Dear 2012...We're breaking up

Dear 2012,

The hour is drawing near and I hate to inform you of the harsh truth...we're over.  Actually, you're over.  But what about all the fun we had together you ask? They are now just memories.  What about the tears of pain and tears of laughter?  Lessons learned. After all, I cannot live clinging to the past but must live in the present, move forward...and it's time to do just that.

Sincerely,

Bethany Rachel Ricci


Now, that was merely a lighthearted expression of my "2012 experience."   I do not idolize a number on a calendar in order to make decisions or move forward.  So I'm not looking to 2013 as my saving grace, but I am looking forward to a New Year nonetheless.  I'm not bitter, but I must say the truth...2012 was rough for myself, friends and my family.

Like really rough.   

Pearls are created when there is agitation.   "Pearls are formed inside of certain mollusks as a defense mechanism against a potentially threatening irritant such as a parasite inside its shell, or an attack from outside, injuring the mantle tissue. The mollusk creates a pearl sac to seal off the irritation." Don't quote me on this exactly, it is from Wikipedia after all.  

I know there are pearls of wisdom in the making within me.  This year included a pain, so isolated, so specific, that there was no other choice needed to be made but to allow God to be God.  Not question His motives but take Romans 8:28 to heart.  He is the solution that when we yield to Him, will respond to the irritants by giving us comfort and confidence until out of all the pain a beautiful pearl is made and  a trust in Him so invaluable is gained.  That trust, that pearl, is so worth it. (See Matthew 13:44-46).

Yes, this year was rough.  No, I don't know why it was.  But what I do know is that the fruit that will come from this year's numerous trials and decisions will be long-lasting and will glorify Him.  And honestly, that's all that matters to me.  So for that, i'm thankful for 2012 and what's ahead. 

And with that being said......HAPPY NEW YEAR!

  

 This entry is In Loving Memory of my Grandfather John Ricci 12/12/12

Hi Again

Well hello there....yes it's me, Bethany...the girl who flew half across the world over a year ago and fell in love with the Filipino people.     My life has changed a lot in this past year but my heart for the nations has not.  

Here are a few updates just to get back into the swing of "blogging" 

I graduated FIRE School of Ministry & thanks to my wonderful classmates scooped up some pretty awesome accomplishments.  

My wonderful classmates and Dr. Peters

Excellence in Ministry,  Student Choice Award,  & Class Valedictorian

  I lost 32lbs this year and hope to lose 32 more ;-)   When I got back from the Philippines I decided it was time for a change and to start treating my body right again.   I joined the gym and weight watchers & voila!  Success!   I've since plateaued but am eager to get past it.   Heck, maybe I'll even run a 5k....maybe.

Yeah I know, I'm pretty darn cute huh?

I became an FIRE International Missionary! OFFICIALLY!  That's right!  I can now officially begin preparing to answer the call to GO!   If you would like to you can sign up to support me at: http://www.fire-international.org/partner-with-us/

Just make sure to put my name in the field provided. :-)  Any support is appreciated as I prepare to go into full time missions overseas.  

Sharing the vision at the 2011 Missions conference

FI Missions Conference!!

For those of you who do not know - I also got engaged this year... However, that has been put on hold until some further foundations are made.  Please pray with us as we seek the Lord's best in this situation.  My NC girls threw me an amazing Bridal Shower, too!

The most amazing friends a girl could ask for

I also moved in with an AMAZING group of people as well upon my return (pictured below). 

My Housemates (Sean, Carla's hubby, is unfortunately not in this picture)

  I'm eager to see what is to come in the near future.  The Lord has done so much in my heart this past year and especially as of recently.  I am hungry for his purpose and see the call of God on my life come forth.  God is good....so good.    

More to come....after all this is only the beginning.

Be blessed in wisdom and understanding.
Proverbs 3:18