Tag Archives: New Year
A New Decade
Happy New Year. I can’t believe we are well into the new year and a new decade.
Right before the new year stuck, the Lord gave me two verses.
Photo credit: Carrie ~ Creative Commons Flickr
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
“God is with her, she will not fail.” Psalm 46:5 (I bought myself a coffee mug with this on it).
I sensed the Lord encouraging me, as if to say, you are entering a new season.
As I’ve mentioned, it hasn’t been an easy few years for me and my family. Not that anything has changed, but I believe I’ve grown in the spiritual department and I’m grateful for that.
It’s not easy to walk by faith and not by sight. I guess the control freak in me wants to know everything before it happens. Don’t we all? But, God wants us to trust Him in all things, not just some, but ALL.
My situation has given me no other option but to trust Him. I mean, my life is literally in His hands. I lean on Him for everything now because I have no choice. I can’t say I’m any less anxious, but I can say He’s been faithful every step of the way.
******
Fear has been the biggest hindrance in my life. It has stopped me from many things. It’s been a stumbling block, roadblock and obstacle, especially with writing. I’m aware all writers are faced with insecurity and fear, but many push through it and actually achieve their dreams.
My fear is paralyzing me from actually doing it because I think others are better than I am and who in the world is going to want to read what I write? There are millions of incredible writers/authors out there. Many have Master’s degrees from elite Ivy League universities. I haven’t even gotten an Associate’s degree. So, how can I even compete, not that I actually want to compete, because I’m not the competitive type. But, you know what I mean.
If there is one thing I would want to overcome in this new year and decade, is this horrible fear, insecurity and comparison trap that prevents me from writing.
I also don’t want to continue chasing other things to avoid doing what I believe the Lord has called me to do which is to write. I’ve been running from it and busying myself with other more productive things to do. But, I’m tired of the start, stop, start, stop. I’m 53 and this is getting old already. I don’t want to get to the end of my life and regret never trying and giving it my all.
The fear of failure is so strong that paralyzes me from writing. The irony is that I wind up failing because I give up. It’s a perpetual cycle that repeats itself over and over again.
I don’t believe in new year’s resolutions, but if I were to have one, it would be to overcome this gigantic monster called fear and write no matter what.
What about you? Is there something you’ve been wanting to do, but you’ve stopped yourself because of fear, insecurity or thinking others are better than you are? If so, please comment below or shoot me an email.
Posted in writing
Also tagged 2020, calling, Cycles, Fear, Fear of failure, New Decade, Overcoming Fear, Success, Victory, Writing
Leave a comment
Good Riddance 2017…
I don’t know about you, but this year was probably the most difficult one for me. I won’t get into the details, but suffice it to say, it was hard beyond words.
To be honest, I am a bit apprehensive about 2018.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
But, even though it was a tough year, there was still a lot to be thankful for. And three things come to mind: faith, family and friends.
Faith…
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:1-5)
I drew closer to God this year. I believe it was the hardship that brought me closer to Him. Which reminds me of this verse…
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” (Philippians 3:10)
Our faith grows not when everything goes right or our way, but through suffering. Pain, loss, suffering helps us grow and mature as Christians. Pain certainly doesn’t feel good, but sometimes it is necessary for us to see things clearly and change our perspective and priorities in life.
Family
“…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)
One of the things I am most grateful for is my family and that we are serving the Lord together. I am also grateful for my family in Christ, the few close sisters who have stood by me and prayed for me.
Friends
“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24 NLT)
“A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24 NASB)
I have been blessed to know many people in my life, and to call them friends. However, this year has taught me who my real friends are.
First and foremost, it is Jesus Christ. Second, my husband, who has had a million excuses to leave, but chose to stay. He is my example of strength, character, integrity and tenacity in the face of difficulties, obstacles and opposition. He is loyal, committed and a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
I realize that sometimes it takes falling and failing to distinguish truth from lies. To recognize who is actually for you, not just when the sun is shining, but when the sky is grey for days. The gift of being able to see beyond the smoke screens, fakes, phonies, and politically correct, the ones who only know how to smile in your face, and stab you in the back
I have had plenty of those kinds of friends. More than my fair share. But I thank God for all of them, my dear frenemies, because they taught me so much. So many valuable and priceless lessons. They have no idea how much they’ve served me.
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result…” (Genesis 50:20 NASB)
When you are told so many lies… they begin to sound like the truth. Until the facade evaporates, and the ugly truth remains.
I’d rather know the hard truth than believe a bunch of lies. Those saccharine laced words, so sweet at first, leaving a nasty aftertaste. I thank God for delivering me from the web of deception, and for the pain I’ve endured at the hands of people I’ve cared about and loved, because I am no longer enslaved to them. I am free. Thank you, Jesus.
“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 NASB)
This is my prayer for you:
“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:16-21)
Happy New Year!
Posted in blogging, christianity, faith
Also tagged 2017, 2018, faith, Family, Friends, Jesus Christ, Lies, Trust, Truth
Leave a comment
Ta-Ta 2016… Hello 2017!
