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| *Pics chosen purely for the surprised expressions. =) |
2010 -- In a random session at a continuing ed seminar for court reporters, Jane Boucher spoke about the four personality styles, and it really clicked with me. I've studied and learned a lot more since then, but that session was where it started, and it was unexpectedly life-changing, forever altering the way I view relationship dynamics! ❤
2011 -- On the drive back from Bill and Jill's 11-11-11 Vegas wedding, Mom and Dad had a serious car wreck, and God miraculously protected them! I vividly remember getting that phone call from Rachael, and it was definitely a surprise. (*Finding out Rach was pregnant with Jace was a happier surprise from that year!)
2012 -- That February, deciding to return to school at SNU Tulsa to complete my Bachelors in Psychology was an unexpected turn in my late 20s. My counseling plan has changed now, but I'm very thankful for that whole experience and the great people I met through it (and to have a backup plan if digital recorders ever take over my current career path)!
2013 -- This year held three major surprises, all of them sharply painful: Learning that sweet baby Anthony passed away only days after celebrating his first birthday. Meeting with a psychiatrist for the first time and being diagnosed with clinical depression. And the heartbreaking loss of my closest friendship, which I once adamantly believed nothing but death would ever change. Survival mode was in full force, and the birth of the sweetest Mini Miss K was unspeakably important and well-timed by God that August!!
2014 -- This was a rebuilding year and held a lot of good things, learning Beth's Identity declaration and getting to see John and Stasi Eldredge at the Captivating retreat included. But the most bizarre and unexpected event of 2014 was definitely the near-exorcism that took place when I was seeking help and counsel from a theologically corrupt, cult-like, crazy prayer ministry! I can see now how God used that, how it caused the fierce inner strength and knowledge of God in me to rise up in a year when I was feeling extra vulnerable and weak. Still one of the weirdest things I've ever experienced, and I've dealt with a few church crazies.
2015 -- Really didn't mean for this to be a depressing post, but the things that tend to stand out as most surprising are often sad or upsetting. This was a fun year with the Florida trip and successful WW weight loss and building a close friendship with Sarah, but it was also the year that my alma mater unexpectedly (and without valid cause or explanation) rejected me from joining their expensive Master's program. Still makes no sense at all to me, but I took it as God closing that door with some force. Thank goodness Sarah's monkey bread was there to comfort me! lolol
2016 -- Finally, a more fun surprise! lol In January, Sarah and I were given free tickets to see Celine in Vegas which was awesome and such a fun memory!! ...Rach's awesome creative talents were a surprise to all of us (including her), as she discovered that skill and passion in adulthood! Also in January, per my advice, Rach hosted a Facebook contest for a wreath giveaway, and it was more successful than either of us imagined! =)
2017 -- Standing in awe of the beauty of Niagara Falls was fantastic, but not surprising - I knew I would love it! The tour with Tom that helped me finally learn to love and appreciate NYC was a wonderful surprise! =) Finding out Karli was pregnant was a really fun surprise!! (*And honorable mention goes to the complete idiots who planted live pipe bombs in our courthouse parking lot!)
2018 -- My favorite surprise from this year was surprising Grandad and Babah with the DeBusk visit! (Also unexpected was the sudden end of Flipagram and deletion of most of my videos, a tragedy of epic proportions. lol)
2019 -- In a year that included Grandad's stroke and eventual death, the biggest surprise happened over the summer... a family member suffered a massive betrayal by two of the people closest to her, and we are still in the midst of the dramatic and devastating ripple effect on the entire family, especially the four kids I love most in all the world. I won't post details here publicly, but prayers are appreciated all around! A happier surprise from this year would be the preshface Kyndal Faith getting to be in CHA's Homecoming ceremony! ❤
That's all I've got for now. I'm thankful God is in control and has a plan through all of the above, and right now today, and through all the unexpected highs and lows to come in the future!!
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