36

Today, I turned 36 years old. I am a dreamer and reflector, so what better day to dream and reflect, then my birthday. Driving down the road I sat and pondered things of this last year. Something I’m grateful for, something I’ve learned, and a few things that need attention as I grow and try to be more like Jesus every day. (For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10.)

Grateful

I haven’t told you all yet, but the fact that you are taking the time to read my thoughts, God thoughts and stories makes my heart so happy. On January 4, 2021, I wrote my first blog on a cold and crisp Monday morning. I wasn’t sure what to expect and felt a bit nervous. Who knew that this would become one of my favorite things to do this year? When I first started, I remember going to my page and when I saw there were ten readers, my heart jumped! I couldn’t believe ten people read what I had to say. As more people keep reading, God reminds me that numbers are not the important part. What is important is that hopefully these “thoughts and ideas” have brought you hope and a better understanding of God’s great and mighty love. You, my readers, are someone I am so grateful for this year and I love each and every one of you.

Learned

It’s hard to pick just one thing I’ve learned in this last year of my life (since there has been a lot of lessons) but the one thing that rings in my mind is this; humility is a hard process, but freedom is the reward. This year I had a paradigm shift in the area of pride. The Lord showed me in such a beautiful way this year to really give him the reigns. I’m not talking about he has one and I do too, I mean give him every part of everything we think we have control over. I meditated on the scripture, James 4:10 “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” I spent too many years trying to lift myself up, when in all reality it was my humble posture of, “God I can’t, but with you I can do all things.” It was laying my face on the floor again and again telling my Father that I need Him. It was me putting away all my agendas of how ministry should look, work and act, and just letting Him show and guide every part. Knowing where our strength comes from is one of the greatest freedoms that we can feel. It’s not our will, but His will, and He is good. 

Needed Attention

Oh, well this could become quite lengthy, but I will keep it short and to the point. I want to read more life giving books and less Instagram posts.  I desire to teach my boys greater empathy and have them help me help people in new ways. I really need to be better about going to the store without makeup on and keep working on being okay in my own blemished, skin. I want to finish reading the Bible this year. I’m a slow reader and this takes time, but I am excited about the journey. I want to do less busy work and more meaningful work. More patience with my boys in homeschool, and more laughter in the classroom. This is just a few, but a good start. 

This will be a good year my friends, and I’m thankful I can share it with you. 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.