Another year, and what a year it was!

Another year has passed, and very quickly it seems. Faster than I would like, yet at times, not fast enough. This year had its ups and downs, but God is in control and knows what is best for me. That, I am so thankful for! Without God, I don't know how I would have handled the downs. It is easy to take the ups, and think you have accomplished something yourself without God. In reality, He allowed you to do it, and gave you the ability. The downs are tough, but I have a God that loves me. Without Him, I don't know who I would turn to. I am also so thankful for the Godly people in my life.

So a review:

My year started with me living in Troutdale, Or. I was continuing my flight training with Hillsboro Aviation. April 3, 2008 I completed my instrument rating. On April 16, 2008 I completed my commercial rating for helicopters! What a dream come true! I have always wanted to fly. God allowed me to start that dream in June of 2007.

At that point I move back to Montana. I moved in with Tim and Michelle Klompien. They are such an amazing couple. They have taken me in and treated me like their own son. They are like second parents to me. They are such a Godly couple and I have grown so much under their teaching and discipleship. This is another highlight of my year!

In September, my sister had her baby. Kaden, they say is going to be like me. Walking early and nothing but trouble! Congrats to my sister Bethany and her husband Luke.

October saw my bro Jeremy marry the love of his life Allison! She is a great addition to the family. They are adjusting to married life in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

And that brings us to the present. I am still living in Bozeman (really 20 miles west on a farm). I am still working at Empire Building Materials. And I am still loving the mountains and the snow.

The year has brought new friends, which I am really enjoying. The year has brought many lessons as well, some of which I am not enjoying so much. But I know it is for the best, and God is in control. I look back at the last year, and know that I have it so good. I am so blessed by God. The only regret is causing pain in a friends life. I hope she can forgive me for that.

The year has ups: Helicopter trainng, a new nephew, a new sister-in-law, and new friends. The year has downs: Friends lost in battle (Semper Fi), young lives lost in accidents, and relationships not going the way I wanted. But we must take the ups and downs, knowing that God is in control, and we must learn from them. We must learn and grow in Christ! I pray I will continue that.

So what does 2009 bring? Many ask what the new year resolutions will be? I don't know. Time will tell. More than likely the future year will bring a shoulder surgery. That will be a down. The year will bring surprises, both good and bad. I am excited to see what will happen!