pattern of what I did and hopefully you can find it here:

Crochet Cushion Cover Pattern

I do not make New Year resolutions, so don't expect to read any here. 😀 but here is a bit of my thinking (for what it's worth), based on some observations I made in 2018:

1. Friendship works two ways but not everyone wishes to communicate the way you would like them to.
2. Forgiveness, trust and respect are three different things. Humility and contrition are necessary ingredients for forgiveness. Trust may never be regained after hypocrisy and lies. Respect is earned but not by flaunting yourself as being 'holier than thou.'
3. Do not let someone else's wrongdoing cause you to stumble in your Christian faith or cause you to grow bitter. Surely, you do not want to become a hindrance to God's work or a castaway? Keep your eyes on Christ and move into the new year with faith and hope.

We cannot change the past but we can look to the future and make 2019 count for God.

Wishing you every blessing for 2019
Rhonda