2014!!!

Well guys….we made it!  2014 is here, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to have a fresh start, to turn the page, and start anew.

2012 and 2013 were valley years.  I learned a lot, enjoyed kicked and screamed through months of pruning, and prayed several prayers that I felt never made it past my ceiling fan.  But around September 2012, God laid a word on my heart, wrote it on anything that would stay still long enough for the ink to dry , and even had a dream about it over Thanksgiving…..RESTORATION!!!  Isn't that an awesome word!

While I haven't seen much restoration yet, I am faithful.  My faith is strong.  I know what it's like to pray and worry, and I choose to never venture that way again.  As I said goodbye to 2013, and hello to 2014 last night at church, Pastor J spoke on REBUILDING from the book of Nehemiah, which is where our first sermon series will come from.  What joy my little heart felt to know that what was on my heart was also on God's.  (As if He didn't give me the word to begin with).

I have spent so many years trying to juggle what I know God was calling me to do, and pleasing others, wondering if they approved of my actions.  But it doesn't matter to me anymore.  The only thing that matters to me is that I have a heart and life that pleases God.  That my steps are ordered by Him.  That souls come to know Him because I was obedient, and not playing it safe.  Even as I type these words, I know that there will be some things that happen, and people will judge me; sadly those that are the closest to me, but I have trusted that the Lord will perfect that which concerns me, and that is more than enough for me.

Jesus is real folks.  His love for us is real, and His commission for us is of great importance.

I love quiet times, and I love a good bible study to accompany my quiet times.  It's no secret that James is my favorite book in the Bible, and Beth Moore has a study on James!  So, guess what I'm starting 2014 off with…..yep!  JAMES!!!!  So excited!  Oh, and not to mention that it was time for a new journal….fresh starts all the way around!  I love it!!!  I have a little nook in my bedroom that I have made special just for my quiet times…I'm so proud of it.  I'll post more pictures when it's just right!  I can't wait to plaster the walls with scriptures….yes yes YES!!!

I posted in Instagram last night a little short video of highlights of 2013.  I cannot WAIT to see what 2014 holds for me.  I know that it will be exceedingly, abundantly, more than I can ask or think, and that makes me SO HAPPY!!!

Happy New Year Friends!  May His perfect will be completed in all of us this year!

2009 - A Look Back!

WOW!!! 2010! Can you believe it?! I'm so excited about this year. I have such a great expectation for what God can do in my life over the next 12 months! 2009 was a rough year for my family, and we are definitely looking forward to what the next 12months hold.

Kelly, over at Kelly's Korner did this Annual Review on her blog, and I loved it so much, that I wanted to do the same. So without further ado, my year in review~!

FIVE THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR IN 2009:

1. My parents and My family! They mean the world to me. I love that I can be 100% myself, and not feel inadequate, or silly! I can't think of a better night than hanging out with my family...such good times.

2. My friends! I laugh more, eat more, exerrcise more (thank goodness), experience more, know more, understand more, and just have more because of the wonderful people I call my friends. I look at my friendships as an extension of my family...and that is such a blessing to me. I truly have some special people in my life. I was thinking tonight how blessed my life is. I am SO blessed...really I am!

3. My job! Yes, I know we're in a recession, and all of that, but I take my job seriously. Everyday, I get to mold 167 lives. I get to show them grace, correction, love, and morals...and of course..English..ha! My job is HARD, but SO rewarding. My kids can really be so sweet, and I really do love them...but it gets downright dirty sometimes...HA!

4. My relationship with JESUS! I truly don't know where I would be without Him. He is my everything. I live my life to please Him, and to bring honor to Him...and I fall short everyday, but He loves me just the same.

5. I'm thankful that I've lost almost ALL of the weight I set out to lose. I've worked so hard, and I feel so much more confident about myself. It was hard to believe that I weighed what I did, but I've got such a great support system! I hate going to the gym, but there really is no way to lose weight, and keep it off without some type of exercise. I also didn't realize the amount of self-confidence I lost. I don't ever want to lose that again!

FIVE THINGS I WANT TO IMPROVE IN 2010:

1. I want to stop hitting the snooze button every morning. It's sad, but I hit that button for at least 20 minutes! I want to use that time in prayer and quiet time with God so that I can start my day off right.

2. I want to be a better daughter, friend, teacher, sister, and family member.

3. I want to continue to be healthy, and continue going to the gym! I also want to blog more! It helps me with my opennes...lol!

4. I want to improve my finances/savings/retirement...etc! Adult topics I know, but I'll be 30 this year! I also want to give more than the 10% for my tithes! Just something that is on my heart!

5. I want to improve who I am on the inside. I want to exhibit God's love, grace, and kindness towards others. I want to be that light in this dark world!

FIVE WAYS I WANT TO GIVE TO/HELP OTHERS THIS YEAR:

1. I want to deepen my relationships with the youth at my church.

2. I want to go to Africa on a mission trip this year.

3. I want to continue the work I do in the community through the Junior League.

4. I want to give more to those in need...no matter what the need is.

5. I want to be a great role model for my cheerleaders! Love those girls!

I spent NYE in church with my Mom, which is how I like to bring in my New Year's! After service, I went to Taviea's Dad house! We had a blast playing games, and catching up! Here are a few pics!









And just for kicks, Facebook allows you to create a Year in pics! Here is mine:



I'm so looking forward to spending the next year with you! Happy New Year!

Hail and Farewell!

I know I haven't posted about Christmas, and here it is New Year's Eve, but can I just tell you how excited I am that 2009 is coming to a close! It was a rough year for me. I can honestly say that I lost more, cried more, received more, and laughed more than in any other year!

I'm ready to see what 2010 has to offer! Now, if I could just figure out something to wear tongiht! Definitely something to go with these:



This was one of my Christmas gifts...stay tuned to see what I actually make it out of the door in!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!