Tuesday, January 15, 2013

2013 Here We Come

It's hard to believe that 2013 is upon us.  2012 flew by and we're already half way through the first month of this year.  Here are some things that I am thankful for from 2012 and some hopes and dreams I have for 2013.

I am thankful that Juli had the great idea to start a meetup group.  There are 45 members of this group and half of us have gotten together for Bible study, theological chats, and other social gatherings. 

It was a blessing to see family and friends in the States back in June.  What an amazing homecoming we had as our dear friend Nada was baptized into Christ on July 1, the day we arrived back to Dublin.  Of course, two days before Christmas, our friend Leon began his new life near the same spot in the Irish Sea. 

Speaking of friends and family, a lot of both have visited the Smith family over the past twelve months.  We look forward to more coming over in 2013. 

It's been a privilege to be a part of North Dublin Christian Community and the Father has really blessed our Sunday evening gatherings.  We've been averaging 15 - 25 each Sunday and there seems to be a real sense of community as we worship through the Spirit in his truth.  We're all on different stages of our journey, but we're all seeking to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.  Our community life together begins on Sunday evenings and continues in various ways throughout the week.

I am excited about seeing how all of the above things continue to evolve over the next twelve months.  My expectations are not set in stone because one of the things I've learned is that God's ways are usually not our ways.  God calls us to live in today, even as we dream about tomorrow.  If we are faithful in the small things each and every day, God is faithful always and has a way of turning those small things into big things in his own time.  To God be the glory!  Great things he has done, great things he is doing, and great things he will continue to do in 2013 and beyond. - Shay 

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