These Happy Golden Days

(This post is a whole day late; but better late than never right?)

I remember thinking ahead to all those far away years~ 2010, 2012. I couldn't imagine what it would be like and how my life would change. And yet, here we are already and I can't believe it!!! Looking back through the years, I can see all of the many times God rained down His blessings on me and my family~ of how His hand of protection was on us, and how much closer I've grown to Him. Yes, and even the hard times of trial, when all seemed dim and discouraging~ God was still with us and for us. But for now, the sun hangs high and shines bright in the crystal blue sky of my life. All is good....and there's a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air~ for this coming year.

my blessings in 2011 

All in all, my biggest blessings have been that I have and cherish my family, and that God has taken such good care of us, even granting us some of our wants along with our needs. One of my growing desires was to have a nice camera with which to start my journey in photography, and I was so blessed to receive one for my birthday. I already have a few photo shoots lined up for this spring, which I am really looking forward to. So, my camera~ definitely a want, but God was so gracious to give me one!
Another thing I count a blessing was my opportunity to spend the summer at Peniel Ranch. I grew in knowledge of many things, and generally had an excellent time! So wonderful a time in fact, that with the Lords' help, I will be spending next summer there also. *sighz happily*
One of my favorite highlights of the year is that I am building wonderful relationships with my little friends (brothers and sisters), while I impart to them the knowledge of writing. That has been one of my greatest joys!
And some random little blessings from '11:
My new sugar scrubs
Lotion and body mist that smells heavenly :D
My laptop
All the scrumptious new cloths I've been blessed with
Good books
Yankee candles
The new scarves that I got for Christmas (oh I love scarves!)
This blog! (which I started in April)
And our new Keurig one cup coffee maker. *very snazzy*

 
my aspirations for 2012

 I'm not making any new year resolutions~ period. (it never works lol) But I do have a few goals that I'll be consistently working towards and will hopefully accomplish! I want to~
Become a better photographer~ I do know that this will happen :D
Master 'Beau Soir' (Beautiful Evening) on the violin~ kind of a complicated piece as far as the intonation.
Redecorate and repaint my bedroom, and do more interior decor around the house
Make some significant progress in art projects that I have pending
Buy my own car (eeeehh, I don't know about that one....)
Grow my very own herb garden, and preserve the herbs for later use
Keep up on my study of midwifery
Drink lots of coffee (Hahaha, that won't be hard!)
Post a lot here, especially through the summer
Throw a big party for my 20th birthday (Maybe ya'll would like to plan a surprise party~ *hintz*)
Gain at least 50 followers! (Now that would be amazing!!!)
And most of all, spend tons of time with my family and friends, growing closer to God all the time!

So, these are my thoughts for the New Year. What are yours?

T'was The Eve Before Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I can hardly believe it's Christmas eve already~ another whole year gone by.

I wish I had more time today to post here, but that doesn't seem likely. I do have some fun stuff to share with you though, so I'll probably write about that next year. :D

In the mean time, enjoy the holiday, and God bless!

Isaiah  9:6-7

 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.    Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.


How do you like the new music selection?

~Dani

Surreal....

Photo Credit

  My life seems a bit surreal right now~ you know when you come to one of those cross roads in your life when you're not sure what's next, but you are contentedly observing other people do exciting things? That's where I seem to be. It's rather a peaceful place~ going about, living daily life, and loving those around me. Still, the exciting anticipation of what may be around the corner....

  I've really been thinking and praying about what things may be in my future, and I've been so encouraged to just wait patiently on God~ know who I am in Him and focus on His word as I invest in my family and friends and reach out to those who are lost. This, I am content with.

  So with the encouragement and exhortations that I've been given, I also would like to encourage and exhort you.  Seek the Lord while he may yet be found, and wait patiently on Him! You never know the wonders and blessings that are given to those who are patient and content in Christ. And He loves a cheerful soul!!!

Keep the faith and be strong!

~Dani

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!!!!!

 

Arielle, at A Beautiful Journey is hosting a scrumptious Christmas giveaway!!!! She has some wonderful winter-y prizes that she will be giving away~  a small leather journal, a Christmas cd, and a starbucks giftcard, among other things. All you have to do to enter is to 'like' Arielle Elise Photography on Facebook . So head on over to her beautiful blog and enter the giveaway~ and while you're there, take a look at her photography! It's simply stunning!

Have fun!!!

~Dani