Happy New Year!

I am watching the sun come up on this new year 2009. (I wonder how many times I'll write 2008?!) 2008 wasn't an easy year by any means. You'd think I'd want to forget it. The Bauer Family went through some major struggles including my Nana passing, financial stuff, and some health problems with several of us. Through all of this God has been there. I would have to say I am much closer to the Lord than I was a year ago. I am cautiously optimistic about 2009. Some of the struggles don't know it's a new year and that they need to go away! Things are looking up. Pun intended. All I know is that I am starting the new year in God's will and pray each day that He keep me there. Somehow all this craziness is bringing us closer to God and serving him as missionaries. God is definitely using this time to prepare us. If I had a new years resolution it would be to show more hospitality. I won't go into the root of that word but somewhere it lost it's meaning with many Christians. By nature I'm an introvert and a bit of a hermit but God is stretching me. Some good friends of mine are really good at hospitality and often have people over at their home. I'm learning you don't have to have an immaculate home and be the best at throwing a party to show hospitality.