Looking back on 2023

This is a short summary of where we have been in 2023 and a few family photos from our experiences.

 

We started 2023 with Isaac in hospital with a broken jaw, owing to an accident while playing football. He persevered with the diet and recovery and God answered prayer. Now Isaac owns his own gym which he opened in September 2023 after lots of hard work and planning. We are so proud of him.

2023 was Adrian's Big 60 year. So, a birthday meal and, then, a city break in Edinburgh to celebrate it were thoroughly enjoyed. Adrian spent a couple of years in Edinburgh studying when he was young and we had not visited this beautiful city since about 1993, so quite a few changes since then! 

Adrian and I, also, enjoyed short breaks to Exeter and Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. It was my first visit to Malin Head and Mizen Head. Both are worth seeing on clear days. Another place we got to visit in 2023 was the Dark Hedges before some of the trees had to be cut down. 

Adrian was able to stroke another thing off his bucket list ie climbing Slieve Donard. Jemima and Josh, the 3 dogs, Matthew and Adrian all made it safely to the top and back down again. 

The year ended with Adrian, Jemima and Josh and the 3 dogs climbing Slieve Loughshannagh. I enjoyed dandering around Newcastle while they were up the mountain.

Conclusion

As the New Year has dawned and I reflect upon 2023 I find myself thinking about things that, humanly speaking, I can and cannot do: 

• I cannot climb mountains but I can walk. Praise God.
• I may not be much use keeping physically fit but may I ever keep spiritually fit.
• I cannot control life's circumstances but I can trust God to bring me through them.
• I cannot fix other people's problems but I can listen and pray for them. 
• I cannot solve the world's problems but I can pray. 

I am interested in the situation with Israel, God's special people, and I am watching how Biblical prophecy unfolds as Russia, China, Iran, Turkey and some North African countries are among those who will gather against Israel. I cannot but ask the question: How close are we really to the end of the world? But I am not filled with fear for my trust is in the Lord God Almighty. 

As I go into 2024, I take with me a blessed promise from God's Word. It is found in Deuteronomy 31v8:

"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."

Do you know my Saviour? If so, you can claim this promise too. 

Wishing you every blessing for 2024 

Rhonda