Farewell 2012

I thought I would end the year with these peaceful photos of Nara Peace Park in Canberra. Canberra and the city of Nara in Japan are sister cities and the kind residents of Nara raised money to create this park to remember our links. The city constructed and shipped the stone lantern (in the distances of the top photo) to Australia to be a feature of the park. 

It really did have a very peaceful feel to this park as I wandered about taking photos. 

The doves looked so peaceful on top of the gazebo watching out over the park.

 The year has reached its end . . . and quickly reflecting back, it has been a year full of joy.

My husband and I had the joy of watching our son marry the love of his life and start of new chapter together. We finally saw our youngest grow up (just a little) and get himself a job and some independences. I had the wonderful pleasure of spending time with my brother and his wife from the USA when they visited in September.  And I visited my parents twice this year and lent a helping hand where I could.

There have been some bumpy moments, but that is life and one holds on tightly during those trails, as we all know, the Lord is forever with us no matter how rough the sea may be.  And each of these moments are a lesson in trust. 

I do not know what tomorrow will hold, I leave that in the Lords hands.

But I am sure, no matter what happens, there will be surprises, sadness, joy, peace, love, laughter, friendship, the occasional disagreement, some grumbles (I am human) but bucket loads of smiles.

I can't wait to share the coming year with you, so:

~ Welcome to 2013 ~

Never be afraid to trust an unknown
future to a known God.
Corrie Ten Boom