With 2022 behind us, we look back in awe of the blessings we have experienced and felt.  Not many could top a beautiful mission to Hawaii.  We met blessed, angelic people all around us.  Mixed with the beauty of the island, we were in heaven.  We learned and loved, and learned and loved some more.  We returned to sunny Arizona in April, reconnecting with family and friends we missed so much.  There is no place like home - or our own bed!  And it was heaven to be with family again.

We accepted callings and made up callings. (Randy offered to take on the empty nesters)We had 2 baptisms (September - Maddy, and October - Audrey)  That meant two quilts lovingly made.  We joined back up with my ukulele group (Randy, too!)  We look forward to the fun people there every week.  Randy continues his gardening and yard beautifying skills here, even though he misses the tropics of Hawaii, where everything there wanted to grow!  He also played Santa twice this season; thinking those days might be over.  I took on piano, again; but only with grandchildren.  It is a pleasure!  Seven littles come every week.  They take it seriously and we pulled off a "Grand" Winter recital in December - a beautiful event that added courage and confidence to their sharing skills.  The senior living center was filled with smiles all around. 

With the new year ahead, I look forward with hope.  Life is life.  Lessons are lessons.  So thankful for learning, for cheer leading, for prayer, for smiles, for family, for knowledge that Jesus Christ is our loving Savior, who loves us more than we can imagine.  So thankful!

One of our hymns in church yesterday, was packed with promise for the new year -

 "Come, Let Us Anew"  (Page 217)

Come, let us anew our journey pursue

Roll round with the year, And never stand still till the Master appear.

His adorable will let us gladly fulfill

And our talents improve

By the patience of hope and the labor of love,

By the patience of hope and the labor of love.