It has been a very exciting year for my family.  The Lord has been doing some great things for us and for people we know.  It’s been a hectic fall and winter season full of work, school, church, family, and other commitments.  I recently sat down and took some time to think about all of the blessings I have witnessed in 2011.  While the original list is significantly longer than what you see below, here are some blessings that I thought of that happened in 2011:

• The birth of our beautiful and precious daughter Emmalyn who brings us so much joy.  Being her father has been a huge blessing to me.  When I walk in the door from work each day I immediately look for her and her eyes always light up when she sees me.  I love that feeling.

• My wife Luda graduated college and became an RN.  Lots of people get nursing degrees, but only a certain percentage of them have a calling in nursing.  I believe Luda has this calling and will be a wonderful nurse who stands out in her profession.  If she can take care of/put up with me, than she can take care/put up with anyone!

•  I went to college full time all year long and will be graduating soon.  It’s only taken me 9 years 🙂

• Many friends and family have been married this year. Marriage is a beautiful thing and I am happy to report that these newlyweds are doing wonderful.  By the way, I’d like to see some babies in 2012 you newlyweds 🙂

• Family and friends who have never owned their own place have bought their own homes and for the most part, got killer deals!

• People are being fed both physically and spiritually at my churches food bank. The food bank has seen tremendous growth in both food donations and the amount of clients that are being served each week.  I frequently see new faces, and it is a pleasure getting to know these new people and making them feel welcome at our church.

• I have friends who have entered Christian ministry in pastoral/teaching capacities.  I want to mention my friend Jeff Potts at Canyon Hills for taking on the responsibilities of the College Ministry – this guy is gifted and is doing great things by the grace of God.  I also want to mention my friend Russell Korets. Russell was ordained this year by his church City On a Hill.  He pastors with a shepherds heart and is well respected in the Christian community.  Pastors are always on my mind as they have a special place in my heart.  Please pray for your pastors.

• I started this blog up around 1 month ago and have already had around 500 hits.  It is very encouraging to me to know that people are spending time reading what I have to say and I pray that God will use it to bless you greatly.  I don’t discuss politics, sports, or any of my other interests here, I only discuss Christianity and topics directly related to it.  Will you follow my blog in 2012? Your readership is extremely valuable to me!

• My friends Bogdan Kipko and Yuriy Stasyuk have invested in their blogs and put out some wonderful and encouraging content.  I encourage you to go check out their writings – hopefully they will encourage you like they have encouraged me.  I approached both of them for advice in the process of setting up and maintaining my own blog.  My blog will never touch the quality that these two writers put out, but it is my goal to increasingly work towards this level of quality!  God bless them both.

Spend some time thinking about your 2011 experience.  What did God do in your life this year? What challenges did you face? What lessons did you learn?  How have you grown in your walk with Jesus this year? If you haven’t grown, will you make a commitment right now to have a better walk with Him in 2012?  As always, I’d love to hear what you have to say!