Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

A Look Back: Ten Years Ago

Posted on By jennifer

I’m sure you have seen it as much as I have…but there seems to be “a trend,” for lack of a better word, going around for sharing photos from ten years ago.  What were you doing in 2016?  Or what was something most memorable from 2016?  That sort of thing.  Well, not one to miss out on a trend (um, not actually), I did my own reminiscing.  Why does 2016 seem much further back in history (or at least my history) than just ten years?  Or perhaps a decade really is a bigger chunk of time than I often consider.  Nevertheless, the “big event” of 2016, for me, truly was a big event.  I am honest when I say it was a life-changing opportunity for me.  Other than getting married and/or having children, I would include 2016’s event in the top five most impactful on me.

And what was it?  So glad you asked.  But first let me acknowledge some fun trips we took in 2016.  We don’t often take multiple vacations in one year, so simply highlighting two here (and they were almost back to back) is fun.  We went to both Hilton Head and to Asheville (more specifically to the Biltmore) in 2016.  They are two of our favorite vacation spots.  Especially Hilton Head.  And can I just on record that we have not been back to either one since 2016?  That truly needs to be rectified.  Again, especially to Hilton Head.

I think “the trend” is to simply share some photos.  I just grabbed a couple from each vacation.  No commentary necessary, I suppose, but my oh my do these pictures make me want to firm up some vacation reservations!

THE BILTMORE –

HILTON HEAD –

As much as I enjoy those memories, the highlight of 2016 was my trip to Samoa.  I have blogged about it before and most have probably heard it already, but I went to Samoa with four other people (that I had never met until we all connected at LAX) to work with some veteran missionaries on the island of Samoa.  I had never traveled that far before and especially without my husband or family.  The entire trip was a huge leap of faith for me.  And God blessed that small faith and did huge things.  It was an amazing trip.

From the friendships made, to all that we were able to accomplish (ministry wise) and just all the wonderful experiences I had….God’s hand was evident through it all.  I learned two life-changing things on that trip.  Well, I learned a lot of things but these two continue to impact me.  As I already said, God can do big things.  Great things even with just a mustard seed of faith.  But, in particular, God delights to do great things (big things!) for even me!  So often I think of “big” things for “big” Christians.  Or, at least, those with faith bigger (and stronger faith) than mine.  But I was not only witness to but, in many ways, an actual part of God truly working on this trip.

As well, this trip truly taught me that I can do hard things.  Big things and things that the voices in my head convince me are better left for someone else.  Someone younger.  Someone smarter, more outgoiong, and the list goes on.  When those doubts surface, I remind myself of my trip to the other side of the world and all God did for me.  And through me.  It is both humbling…and exciting!

Here are just a few photos….

Well, that is enough.  I have plenty more.  If you ever stop by for coffee, I would be happy to share:)  I am beyond thankful God allowed me to be part of this trip.  I’m also glad I decided to “join a trend” and to take a look back at 2016.  Makes me wonder what in the world the next ten years might have in store??  God is just as able today as He was in 2016!:)  Thanks for stopping by, friends. I hope you enjoyed the photos!

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Comments (18)

  1. What wonderful memories and pictures you shared from 2016, Jennifer! I met one of my dearest stitching friends in person the spring of 2016. Our friendship has continued to go since then. You have been on my mind since the post about dealing with hearing issues, Jennifer. I hope something is helping. Happy Wednesday!

    1. Robin, that is special that you have enjoyed such a close friendship for ten years! We can’t take those type of friendships for granted!! Thanks so much for thinking of me…and my hearing woes. It has been a struggle, for sure! You are nice to remember me…

  2. Jennifer, thank you for sharing these beautiful photos with us. I especially enjoyed the ones from Samoa. It reminded me of our trips to Mexico Cit y to visit our daughter and son-in-law when they were missionaries.

    I understand how you feel about 2016…it does seem much longer than just 10 years ago. I think 2020 may have had something to do with it. Now that year! It felt much longer than one year to me.

    Sending hugs!

    1. Oh that is interesting, Dianna, that your daughter was a missionary in Mexico. Are they still there? I’m glad you were able to experience the mission field “first hand”…I am sure it was interesting from the missionary’s perspective:)

  3. Hi, thank you for sharing your memories of 2016. In 2006, I took a leap of faith and met up with people I did not know at LAX and went on a 2 1/2 week mission trip to Ukraine. I was a young mom, with two little boys, 6 and 4. My husband knew how important it was for me to do this trip. I did it, on my own. I too met some amazing people.

    Back to 2016, I expanded my flower business in 2016, selling flowers at the Bruce Farmers’ Market.

    1. Carla, you had a special year in 2015. Are you still working your flower business? I don’t think I realized that…but how fun!! And your trip to Ukraine sounds so interesting…and a bit intimidating! Kudos for making it happen!!

  4. What beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing your memories. Man, in some ways when I hear 2016 it doesn’t sound that long ago. But then when you say ten years…..it does. HAHA!

    My dream is to go to Biltmore. Oh, I can’t wait.

  5. Your trip to Samoa sounds really meaningful- impactful to you and those whom you served. I like that you learned you can do hard things and things way out of your comfort zone. I like that you went on two vacations that year! There was ONE year that we went of two vacations as a family. We had years when we didn’t go on so much as one so two really stood out (one was a work trip of my husband’s that we turned into a trip for the family). I have never been to Hilton Head Island but it’s SO popular among Ohioans. I joke that I am the only middle class Ohioan who has never been to HH!! I may get to Biltmore this year :). We shall see… Have a great day, friend!

    1. Maria, you really need to jump on the Ohioan HH bandwagon! You do like the beach…and this one will not disappoint!! Hope you make it to the Biltmore, too!!

  6. What an amazing trip! I had a huge highlight in that year as it was the year I became a grandmother, a life changing event for our whole family!

    2. Hooray for becoming a grandmother!! Definitely the highlight for that year….and now even more grands:)

  8. You made me think about what was I doing 10 years ago. Well my life was about to take a completely different direction as I gave up my job as a teaching assistant that year. There was only one salary coming in to the house then and I had to do a lot of trusting in God that everything would be fine. Of course it has been great and I have no regrets . It just doesn’t seem like 10 years ago.
    What will the next 10 years bring, I don’t know. I do know though that I am in safe hands.

  9. What a grand year 2016 was for you. Always wanted to see Biltmore and after seeing your photos, would like to visit Hilton Head, too. Looks very quaint. Samoa is another story. Can’t imagine traveling that far from home without PC!! But I am sure your work there impacted many lives as well as enriching yours.

  10. What a wonderful way to serve others! I needed your reminder that we can still do hard things (even as I approach 70), with God’s help. Thanks for sharing the photos, too. Keep warm, my writing friend!

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