In 2010 the Lord has graciously blessed me with gifts of a relationship, full-time employment, financial peace, a second nephew, vacations, and so much more.

I began attending a singles’ Bible study through the Overland Park Vineyard in May 2009. That’s where I met Andy Nicholson. On January 12, 2010 Andy and I embarked on a journey to “get to know” each other. We have spent much time this year interacting with friends and family, shoveling driveways, jogging, biking, watching his nieces’ soccer games, participating in the Vineyard small group, and enjoying various activities of life together. We are continuing to pray for the Lord’s direction in our relationship.

Having been single for 35 years, the Lord has given me a burden to reach out to other singles in our community. Audra Close and I kicked off the New Year pioneering a singles’ ministry at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City (IHOP-KC). We planned monthly gatherings and invited mature married couples to speak on topics that would help singles find satisfaction in God while preparing to walk uprightly into godly marriages and families (see archives at uniquedove.com for related posts). Audra continues to coordinate these gatherings as I have stepped down from IHOP staff.

In July 2009 I began working as a part-time office assistant at a law firm. My position at Spencer Fane Britt and Browne became full-time in April 2010. This transition back into the workplace has enabled me to pay off debt that I had incurred during the past seven years in ministry. The Lord directed my steps into financial freedom through various means this year including teachings at the Overland Park Vineyard, a CD series by Dave Ramsey, and consultations with a pro-bono financial adviser. The road toward financial peace also led me to downsize and move into an apartment with my second cousin, Sierra Puryear, who I had not previously known.

My nephew, Bradley Ray Blair, was born on August 13. Bailey and Benjamin are excited about having a new brother, and John and Carrie are adjusting to the challenges of parenting three children. You can read older posts at http://blairfamily4.blogspot.com.

In June, Andy and I ventured to Tulsa to visit my family. To make the most of our trip we celebrated Benjamin’s third birthday party, attended the Blair family reunion, and spent Father’s Day with the Thiessen clan. On the way to New Life Ranch to see my brother’s family we drove through Siloam Springs for a quick tour of the town and John Brown University (where I graduated). We also stopped by the Baptist Campgrounds (where Andy used to go to church camp). In Tulsa we drove around the TU campus so Andy could see where his niece would be attending college.

We made a second trip to Tulsa for the Thiessen reunion over Labor Day weekend. My parents, John and Elaine, had just returned from a two-week Europe trip celebrating their 40th year of marriage! Actually, their 39th wedding anniversary was June 5th so I teased them about planning ahead in order to be home for a big celebration next year! We stopped in at the reunion first to see Mom’s side of the family before heading to New Life Ranch to meet my new nephew, Bradley. After a brief visit, John, Carrie, Bailey, Ben, Bradley, Andy, and I piled into John and Carrie’s new SUV and headed to the Saturday evening church service (a 30-45 min drive) followed by their traditional family Chick-Fil-A dinner. Sunday was spent having breakfast with Mom and Dad, joining Andy’s brother to watch his niece’s soccer game at TU, and going out for dinner with my folks at a favorite small town restaurant in Claremore. After breakfast with Mom and Dad Monday morning Andy and I spent Labor Day visiting my college friends, Chris and Christi Gulley, and their family at Grand Lake before driving back to Kansas City.

Later in September Audra and I were off to California for a week of vacationing at our favorite spot, Newport/Balboa Beach! When I was close to paying off my debt Audra and I began planning our third California trip together. The plan was mostly to relax and refresh, which we did by going to bed nearly every night by 10pm and not getting up until 8am. Somehow we still managed to find plenty of time for visiting friends (including a wedding reception for a couple from KC), attending church at the Anaheim Vineyard where I grew up, walking around the reservoir in Anaheim Hills where I used to live, eating at In-N-Out, Rubies on the Pier, the Crab Cooker, etc., taking the Amtrak from Anaheim Stadium to San Juan Capistrano where we toured the mission and petting zoo, exploring Catalina Island via bus and the new Zipline Eco Tour, hanging out in Laguna Beach, driving the scenic route along PCH to visit the San Diego Zoo, venturing up the coast to Long beach and Palos Verdes, and lots of Rollerblading along the Balboa Beach boardwalk!

Of course there’s so much more to tell you about including several CDs and the HOPE Journey book I designed for Bob Hartley (bobhartley.org), my involvement volunteering with and writing blogs for Joseph Company (josephcompanydevo.blogspot.com), Bible Studies on John and Isaiah through Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and Beth Moore, lunches with Andy’s mom, several weddings of Andy’s friends, and Eric and Nirmala’s wedding in which I had the privilege of being a Bridesmaid and Andy the Best Man.

That about sums up 2010 but there’s still another month to go. I’m writing this the weekend before we head to Florida to celebrate Thanksgiving with Andy’s dad and step mom. Christmas plans are still in limbo but may include some time with my family in Oklahoma and/or Andy’s family in Kansas. Then it’s time for IHOP’s annual OneThing Conference. Join us December 28-31 as thousands come to Kansas City to bring in the New Year with worship, prayer, teaching, and the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s FREE! Register online to attend in KC or watch the webcast from home (www.ihop.org).

May the Lord bless you as you rejoice in the true gift of this season, Jesus Christ!

Love, Chérie

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)