lessons.

i realize that part of bringing in the new year is doing away with the old, in with the new. putting away for good things of the past year, yet each year brings lessons with each season.
and what would lessons be if we didn't reflected and learned from them? looking back through 2013 and reflecting on it, there are a few lessons that i need to grasp for this new year.

and truth be told, i find it kind of weird that i'm doing so. that i'm actually grasping the new year with so much passion. because before to me jan 1 was just another day. but this year. boy this year i need things to happen. i need to stand at the end of 2014 and cry of happiness that things were different.

so in 2013 i learned that

time with God is of utmost importance. can't afford to go a day without it.
the days when i chose to make Him my priority, were the days i felt overwhelming peace. the days were i was most cheerful. when i looked at things differently. note to self, do not skimp on quiet time with the Lord.

also i learned, not everything needs to be said. biting my tongue can be a good thing. not all battles need to be tackled and some things can just be dropped. instead i can use my words in prayer for that person and let God do the rest.

envy is the devil. steals away joy, brings anxiety and discontent. they're them, i'm me. situations are different always and i need to get that. and if i continue to pour my desires out to God, He will make sure my dreams are fulfilled. noted.

the kids need quiet time with God too. it's not enough that i get in my quiet times to draw nearer to Him, if they stay in the same boat. growing spiritually needs to be made a family thing for every member to hold up strong.

and lastly, when God brings me to it, He will bring me through it. no doubt about it. i need to worry less and worship more.

i will be printing this out and placing it everywhere i need to be reminded of it. another year down, more lessons learned.

what are some lessons that 2013 brought you?

light.

the new year is upon us friends with thoughts of what we wish for it to be, goals that we hope to attain, and plans to be lived happily.

last year i decided to choose a word that i wanted my 2012 year to abide by. my word was confidence.

confidence in who i am, confidence in the unknown.

as i type this, i look back on this past year and realize that my confidence although still shaky at times, has improved vastly.

i have taken steps of faith and it's made my heart sing like nothing else. i am able to hold on to the truth that my future is held by a God that is perfect and faithful.

this year, i want to take that confidence and share it with those that have none. i want to share it with those whose confidence has been broken. in thinking what my word for this year would be, i knew i wanted it to reflect love. reflect. then i decided.

for this 2013 year, my word is light.

i want to be a light to everyone i encounter, everyone that i meet. i desire to reflect love, gentleness and shine even in the deepest darkness.

i've held back before not really knowing if i could, not believing that i could be a light, thinking i didn't have anything in me that would be worth telling.

knowing that my identity is ultimately in God, i now know i can. i now know, i have purpose.

i desire to be light of the gospel and have it shine as it was intended to be. gentle, kind, and patient.

all in being confident that the good work that has started in me, will be done in His perfect timing and will. i am excited for my light to being shining.

I pray that 2013 may be filled with blessings for all of you and that your purpose continues to be lived out loud!