Bring it on. Is all I can say.
2013 I know was just the beginning for me in so many areas, however; it was also tough.
A lot of heart beak and soooo many stinking challenges; you know the saying the good, the bad and the down right ugly well that sums up my 2013 year.
The good was gooooood, and the rest I am still grieving and trying to heal, to get back up, and trying to let go and move on.
However; I know this next season is going to be NEW!! The new is going to ask me to not give up!
So many times in 2013 I wanted to give up. I never stopped believing in God but I felt like a lot I asked why....why ....HEY GOD WHY?!? "My faith was challenged" seems like putting it mildly. I still have many holes in my heart that this year has left me...
Oh but how quickly He reminds me of the many that aren't there anymore..... How he will restore. Defend. Reveal. Heal.
So as 2014 draws near I start a new journal. But as I always do I pull out all the old journals and journal after journal I start reading. The last four years. Pages after pages I realize how far I have come and yet how far I still have to go.
I have been writing down things I am still praying about in my new 2014 journal. Things I am stewing about (I mean needing freedom from) and added some more (new and old) desires and dreams.
However; I was able to see a new perspective on many hurts and and wounds from long ago. I was able to praise Him for many many MANY things that were answered and many things that I was never even brave enough to ask him for yet He still provided cause he knew the desires in my heart.
God is good.
I also realized this December marked our 7th year in Texas. The number 7 is symbolic to completion. When I turned 30 my son turned 7 and that was definitely a year of completion for many things, but I just know that another year of completion is about to begin.
Sometimes that is great news, sometimes
it can mean closure, peace, healing etc etc. Sometimes it is labor pains. Growing pains. Intense feelings.
I keep hearing the word intense for 2014- I am a little nervous (actually anxious and curious) on what that fully means but I am embracing it and trusting him to be in every detail of that. I know that he is in control and intense can be scary but only if I try to do it on my own. I am hearing other words like salt, self acceptance, restoration and completion.
Hearing the word completion makes me more grateful that I went on heart quest in July. July was the perfect time for me to go on Heart Quest. The 7th year in the wilderness, the desert... The year to go on heart quest for symbolic reasons too!
To have my heart be put in recovery mode- so I could honestly be restored this year.. .. I am able to see that I am different, I am becoming who he made me to be. Heart quest freed my heart! It doesn't mean I am completely healed or POOF all better but it has opened me up and tore down some walls! It has made me want to accept me for me and not be who others want me to be.
Man he is so good in timing! He is sooo good about the details. Wilderness! Desert! Year 7! Ugh isn't that just so cool!
So on this day December 31 2013 I encourage you to start something new.
A new journal... An online blog or a written paper journal... Or maybe just a sheet of paper that you write down some things to let go, some things you desire like healing from this or that.... or maybe just a person to forgive this year?
Maybe just pray for one word. One word to write down and tuck into your purse for safe keeping; so you can remind yourself whenever 2014 might throw you a curve ball.
Maybe 2013 was great- and I am so happy for you! Really I am! However 2014 is still coming and it's time to welcome in a new year! Yeah!!!
Maybe 2013 was a pretty crappy year- and I feel ya and can I say I am so sorry! Guess what?! 2014 is almost here and it is time for a new year! Yeah!!!
May 2014 be not just a new number but a year that is worth remembering in even the times that are tough.
May this year be the year you forgive like you never have before.
May this year be the year you have faith like you have never had before!
May this year you know love like never before!
May this year you drown in grace every single moment you are awake!!!
May this year be less challenging not because you won't have trials but because peace rains down on you like never before.
May 2014 be the year God awakens you like never before.
Bring it on 2014; I am ready. Are you?