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


Comments

  1. I cannot believe the year is ending tonight. This year has been a blur; SO much has happened for me - things I would never have imagined would happen last year. Which makes me wonder... what unimagineable things does 2013 hold??! Each year is like a new adventure, isn't it? :)

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    1. Very true - there are always surprises that couldn't be guessed at the start of the new year. But it has whizzed by so fast- it feels like only yesterday that it was the start of 2012.

      I took these photos for my 365 project - the one you introduced me to. I can't believe I have almost done a full year and have loved every minute of it and met some wonderful people during the year. These photos are a great way to look back over the year and to re-look at what I have seen during the year!!

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    2. I'm glad you've enjoyed 365! I couldn't keep up with that when all the packing and moving happened, sadly... In fact I haven't even had the time to go and look at your album for awhile! :( Sorry for that.

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    3. That's ok, I both my brother and sisiter-in-law have joined and both are enjoying it. So many thanks for introducing me to it.

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  2. A Happy New Year to you, Jo. The Japanese Peace garden is beautiful, isn't it. We also have a sister city in Japan and our Botanic Gardens has a very beautiful Japanese Garden, too.
    Thanks for so many good reads during the past year.

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    1. Happy new year Ruby:))))). Looking forward to the coming year and what ever it holds.

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  3. Happy New Year, The Japanese Peace Garden looks like a nice place to wonder around in.
    Merle........

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