2020 in Review
A couple weeks ago, I suggested sending juicy Christmas letters as a way to connect during the pandemic shutdowns. Click here to read more ideas to overcome the isolation blues. Today I’m practicing what I preach!
Good Riddance 2020
Our year started out with such promise! We had a full calendar of ministry opportunities from Arizona to Florida, but when Covid hit in March, we had one cancellation after another.
Dave’s year
Dave made the most of our downtime, revamping our website – which is beautiful now and you should definitely go look at it. robyndykstra.com
He also decided to revisit his past as a carpenter so he could become a gardener.
He did some hunting and fishing, too.
Robyn’s sweet spot
Early on, I did a lot of baking. Not so great on the waistline. Then I tried puzzles. Well, I tried one puzzle. It wasn’t pretty. It took forever and it did NOT relax me.
I got back to doing what does light me up. Speaking and writing. By this time next year, you’ll be using my new devotional to connect with Jesus. Read more about it here.
I’m thrilled to tell you new bookings for 2021-2022 are trickling in. I’m praying for a full calendar of events! Do you know anyone who’s hosting a retreat, conference, seminar or Christmas program who needs a captivating speaker? Have them call me! Here’s my number 616 363 4608.
About our offspring
Jake (32) lives and works as a mechanical engineer here in Grand Rapids. He shares a domicile with Nala – his 4 year old pup. Projects at work and at home kept him busy this year.
A quick joy ride at the end of summer landed Jake in the hospital with nerve damage in his leg. He’s fine now but I have to tell you, he’s hilarious on morphine.
And, no, he did not sell the motorcycle. It’s taking a long winter nap in his garage, waiting for warmer temps.
Eli (28) lives in Charleston, S.C. I know it’s a great place to visit, but it’s a loooong way from this mama. I don’t get to see him nearly enough.
In addition to his job as a firefighter for the City of Charleston, he in the Air Force Reserves. His work as a loadmaster takes him all over the world, picking up and dropping off cargo. He loves the adventure and I hope that cable doesn’t break!
Big Losses
Like you, we suffered some losses – lots of ministry events cancelled and my dad died. Though very active golfing and biking and beating me at every single card game we played, he succumbed to a heart attack in Oct. We all miss him like crazy, but are thankful he didn’t suffer and that he’s with Jesus. He was 88.
Our hopeful future
We praise God for His provision and protection. We face the future with hope and all the courage we can muster.
Well, that’s the skinny on us from 2020.
How are you? I’d love to hear how your family is, what you’re working on, or what you’re looking forward to in the year to come. Leave me a comment below. I read every single one.
Much love from us to you,
Robyn and Dave
Verse for today: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27 NIV
Prayer: Lord God, we look expectantly to you for the future as we trust you with our present circumstances. Be noisy and visible in our lives. In Jesus Name amen.
It has been an emotionally ruff year in many ways but Jesus sends comfort in many ways and people you being one of them. Your 2020 review makes me smile and thankful for the things I may have overlooked. Thank you and Jesus.
Thank you Suzan.
What’s your son’s last name. My son lives in Grand Rapids also. His name is Jason Johnston. Wouldn’t it be great if they went to the same church?
Hi Donna,
My boy is Eli. It would be fun if they went to the same church.
God has with us all the way through the year. There have been a lot of bumps along the way but God has provided. I start back to work January 4. Lots of changes at the job (which I view as my ministry), Please pray for ability to do job well and to bring glory and honor to Christ. Our grandson is back in person school. He has one virtual class, Spanish. He struggles with it. Please pray he finishes Part 1 of his Spanish class by Thursday, Dec. 31. 2021 is a new year, a new beginning. I want to walk closer to the Lord and share His love to more people.
Oh yes, Loretta. I agree in prayer with you for kingdom impact at work, for Spanish to flow for your grandson and for depth in your everyday with God and his people. In Jesus name amen
We live in Charleston SC also! It’s lovely for sure but my beast is always home in Michigan where we have traveled for 3 extended visits during Covid for time with my mom who is coming to the end of her battle with cancer. I’m actually in the car now traveling from Stony Lake back home to Charleston for a bit…
Oh Mindi, so sorry about your mom’s diagnosis. So very glad you have the time and ability to spend time with her. I pray for sweetness in the midst of this hard time and for safety as you travel back and forth.
For us we have chosen to close out this year by only focusing on the positive. We had an exchange student, so gained a forever son. We were able to travel through the Panama Canal on a cruise before COVID shut all the world down. My husband received a raise this year and then a promotion. We converted a Promaster Van into a camper and travelled this summer out west. We are now closing out the year remodeling our home, I will finally get this 1880 home to have insulation, heated floors and a master bath. Sure we had disappointments this year, but God is good and when you keep him as a central focus that is all that matters.
Bless you in the New Year and thank you for all you share and encourage within us.
What an excellent idea. Reorienting our attitude by focusing on the positive is always helpful.
PS I live in an old house, too. 1885 and I fully endorse your renovations!
Love it…Good Riddance 2020 party is my theme with some friends this year:) it’s been uncertain but as essential workers my husband and I have kept busy with rental properties then recently started a cleaning business. We’ve improved properties to make nice homes for people stuck inside and planted flowers and bushes to create some beauty.
I love Dave’s garden project!!! New business for him?
We’ve seen our grown kids for dinners and a few getaways at a place we have out of state…we call it Haven ( psalm 107: 20)
Reading bible commentaries from NT Wright and CS Lewis, Michelle Cushatt and others as our church remains closed….then we started going to a small church that was open and will we’ve now go there.
We have hosted and loved a handicapped child for 7
yrs and this year her life was made very uncertain by her mother’s decisions conveniently facilitated by the pandemic:(
That situation and thinking of all the other children in her similar predicament was heartbreaking for us which we continued to bring to the throne of God with tears and requests for protection. And our Father heard us and answered and did what only He could??
So in all to sum up this year it has changed us and continues to keep us tethered to Him and reminds me He is present with us through it alllll, and I believe I know Him better ?
Robyn I look forward to getting your devotional I enjoy your style of speaking and writing it puts a smile on my face and I chuckle at your approach to how you relate to our Father, it’s so fresh and sometimes sassy:)
Wonderful news Elise. Thanks so much for posting.
ps gardening is Dave’s hobby, not new occupation. 🙂
I saw you in Georgia back in March on the last truly normal day we had in 2020. I’m glad I took a day off work and drove down from Chattanooga to do some author stalking! It was a blast. I can’t wait for your new book to come out.
I remember that event very well, as it was so well run and filled with Holy Spirit. I’m glad you were there, too. Hope we meet again!