Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2013

I can't believe today is the last day of 2013. I remember this day last year. I had in mind the things I would accomplish and what the coming year would bring. But as I look back over the year 2013, I have come to this realization:

I was wrong about everything...and I'm so glad.

This time last year I was sitting across the table from a man I barely knew outside of a gym setting. If you would've told me that this time next year I would be walking down the aisle in less than 3 months, I would've simply laughed at you.

If you would've told me that I would have purchased a home, once again, I would've laughed at you.

If you would've told me that I would be working with clients with various medical issues on a daily basis, I would've told you that you were crazy.

If you would've told me that I was approached by a lady, whom I have never met, and was asked to be a contributor on her Wholly Healing site, I would've said, "yeah, in your wildest dreams."

I thought I was just fine where I was in my life. My relationship with God was great, I had a great job and was enjoying making new friendships. Then God does what He does best, He throws a kink into what you've got going on.


As I look back over this year, I realized that yes, what I had in mind for 2013 would've been great. I would've been happy and I would've been content, but it would be nothing compared to what God had in store for me.

I realized that the dreams I had for myself this year were too safe, too boring, too complacent.

This year has been full of obstacles, but with those obstacles came an abundance of joy. You see, change is something everyone will face when they decide to follow Jesus. We must choose to trust Him on a daily basis, for He is the only one who knows what's right around the corner.

This year many dreams have come true. The man I have been praying for my whole life decided to make his appearance. My dream of contributing to a faith based wellness blog came true. My dream of being a homeowner came true. My dream job became a reality. With great struggle comes great reward. He is good.

As I wrap up 2013, I challenge you to take a look at what you hope is to come in year 2014. As you do everything in your power to stick to this new year's resolutions starting tomorrow, I pray that you will not rely on your own strength, but on God's. Ask Him what He would want you to do in this coming year. Give 2014 to Jesus...I know it'll be your best year yet.

Happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Looking Back: He who promised is faithful!

23 years old. I can't believe I've arrived at 23. It's definitely one of the ages that I've always looked forward to being. I'm not sure why, but it's always an age that's stuck out in my head. I never counted down to 18 or even 21, but I always looked forward to being 23...and here I am!

Each year on my birthday I like to look back at the previous year and reflect on all that I've experienced. Let's just say year 22 was the fullest and most eventful year yet. None of the plans I had for myself came to pass...not one. It was full of discomfort, emotion, uncertainty and anxiety. Year 22 was by far my greatest year.

I know you're probably thinking, "this girl is nuts! Not one of those things sounds pleasant!" You're right. There were times during this past year that were the furthest thing from pleasant. I struggled with what career path I truly wanted to take and with the man who was persistent and continued to try to pursue a relationship with me. Things got uncomfortable very quickly.

Sometimes when we are stepping into what God has for us, we have to get uncomfortable.

I love the organization I work for. We are able to help a lot of people and are encouraged to stay true to our Christian values while doing so. I took a leap of faith and accepted a position that was much more demanding than the one I had. It was a great growth opportunity for me, so I took it! It ended up being a terrible fit for me. The job did not compliment my skill set, so the few months that I was in that position were very tough for me. After many months of praying about what I should do, another job opening became available. This job was right down my alley. I was able to work in the same organization, but work with special populations who needed specific care to help manage their medical issues. If I wouldn't have taken the first job and gotten uncomfortable, I probably wouldn't have been able to step into this job. God knew was He was doing and He was seeing if I would wait on Him to move on my behalf. And boy did He move!

This time last year (start of year 22) one of my gym buddies started texting me on the daily. I knew he was interested in getting to know me on a deeper level by the way he was acting. However, I had decided in my mind that I was not going to be dating anyone in the near future. I was tired of weak men who thought they wanted commitment, but then would chicken out once a relationship started getting serious. So I just decided that I would help him out by kindly rejecting him...8 months later I'm engaged to him. Crazy how that works.

Throughout this year, I have had to really work at trusting God. When things in life don't go according to plan, it's easy to become uneasy and fearful of what the future may hold. However, after continuing to seek the Lord and what He wanted for my life, the picture slowly but surely became clear. I said yes to the love of my life, without any anxiety, and knowing without a doubt that he was the one God had made for me.

As soon as Browning got up from one knee and we were walking back to celebrate with family, one thought came to mind:

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23 


As I look back on this past year, I am overwhelmed at God's faithfulness. I never in a million years would've imagined this happening to me in such a short amount of time. This goes to show that we should never underestimate Christ. He makes all things work together for good. So I encourage you next time you're feeling a little uncomfortable, do your best to embrace it! God is moving on your behalf and beauty is just around the corner! :)

Year 22 was a beautiful year. It was filled with more love and joy than I could've imagined. Here's to year 23. I know this coming year will be the best year yet, and possible the best year ever (March 22 I say "I do"). I'm taking one more step into becoming the woman God wants me to be. 

He promised that He would provide for me. That He would supply all of my needs. That He would give me the desires of my heart. I'm so grateful. He who promised is faithful!