Another year has come and gone. It’s truly amazing how time flies. As 2013 is coming to a close, we all look back and review the events that have occurred throughout the last 365 days. Achievements, passing of loved ones, celebration of new life, personal growth, etc. Personally, I have experienced so many new things this past year and my life is forever changed.
In January of 2013, I stepped up and became a youth pastor for an incredible group of kids. For a year, I wrote sermons and preached every Wednesday night. I never really saw myself before as someone who would be putting messages together and preaching every week, but God stretched me and proved to be faithful as always. He really showed me that He will use whoever He wants to get something done. He used this opportunity to strengthen me and help me move in the direction of my purpose. New doors are opening and I couldn’t be more excited to see what He is going to do next.
May 19th 2013 was our one year wedding anniversary. It came so quickly! We spent an entire week away in the mountains of Tennessee. I spent so much time planning the things we would do and just as much time praying that I would be able to actually do them. July 11th 2012 was the date of my car accident. Up until now, I was still seeing the doctor every week, unable to move and do certain activities that I once was capable of. I enjoyed working out, dancing and being active. After the accident, the enemy had really instilled in me that I would never be able to fully do those things again. And I believed him. I told myself that I had faith and was waiting to receive my healing, but I wasn’t really. I still harbored bitterness and doubt.
The Lord really taught me a lesson during this time. He showed me what true faith is. During our time away, we did everything we had planned! Zip lining, whitewater rafting, skydiving and hiking. We spent an entire day hiking to the top of Mt. Leconte, one of the highest peaks in the Smoky Mountains. I had a serious God encounter during the climb. I was quoting scripture and felt The Lord just wrapping His loving arms around me. He filled me with an overwhelming peace and told me that I was healed- and I received it.
On this day, December 31 2013, I can say that my faith is stronger than ever. My marriage is the best it has ever been and I am even more in love with my husband than the day I married him. My purpose and the dream God has given me is clearer than ever before. I wouldn’t trade anything that has happened this past year; It has molded me into the person I am today.
My prayer is that regardless of the things that took place in your life last year, you would learn from all of it. That you would see the blessings over the hurts and the achievements over the failures. It is all just a part of your journey. Step boldly into this new year. This is Y O U R year, your new beginning, and God has got some pretty amazing things in store.
I am so excited to see what God is going to do in my life and how He is going to use me. New opportunities, new challenges, new blessings and new ways to serve others! I hope that you all join me on this adventure!
Have the most amazing New Years filled with lots of love and food!
xx
true colors within. 