2016… what can I say? You were like a bad marriage on steroids. Lots of downs, and not enough ups. But like any other commitment, we trudged along together through every obstacle with gritted teeth. But boy did you hit us with some doozies.
There were a lot of disappointments, shedding, and letting go of people, places, and things. Which is why, I’m not sorry to say, ta-ta, arrivederci, and good riddance!
Courtesy of Creative Commons
In 2016, I learned to surrender, obey, pray, and trust Jesus. He taught me how to stand in the midst of each relentless and incessant storm. As a result, my faith got stronger. My Comforter gave me the courage, and strength of a lioness to confront things without fear.
Through every wind and wave of adversity, He taught me not to cower or give up. I am determined to walk with Jesus every single day, every step of the way, with no turning back. Ever again.
This verse became real and personal to me,
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise up against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17)
When others turned against me, Jesus never did. He never left me nor forsook me. He showed me His faithfulness, and showered me with His unfailing love, grace and mercy. He truly is a good, good Father, which is why I will follow Him all the days of my life. No matter what. Even if I must walk it alone.
No, I didn’t like you very much, 2016, however, I would be remiss not to thank you for every lesson, test, trial, tribulation, storm and adversity you’ve sent my way. My circumstances may not have changed, but gratefully, I have.
Happy New Year!
Posted in blogging, christianity, faith
Also tagged 2016, 2017, Goodbye, Isaiah 54:17, Jesus Christ
2 Comments
Setting Goals
Happy New Year! I don’t know about you, but I was glad to kiss 2015 goodbye. 2015 was a difficult and challenging year for me. It wasn’t all bad, as there were a lot of good moments. I learned a great deal about myself.
Growth doesn’t always feel good though. It reminds me of growing pains we experience as a child; it hurts like hell. However, we have to embrace the pain to grow. If not, we will remain stagnant and complacent.
Pain tells us something is wrong, and needs to change. It pushes us to reevaluate ourselves, our decisions and lives. It also allows us the opportunity to recalibrate and set new goals.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
For me, it’s not about making new year’s resolutions. It’s more about setting goals and sticking to them. Right before the start of a new year, I sit back and do an overview of what I’ve accomplished and didn’t accomplish. I analyze the things that worked and didn’t work. I do a complete assessment, and then I begin to think about my goals for the new year.
What I’ve learned is a stumbling block for me is that I get distracted and lack focus. I also get tripped up on doing too many things at the same time, that I wind up not accomplishing a bloody thing! Does this sound familiar?
I have several goals for this year, and they are all run along the same line. But what I need to be able to achieve them is the proper focus, dedication, discipline, perseverance, and persistence. My natural stubbornness needs to kick in.
It really does come down to setting our minds on doing it, instead of talking about it. We have to set small, and realistic goals at first. If we set the bar too high, we won’t stick with it. If we set our goals in small increments, it won’t feel so overwhelming. The procrastination comes from being overwhelmed, it paralyzes us. This is why it is easier to do things in small increments and then build up momentum.
This is basically how I’m going to approach my goals for 2016. What about you? How are you planning to achieve and accomplish your specific goals for this year?
Posted in blogging
Also tagged 2016, Dedication, discipline, Focus, New Goals, Perseverance
Leave a comment
What Was This Year Like For You?
If I were to think of one word that described this year for me, it would be change.
This year was jam packed with changes, big and small. There were a lot of adjustments I had to make on account of all the changes too.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Change has never been an easy thing for me. So this year was a real challenge on multiple levels, but it stretched me and my faith.
During the summer months, I was filled with angst and anxiety. I hadn’t felt so nervous in a long time. It was affecting my sleep, my job and my life. It took everything in me to trust the Lord through a shaky and unstable time. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen and I confess, I was scared.
All I could do was talk to God and ask Him to help me. I am happy to report that He got me through the tough time and turned it around for good.
This year through all the influx of change, I managed to accomplish a lot. I couldn’t do it without the Lord and the support of the man He blessed me with.
There is a saying that behind every great man is a good woman, but I say this, that behind every happy wife is a great husband.
I can attest, I have the best husband in the world. It’s not to boast or brag, I’m just telling the truth and paying tribute.
I realize what I have been given is more than gifts under a tree. We mustn’t take for granted the blessings of those we love, a roof over our heads, food in our stomachs, and clothing on our backs.
The fact that we have Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He is the greatest gift of all.
I’m grateful for what I have. I give thanks unto God for being in my right mind, for good health, for my husband and children, family, friends, my job and colleagues.
I think about those who are in prison, those who are hungry, those who are sick, those who have lost family members, parents who have missing children, those who are homeless, the list goes on.
I can find a hundred things to complain about, but when I look around me, I give thanks for what the Lord has done in my life and the ability He gives me to accomplish so much.
So here is to a spectacular 2014. I pray 2014 is the best year yet, for all of us.
Happy New Year!
How was this year for you?
Follow
embodyart