We went to Wimberely the day after Christmas with my side of the family to look at a lot that my parents are considering purchasing to build their retirement home on. It was so beautiful there, and we really hope this lot works out for them. Wimberly is such a cute little town, and the location couldn't be better. With Emily (my sister) in Austin and a lot of friends in San Antonio, it would be so much fun going there to visit. Plus, it's near hunting sites (for Wyatt and Ellie) and lots of cute antique shops (for me). Not to mention, the outlet mall (including Pottery Barn) is really close by. Come to think of it, this could create our own Smith mini-recession, but it would be fun nonetheless. :) So, we'll see what happens with that, but we had a great time checking it out.
Here's the picture we put on our Christmas card this year. It's us at the Swag in North Carolina this October. Many (well maybe not many, but at least 2 of you) were disappointed that we didn't have our traditional picture of Wyatt and I and the pets dressed up in various pieces of embarrassing Christmas attire, but again, like I said, I was doing good just to get the cards out in the first place. I did get some great Christmas pet attire this year, though. It will definitely be used in next year's card, so be on the look out. :)
We had intended to include a letter with the card, but, alas, I was doing well just to get the cards out, so the letter will have to wait until next year. Here's some of what might have been included had the letter been written...
2008 was definitely a trying year for us, but I can confidently say that God is already using the difficulties to grow us in so many ways. I once read a statement by Beth Moore in her book "Get Out of that Pit" that God weighs each trial before he allows it to enter our lives, and he only allows those trials in in which the good (i.e. our sanctification, growth, dependency on Him, witness to others, His glory) will outweigh the bad (i.e., sadness, loss, heartache). (This is a paraphrase; I'm sure I'm not getting it exactly right.) When I first read that, I thought it was crazy. I had to reread it a few times, and even then, I was questioning it. But it really does make sense in light of who God is.
Romans 8:28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I am so thankful for this promise and how God has proven it over and over in my life. I just pray that I would remain mindful of the lessons He has taught me and somehow allow me to use them to support others and love Him more.
Wyatt and I have been married for almost 5 years now, and wow, does the time fly! Wyatt still enjoys his job at Shell. He just celebrated his 5 year Shell anniversary this December. He is planning on taking the GMAT soon and then will be applying for MBA programs. My job at Stewart has been a real blessing and an answer to prayer (and then some). I have also started up a business with Arbonne and I love it.
We are in a transition phase in terms of housing. Our house sold in 2008 (praise God for that), and we are hoping to buy again sometime in 2009. We miss our house, especially the gardening part, but we're hopeful that we'll get another garden (and house) soon enough. We'll keep you posted on that front.
We're still at First Baptist and are loving it still. We are especially thankful for our Sunday School class and our small group. We have made such great friends that have been a huge support and encouragement to us, especially over this past year.
That's all I can think of that would have been included in our Christmas letter. I'll work on getting it in haiku format for 2009.
On a random note, Wyatt is currently on a ski trip with David (my brother) in Winter Park, and I hope to post pictures when they get back. Wishing all of you a blessed 2009!
