Looking Back and Looking Ahead..............

I know I posted yesterday of the happenings of 2019, but today, the last day of the year seems like a fitting time to look a bit deeper.

Often we hear people tell us not to look back, but only ahead, but I think it's important to remember and reflect on the past. Perhaps, in hindsight, we can see more clearly? When I remember, and look back, I can see God's faithfulness guiding me.

While I knew that the end of the year was coming and a new one about to start, I only realised this week, that in fact, we are about to embark on a new decade! I follow a few blogs, and some of them have reflected on where they were at the start of each new decade, which led me to thinking about that for myself..................

•  The 1960's ....... Being born in 1954, these years were definitely school years for me. I enjoyed school, and lived on a farm, so travelled each day on the school bus.
• The 1970's......... I finished school, worked for 3 years, and then married the love of my            life. His work took us away from our home towns, there were a few moves, and the first of our 2 children were born. The late 70's saw us change occupation and start dairy farming
• The 1980's..........Still dairy farming along the river, and our next 2 children were born, busy, busy years, working 7 days a week, 365 days of the year, very few days off
• The 1990's..........A move to a mixed farm at Bordertown and some very hard years.....and after many years of sewing, I found patchwork! (Don't they say, When life gives you scraps, to      make quilts?)
• The 2000's..........The end of our farming days, a move into town, first grandchildren born, death of husband, living on my own, start of machine quilting business, Cornerstone Creations.
• The 2010's..........Still machine quilting, purchase of another house for retreats, called The Sanctuary, which continued for 5 years, now retreats continue in my house... Life continues to  be very busy, and by end of 2019 I have 10 grandchildren, am still quilting for others and still hosting retreats. And wondering where God is leading me next.

The 2020's......... ?????

At the time of some major life events, it was so easy to be caught up in the negatives of the situation, and just dealing with the everyday stuff. Looking back at those times now, I can see the positives that have come out of those hard times. I can see that God was leading us, drawing me closer, giving me peace in the situation, and providing for us the whole time. I know that He uses these times to grow us, and draw us to Him. We are never alone. There is a Bible verse that speaks to me over and over, and that is Jeremiah Ch 29, v 11. I know that He has plans for me, and I continue to trust that He will continue to guide me, if I listen for His voice.

So, the 2020's?? I sense that there is a new season ahead, and maybe changes, but for now, I am unsure what. Watch this space.

May the year 2020 be one of peace and hope for you too.

Blessings, From Jude