New Year, New Steph

Recently, we had a chance to share our story with new friends. From Tyler's past to the surprise teenage pregnancy to our separation, accident and unemployment situation, they know it all. And I'm not kidding when they said they were blown away. They said we have an amazing story, one filled with an example of the grace of our Father. I suppose because I'm living this life it just seems like an ordinary one. But when I reflect on the past I realize it! Whoa, our story is incredible! And I wonder, if God has taken so much crap and made it into something good, what will our marriage will be like in 20 years? I can't wait to see what God will do with who we are now and who he is shaping us to be. That being said, I looked back on my old blog posts. Some of them were real sad. One of my goals for the year 2009 was to have a stable life. Little did I know that things would get harder before they got any easier. But I think about what my life is like now and I'm so incredibly thankful for where I am. I really have no complaining to do. Tyler has been at his job a year; me, three today! The kids are healthy. My dog is awesome. My life is stable.

A stable life makes it much easier to make and stick to goals. I've been thinking about what my goals should be for 2013. Every time I sit down to think or pray I hear the word "content." So for 2013 I plan to try my best to be content with every situation. Tyler has nine weeks left of school before he gets his AS in Electronics Engineering. I will be content with the craziness between now and then. I also choose to be content with my job, my commute, my car and my home.

One thing I won't be content with is my health. 2012 was a year of big changes in my diet. I'm definitely more now aware of what I'm putting into my body and how certain foods work for or against my health. In 2013 I want to be even healthier. But not just for me, but for my family as well.

The last thing I will commit to in 2013 is to read the Bible consistently and work my way through a Bible Study. Reading and studying is something I tend to stick to for a little while and then quit.

So there you have it: contentment, health and consistent studying. Those are my goals!