Monday, January 6, 2014

2013- what a year...

Doing a "Year in Review" has always been so much fun, and this year in particular surprised me nearly every month.

I keep a list of "God Stops" each month, little things that make me stop and say "There You are, God." And if a verse comes to mind to reinforce the learning, I jot it next to the moment.

Going through this last year's book had me laughing and crying- simply for how ridiculous I am to think I will ever understand fully the King of the Universe. His ways are not mine, and thank God for that- because His results are far better than mine would be.

More than anything, I look back at this year and thank Him. My children are all seeking after the Lord and growing, what more could I want. Steve and I are still married. That in itself is a miracle in this day and age, but happily married feels too good to be true. My grandie girl is the biggest surprise blessing I could ever ask for, and each day is filled with opportunities to serve and learn.

 Here's to 2013. I can only imagine what this next year will bring...

January:
God provides just what you need. When you need it. 
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 
1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

February:
You can never truly be prepared for how GOOD and GRACIOUS the Lord's gifts are. 
" But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Psalm 86:15

 March:
In our broken repentance, there is a beauty that can take your breath away. 
 "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion." 
Isaiah 30:18

 April:
God loves a good story. 
" He speaks to the sun and it does not shine;
                                                 he seals off the light of the stars. 
                                                 He alone stretches out the heavens
                                                 and treads on the waves of the sea."
Job 9:7-8
 

 May:
Age doesn't have to be our main defining characteristic. But our character and resilience can.  
 "I will meditate on your precept and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word." Psalm 119:15-16


June: 
Goals are important. And it's ok to dream a little. 
"Therefore...let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." Hebrews 12:1

July:
Laughter is ALWAYS the best medicine. 
"A joyful heart is good medicine..." Proverbs 17:22a

August: 
Change brings grief, no matter how good it is. 
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..."
Ecclesiastes 3

September: 
There is always something new to learn. Some area we can grow in. 
"Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her." Proverbs 8:10-11

October:
We really do reap what we sow. So be sure the seeds you are spreading will bear fruit you will like. 
"Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing."
Proverbs 20:4

November:
If you want to walk far, don't walk alone. 
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."
James 5:16

December:
Family is what you make it. It changes and moves, so treasure them while you can. 
"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
    may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21


Happy New Year, friends. It was a year like no other, that's for sure. And I wouldn't change a thing.