Ashley's Top 11 Moments of 2011

Today is the last day of 2011-- I could write an inspirational post about learning to embrace 2011 and move forward in God for 2012 & What you did in 2011 is now behind you and you have 366 days to do something new Or you might have done or said some things in 2011 that you may want to forget-- seek God's face for forgiveness and be better in 2012.

But. I won't do that.

What I will do is give you my top 11 moments (and a bonus) of 2011-- how the Gilmores' survived our first full year in Durham. Ready? Let's Go.

11. In January, we put my Granny in a nursing home. She had been living with my mother for about 1 year and the progression of the disease was getting to much for my mom-- so, I flew home and we took her to Golden Living Nursing Facility in Merrillville. This was one of the hardest things for my mother-- but she overcame it. Unfortunately, the nursing home was not caring for Granny the way they should have-- so by Christmas-- Granny was back home-- with Mom. Pray for them.

10. Declaration for a new job. You can read more about that testimony, here.

9. Facilitating my first bible study. What an awesome and humbling experience! I watched Jeremy do it for years and it became easy for him and eventually me too-- We read 'The Power of a Praying Wife.' Great experience, great group-- so much, I did it again (with a great friend) this semester!

8. Deciding to take better care of my hair. Even though I have been natural since June 2008, I felt like my hair was never growing and that it was just as unhealthy as it had been with a relaxer. So with the help of a few of my favorite natural hair bloggers/vloggers, I resolved to take much better care of my hair. To moisturize, trim my ends and to have a head of healthy hair. It became an obsession, Jeremy asked me one day 'Is that all you do?' Never mind him.. How did I do?

My end of the year blow-out..

7. Engage in more bible reading. I love YouVersion for my phone! I'm telling you, technology has its bad moments but the bible for your phone?!  Yep-- thanks for that invention! YouVersion for Android has a variety of plans that allow you become one-on-one with scripture. One of the best things about this year was reading the book of Proverbs. I feel good not only to have read it but also to understand and apply it!

6.Facebook & Twitter. (Yes, honey-- I know you cringe at this one but read my explanation). While in Durham, I have friends but it's nothing like being connected to your home--your comfort zone. I became dependent on facebook and eventually twitter to know what was going on with people, to communicate, to update on us, etc.. Yes, my name is @ashleydgilmore and I have a social media problem. #SueMe (Share)

5. Phone conversations. This year, since we've only been home once, I've been blessed to have amazing phone conversations with my sistas from other mothers-- about life, relationships, our journeys and when I've needed it the most- honest encouragement! Love my sisters-- so much! Thank you!

4. Praying with and for my mother. It is extremely-- I mean, EXTREMELY hard being the only child of a disabled parent-- who has moved several miles away. My mother has had a rough year (financially, emotionally) but one thing she has done, is remain consistent. So-- I made it a goal to pray for her spirit and to help her understand that this rough year was just a season and that God has something better for her.

3. Jocelyn is potty trained!!!! Yes! Jeremy & I have never been more humbled and disgusted in our lives! Our little princess is now wearing big-girl undies and is extremely happy about it! We are grateful to her daycare for really facilitating this and making it easier on us.

2. Hearing Jeremy preach again. In May, we went home and Pastor Rose & the Second Baptist Church family opened up the platform for my seminarian-- and he preached with so much confidence and knowledge! He even used his Hebrew skills!! I was proud and honored to be his wife.

1. Favor!! With our finances! Lord knows this year we have had a financial drought! But-- over and over again, our bills have been paid, our daycare director being gracious, money is found/sent, the new job with a pay increase, no disconnections and most importantly-- we still tithed through all of this! I totally believe God honored our tithing in spite of being down to our last-- we are coming out the end of the year with all of our needs met and even some wants! Ex 33:17 (NLT) The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.

BONUS: This year-- I lost 16 pounds and 15.5 inches! Very grateful for discipline and a new attitude!

My slogan for 2012, "...What is impossible for people, is possible with God." Luke 18:27.

Happy New Year Folks,
~Mrs. G