2017 has been quite a year---and boy, did I learn a lot from it! I can honestly say that this was the year for reflection and that it has helped me gain a stronger faith and relationship with God. I don't want to get into the full details of some of the things that I've dealt with this year, but I will say that those issues had left me with feelings of hopelessness and anxiety about the future. Keeping it pretty blunt right there! I do believe things happen for a reason, both the good and the bad. And what usually seems like a pretty hopeless season, God is just giving me a reason to hold on to my faith with Him because He has something so much better planned! Towards the end of the year, there were some tough times that I was going through. He knew that I wasn't happy where I was at, and He also knew I wouldn't do anything about it. So, He made a crystal clear decision that pretty much forced me out of an unhappy situation. I should have been grateful about that, right? Unfortunately, I'm human and that's not how I felt. It was actually hard on me and left me feeling pretty hurt and vulnerable; but it's moments like this that makes me hold on even tighter to my faith! And at Christmas Eve service, I heard the most real and truthful sermon that hit my heart hard based on what I was going through. A part of me felt like I was at a dead end, but was reminded that night that dead ends are new beginnings in Christ! Our pastor also preached about giving the benefit of the doubt. That even though we have doubts about the path God has for us, we must trust in Him to overcome that doubt and to turn our dead end into our destiny. {watch sermon here}
So starting my New Year, I'm keeping what was preached close to my heart, and continuing my strength in Christ. I hope that He can use me in this new year and to help me overcome my doubts so that I can see His plan for me!
I do want to let you know that 2017 wasn't a bad year. There may have been tough times, but there were also plenty of good moments that happened too. It even produced some amazing memories that I will forever be thankful to remember! Like that day we took Ryleigh ice skating for the first time, or remembering all the fun we had at Disney World with our FL friends --- oooh, or trying glamping and getting to spend some time swimming with the dolphins! How about, that also towards the end of the year, we were able to move into our new home right before Christmas!? Such a blessing during a hard point in time!
As for blogging resolutions? Being more consistent and stepping out of my comfort zone. And to do that, I'll try to be more present on Instastories, creating video content, and asking ya'll what you'd like to see more on the blog! I want to be able to be more comfortable sharing more personal posts as well and to be as authentic as I can!
Below is a simple recap of my year in 2017, enjoy!
Hope you have a wonderful NYE and a Happy New Year!