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December 31, 2009 by Spreading Joy

Thoughts From Beside The Ocean

[Translate]

12-30-09 Current View of Ocean! LOVE it!

I’m sitting on the balcony loving the gray skies, the majestic ocean and how the fog is lingering right down on my level. The waves come crashing in over and over the same every time, yet different with each crash.  The ocean is so strong, powerful and demanding yet gentle, calming and assuring.

Few people are out taking advantage of this amazing sight. It’s cold and the air stings my nose.  The cold air makes me shiver all the way down go my bones…but I don’t mind. I am wrapped in a blanket with sweater, jacket and toe socks and the love of the view of the ocean to keep me warm.  Oh, and my coffee – it warms me from the inside out. It’s New Years Eve and I think of all that the new year has to offer.

I remember back to last year, one year ago today. I was probably at the same spot….on the balcony, covered with a blanket, with coffee in hand and toe socks to keep me warm. Thinking about 2009 and all the glorious things it would hold.  I remember thinking this new year, 2009  would be the best year ever! I am going to start planning wonderful things early and my family will have a wonderful year! We will take a cruise for Todds graduation present.  Goodness, is he really graduating this year?  Then we will plan a long weekend, a 5 day vacation just before Todd heads off to college. We will travel up the East coast, no reservations, no commitments just seeing the different beaches, seeing the lighthouses, visiting where ever when ever! I love being spontaneous like that. We would travel all the way to New York from NC and end with seeing Lady Liberty, by far my most favorite American icon! Then I dreamt of our Christmas 2009. I smile thinking “yes! this will be the best Christmas ever!!”  I will start now and save to get Steve the huge flat screen HD TV he wants, and I’ll get Meg her very own Lap top and I’ll get Todd something super cool as well. “That’s what I’ll do”  I grin to myself!!

Yes – a year ago the sky was the limit, as I waited for the new year to roll in. Here I am again, at the eve of another new year.  I giggle to myself because I’m thinking the same things…again! Even though 2009 was probably the toughest year financially, medically, mentally, physically and spiritually, it was also the best year!! If it could have gone wrong this past year –  it did. Click on the tag Megan and see how much pain and torment she went through.  Oh the horror my only princess endured. Look at the blog post where I loudly proclaim that circumstances will not steal my joy of giving because we knew the finances were horrible due to husbands job almost closing the door.

We are still behind on Todds tuition for 2009 but because of the heart of the college and the Grace of God he can return to college in a few days. Todd is there by faith, as the finances are not available and banks do not loan tuition for Bible college.

Yes, 2009 was literally one trial after another. I would pray for a miracle, see the prayer answered  and boom, another was needed.  I remember feeling and saying I “only” need 37 1/2 miracles!  I even cried at the thought of not getting my mom the Christmas gift I always get her! I always treat her to several days at the beach, as she loves it as much as I do. (plus I go with her!) My heart broke as I told her that I simply could not afford it, because I have the greatest mommie ever and I want to give her the best gift ever! Yet….I sit here, on the balcony gazing at the ocean, full of amazing joy and great hope for a wonderful 2010!

Gazing at what many would be saddened by. Dark clouds hoovering over the ocean. The fog is growing thicker by the hour. The rain is steadily falling.  The wind is bone chilling cold and yes, my teeth and toes are freezing, but I love it!!

Will the finances get better this year? Don’t know.  Will Megan endure other physical isses? Don’t know. Will Todd find a job, since he just found out he was a seasonal employee, when he returns to college so that he can help us pay his tuition? Don’t know. Will Steves job be safe and secure or will he lose it? Don’t know. Will I be able to give my family the Christmas gifts that I think are great and amazing on Christmas 2010? Don’t know.

So, by now you are wondering, what in the world DO you know!?!

Well, I am glad you asked! I know that I have Hope that never ends, even when the sky is falling! I have the best family in the world. I have been connected to some of the greatest people in the world through social media! I will have the pleasure of laughing out loud till my stomach hurts and I can’t breathe. I will have the gift of thousands of hugs from people I know and love as well as hugs from strangers I have just met. I will have the opportunity to give and make a difference, because every act of joy will last somewhere forever, every one of them, no matter how small they may seem at the moment!

I will be in awe at answered prayers, and scratch my head in amazement at how things seem to come together. I know that new friendships will be formed and old friendships will grow stronger. I know that tears will be shed as I walk down the journey of separation with friends that have lost very close loved ones and my heart aches for them. I know that if I never see the ocean again that the memories I have of me and my mom’s many visits will always warm my heart! I know that I am loved, adored even by an almighty God that gave his Son for me. I know that my family and friends love me – all of me! The super silly side, the sing loud (horribly loud) with the music side, the spreading joy – gotta help this person right now side.  The we just got to pray about it, trust the Lord and let Him carry us through all of this side of me. I may not know a lot, but I do know there’s NO joy like spreading joy and I intend on spreading joy every where I possibly can!

I hope you look at 2010 with hope, with love and plan on enjoying laughter, hugs and smiling a million smiles. I hope you’ll let go of the 2009 things that disappointed you, the things that made you cry and even wonder if any of it is worth it or not and boldly move towards this new opportunity we will soon be given. I hope you’ll give what you can, where you are, so that you too will realize that truly, there is no joy like spreading joy – regardless of the gift!

So, tell me….what do YOU know about 2010? Hmmmm?

© 2009 – 2011, Spreading Joy. All rights reserved.

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Comments

  1. 1

    Maryse says

    December 31, 2009 at 11:29 am

    I know that I will take whatever is given me and make the best of it. 2009 was the worst year of my life and I came out at the other end joyful, happy, and ok with not knowing. Best wishes!

