One Year Down

A year ago I started a new journey. In hopes of renewing my love of writing, I decided to start a blog. I have been pleasantly surprised at how well it has gone and proud that I was able to stick with it for a whole year.

As I've learned a little bit about blogging I have tweaked my writing style so that hopefully it's easier to read. I've encountered some very encouraging people that have been faithful in reading my ramblings, and I've been pleasantly surprised by a few that say they keep up with it. 

Even though it's great to know that I've been able to encourage a few people, I want to keep in mind the reason I started writing in the first place. You can read my very first blog here. This has become my own therapeutic outlet, and helping others is just a side benefit.

Over the last year I have written about daily activities and stressful events. I've allowed myself to be vulnerable in sharing lessons God is teaching me. I started a little series on my thoughts about being a single woman. And I continue to share my thoughts about self-value and beauty.

Some of the topics have developed over time. At times it seems I can't get my thoughts into the computer fast enough. Other times I have topics started but I can't quite get them to a point that they're ready to be posted.

So do I continue for another year... Why not?! I imagine it will be a lot of the same, but I'm okay with that. I'm still growing and learning; I continue to struggle with vulnerability, but it's a battle I need to win; and I want to connect with more people that may be just like me.

If you're reading this Thank You for sticking with me. And now we continue....

This Morning's Thoughts

I wrote this in my journal this morning and then thought it might be worth sharing...

Proverbs 14:26
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

I need refuge today as I fear what the consequences may be for my actions. Lord knows I hate to be in trouble and sometimes my own guilt is worse than the discipline I might receive. As a child of God I have confidence that He is in control. No matter what happens today... despite my mistakes... He will work out His plan.

Will This Be The One

2013! A new year! Hopefully, I'm not the only one that thinks that sounds strange.

The idea of a new year has been consuming my thoughts. "New" indicates change. Change is very difficult for me; good or bad it can be stressful. But I feel I'm at a point in my life that I want change to happen.

I want to continue moving forward. I want to grow. I do not want to remain the same or to become complacent with where I am at in life.

In my devotion a few weeks ago, the question was asked "What was the year that changed your life?" What year brought divine revelations that forever changed your relationship with Christ? Have you had one yet?

"Pray this is one." Pray this is the year that you will be forever changed.

I am not one to declare new year's resolutions; but I do know I want to be better. I want to be a better daughter, a better sister, a better friend, a better supervisor, a better listener, a better helper, a better giver... a better Christian. I want to be full of joy.

The way I will be "better" is to draw closer to God and to lose myself in His will. It is there that I will find peace, comfort, and joy, no matter what happens.

"Happy are the people whose God is Yahweh."

Psalms 144:15

 

"...and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy."

Proverbs 16:20

 

"I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete."

John 15:11

 

If anyone asks what I hope to accomplish this year, my only hope is that I am able to complete God's will for me every day.