A Year in Review- 2014

December always has me thinking over the year and all that God has done. I don't set New Year's Resolutions because they don't make sense to me. But I do love finding verses each month that speak to who God is or what He desires from us. I looked at the last few years that I have done a review in January, and it was amazing to see how much has happened, how much has changed. It was also awesome to see how many of the verses would fit this year, how Scripture never gets old and is always relevant. If I take the time to look.

So, here's to 2014- a year of learning and change. And I wouldn't have it any other way.


"The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." -Deuteronomy 6:4b-5

(January brought so many changes in our little Bee as she began to walk and see the world in a whole new way.)

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." -Deuteronomy 6:6-7

(February is a hard month for me because of the weather, but it is a great time to spend indoors reading and learning. This was the time I learned all about the aquarium hobby and set up three tanks. So fun!)

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He HEARS us." -1 John 5: 14

(March felt like a miracle month for me. These ladies and I had the privilege over the years of praying for a dear friend to conceive- and this month we got to finally throw the best baby shower ever as God prepared our sister to deliver her first baby. Oh, it still gives me chills to think of what a promise this is- that He HEARS us. )

" Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths... Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens." 

-Psalm 148:7, 13

(April brought our annual beach trip and new experiences for all of us as we worked out the changing relationships between parents and adult kids and grand kids and in-laws. All good things to grow through and love bigger in.)

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. " - Romans 1:20

(May brought back the sunshine, PRAISE GOD. There is no place on this side of heaven that I would rather be then surround by fields and horses. I love the creativity of God's world. )

"...teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live...to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind..." - Titus 2: 3-5

(June gave me the chance to be grateful for the way time passing can grow us. To make us patient.  Every time I watch Bee with my mom, I realize the woman I knew as a mother, that Jasmine knew as a grandmother...has changed in so many ways. And I am changing too. Make us wise woman, Lord- woman of patience and love and grace.) 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

(July brought so many adventures for all of us, just the way summer should. Working my first rodeo, directing traffic on horseback, vacation trip for Jordan to see Mt. Rushmore, and so much more. It's amazing to think about how little my plans were in comparison to where God has brought us.)

"In the beginning was the Word...through Him all things were made...In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."  - John 1:1-5

(August was sunshine, sunscreen and water. Summer is the best and makes remembering God's goodness to us a little easier. He brings lightness and freedom to my life in so many ways. From the people He surrounds me with, the fun He fills me up with and the promise that He HAS won the battle....what a comfort.)

"As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him." -Psalm 18:30

(September is a special month for my girl, with her birthday and anniversary all wrapped into one. This month often finds me praying for her...and now more than anything, that God would make her marriage a testimony to His faithfulness and love.)

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

(Autumn brought a huge change for us, with the future we had envisioned disappearing so abruptly. But October was also a chance to trust God's plans and to keep working for what we know matters, even when it was hard. I know it will be worth it.)

 "A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17a

(Full swing into a new job for me and a new perspective for our boy, November brought back dear friendships that we never should have neglected. This month was a reminder that loyalty matters and believing the best in people is what makes them even better. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, November is JOY at our house, no matter what.)

"This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look...ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16

(Even without the warmth and sunshine that I crave, December was by far my favorite month of 2014. SOOO many wonderful things to see through my grandie girl's eyes...lights, and trees and traditions. But my favorite thing was seeing a young little friend post her verse for the year...Jeremiah 6:16. How great is it to see a little girl you once knew, now a woman after God's own heart...and have her "take you to school"? Makes me smile just thinking about it.)

Lord, I stand at the crossroads and look. I ask you to show me the "ancient paths". Show me where the "good way" is, that I might find rest for my soul.
Happy New Year, my friend.