    Reply
  2. 2

    Robert Dodson says

    December 31, 2009 at 8:33 pm

    Hi Marie,

    I’m wondering of the New Year too. You probably won’t believe this but 2009 was one of the best years I’ve ever had. I got involved in a ministry, my faith was relit, and I lost my wife to God. What could be better than that. Don’t know yet. But one thing for sure, it’s going to be even better than 2009 was. Why? One word. FAITH.

    Reply
  3. 3

    Bob says

    December 31, 2009 at 11:37 pm

    Wonderful words of life, REAL life as it should be lived! Blessings and thank you for your friendship, your giving us bellylaughs, opportunites to spread joy with you and cry with you; to share pain and joy and know that is how we truly know we live!

    Bob

    Reply
  4. 4

    Colleen Foshee says

    January 2, 2010 at 11:39 am

    I know I’m looking forward to being one of those new friends in 2010 you mentioned.
    I know I’ve got a God who never sleeps, shakes, or skedaddles so I can count on Him pulling me and my circumstances through – no matter what.
    I know I’ve been praying to find something like Spreading Joy Corporation and bingo…
    I know I’ve got a lot to live for, a lot to do, and a lot to be very thankful for.
    Bring it on 2010!

    Reply
  5. 5

    soulsupply says

    January 3, 2010 at 12:59 am

    Colleen .. you are a wise lady to have hooked with SpreadingJOY .. Marie is infectious ….

    As for 010 Marie it is my prayer that your joy of Chrissy will remain and not be snatched away, and YES I too would enjoy your view of the Atlantic .. I am so glad you got to the coast…when I was last there (in SC – Pawleys Is) ..it was very brooding and dark too … the tide even lapped literally under the house ..

    Thanks for taking your recreational time to post this Marie ..as for 010… I have no idea of what it holds, I just know He who knows ..that is fine with each of us I know… blessings

    Reply
  6. 6

    Andy says

    January 3, 2010 at 9:57 pm

    What do I know…hmmmmm…that I don’t know what the future holds…but I DO know what I have right now. For me that’s all there is…and it gets me through the rough times…and helps make the good ones that much better. Very few people can enjoy a grey day at the ocean…with feet and fingers freezing. So…I guess I know you’re pretty cool:)

    Reply
  7. 7

    Spreading Joy says

    January 4, 2010 at 7:19 am

    @thirty_seconds – Andy Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words! I do have a wide range of “loves” fog, rain, sun, warmth. I can sit and soak up the spring days we get as well as enjoy the morning fog and rain with a hot cup of coffee! I’m glad you appreciate RIGHT NOW! It will get you through the rough time. You have more rough times ahead of you…I hope I can encourage you along the way!

    @soulsupply – Thanks G! I’m so thankful for our friendship and your prayers. You KNOW my desire and love of the ocean, so thank you for the kind commments! Looking forward to more happy joyful times with you!

    @Colleen – “I know I’ve got a God who never sleeps, shakes, or skedaddles” <- -I LOVE this!! Thank you for these wonderful comments! YES, I'm looking forward to getting to know you and truly connecting. I hope to be an encouragement to you in the future.

    @majordodson – Robert, hearing these comments from you are particularing touching as I KNOW the issues you've had this year, I know the trials you've faced and I see the pain & how hard it has been losing the love of your life just days ago. You are in my prayers.

    @Bob – Thank you for stopping by and commenting. The encouragement I get from you is amazing and much appreciated! I love sharing belly luaghs with everyone and am looking forward to many many more in 2010!

    @Maryse – Your comments about 2009 being the worst, yet coming out of it more joyful than before touched my heart! Thank you for the encouragement, your comments and for letting others know that no matter what, we can have joy for the journey, no matter the storms!

    Reply
  8. 8

    sumptersm says

    January 11, 2010 at 11:23 pm

    the only thing I know is that if God allows, you will be there, watching the waves, drinking coffee and wondering about 2011……we are not promised a day in this world, but an eternity in the next….

    Reply
  9. 9

    Spreading Joy says

    January 16, 2010 at 10:31 am

    @Sumptersam YOU are so correct. I honestly didn’t think that my 2010 would start off beside the ocean, simply because of the financial issues we had with Steve not working each week and then additional Medical Bills from Megans Gastroparesis. Its wonderful how things work out.

    Given half a chance when 2010 is leaving and 2011 is approaching, I do want to be standing right beside the ocean just as this year. Yes..I had my coffee, watching the waves – loving the sound of the majestic ocean.

    Thank you for your friendship. For how you pray, encourage and support. I’m in awe that I know I have someone I can call for no reason as well as in an emergency and say please pray – and you’ll be right there! Thank you. (now if we can just get those cats to answer your phone when you are away)

    Reply
  10. 10

    sumptersm says

    January 16, 2010 at 12:50 pm

    yep…you can sure see a lot when you look at the ocean long enough….and i don’t mean just seaweed! 🙂 cats are in telephone training as we speak….

    Reply
  11. 11

    Marie says

    January 16, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    2012 Seems like a repeat… amazing. but – I am thankful that I know I will be awed at the answered prayers, I will be and already AM blessed beyond measure and am soooo thankful for the friends online and offline that pray for me and my family. that is priceless!

    I know that i will keep going…through this year… just as then. I will count the joys and work through the pain. I will hug, laugh, cry and everything in between. the 2 key words are … “I WILL”

    I WILL

    {HUGS} yall. you truly bless me!
    @spreadingJOY

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Gift of 2010 | Spreading Joy says:
    March 29, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    […] started out the first moment of this wonderful year literally standing beside the ocean, just like I have done for the last 7 or so years. A gift in itself as I did not have the funding […]

    Reply

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