2015:
The New:
The year I wasn't pregnant or with a new baby....since 2008. YUP. 2008. :) Josh and I got to go to Las Vegas in April for some Army training/visit some great friends. In May, Jordan started to walk (at 17 1/2 months old). In June, we moved to a new house in the same city on nearly no notice. :) In August, we got to go to Michigan for a few weeks of summer fun! We started to homeschool this fall and have far and beyond loved it! In September, I journeyed to NYC to visit some friends and spent a wonderful few days with them. For Thanksgiving we road-tripped 26 hours to Colorado and had a blast! We are now in the midst of the Barricklow "12 Days of Christmas"...when we have a 5 year old, a 4 year old, a 3 year old, and a 2 year old---for 12 days (until one very excited girl turns 6!) :)
The News:
The Barricklows finally found out our future in a downsizing Army. As many of you know, we have been waiting for promotion news for over a year. The list was finally released the week before Thanksgiving and we were not on it, which means a separation from the Army. Unfortunately, quite a few Soldiers/Families are finding themselves in the same boat. There is some disappointment to be sure, but we are at peace knowing God, who has faithfully directed us thus far, has our future planned and we can trust His provision and care to continue. We had known this outcome was probable and have been preparing for awhile. The past 11 years in the Army have been a fabulous and tough adventure! Josh (and the rest of us) has loved serving. We have quite a number of possibilities in front of us- Josh has had several people offer to assist in finding what's next. Overall, we are very excited!!
The Truth:
No matter what life throws at us, the most important things never change. God loves us. There are always trials to come. He will never leave us. God is more loyal to those who love Him than we could ever even imagine. There is more to life than our short lifetimes...eternity awaits. Because of God's great love, Jesus came to dwell with us. His birth was the wonderful beginning to an incredible love story already in play. Ultimately, Jesus' death (in our place), and resurrection (which He willingly shares with us) allows us the miraculous opportunity of spending eternity with the God who loves us. To believe Jesus paid for our sin, and in return allows us to serve and worship Him for a thousand lifetimes!! The Good News! There is HOPE. The Prince of Peace loves, transforms, and makes valuable that which was unlovable, wasted, and ruined.
This is just as true in 2015 as it will be in 2016! Join us in celebrating the Son, the Lamb who is Worthy! Jesus is ALIVE!
Merry Christmas!
Love, The Barricklows
