Last year, I chose the word “Persevere” and selected 3 areas I wanted to persevere in: Prayer, Fitness & Home Management. Well, I totally bombed on all 3 fronts… but I did persevere through a lot of other trials that came my way. A new job and additional ministry responsibilities left me disoriented at times. But God gave me the strength to persevere, and the grace to end 2013 on a good note.

If I had to describe 2013 in one word, it would be “Full“! It’s no wonder that when it was time to brainstorm a word for the new year, words that appealed to me were: simple, slow, unhurried… you get the drift :).

And then I came across a blog post written about how a simple life may not be exactly be what God has in mind for us. It was written in the context of Christmas, but of course, the same principle applied to life in general.

Quoting Courtney of Women Living Well:

Is your calendar full from striving, serving or sacrifice? If it’s from striving – stop… But if it’s from serving and sacrifice – may God bless you.

One look at my work plans and our church calendar confirmed what I was already afraid of… 2014 was going to be another full year. But it would be full of serving and sacrifice – and that’s what God has called me to this year.

So, I then began a quest for a new word for the new year. One morning earlier this month, as I was completing my Good Morning Girls Advent Bible Study, {I was only about 10 days late! 🙂 } this verse stood out from my journal:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

…and I just knew it! I might face some mighty storms this year – a hectic schedule, numerous events, tight deadlines… but God has promised me one thing: His Peace.

And I cling on to His word, as a lifeline to take me through a year that I hope is not as tumultuous as the last. For He has promised:

“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed;
but my kindness shall not depart from thee,
neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed,
saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.”
(Isaiah 54:10, Emphasis mine)

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I know, I know! This post is a week overdue… but I just had to share it sometime! 🙂

The last week of December 2013 was a good one. I had the week off work, and we were spending it away from home. It was a week filled with loud music, Christmas lights, an abundance of food, wedding festivities, meeting extended family, long journeys, the passing of a loved one…

We were back home on 31st morning so we could ring in the new year with our church family. I was so glad that the first words out of my mouth this year were praises to the Lord!

So, anyway… I spent a lot of time in God’s presence during the last week of December. Journal in hand, I spent my mornings talking to God and listening to Him while the rest of the family slept in. {Precious moments!}

I started writing down everything I was thankful to God for in the year 2013. It was a blissful time of looking back and being grateful for things such as:

1. Our family’s health
2. My husband’s ministry
3. My ministry
4. The kids’ education
5. My work at Clothed In Scarlet
6. Our finances
7. Books I’ve read
8. The strength to persevere
9. Fellowship with friends
10. Six years of being a wife and mother

… and a whole lot more I didn’t jot down. Sure there were tons of things that didn’t work out as I’d planned last year. Not everything was good, but I’m so glad our God has promised to work everything out for good!

As I sat recounting my blessings, I realized that it was my perspective that mattered. I could choose to be thankful for the good and the bad – and the bad might work out for good anyway!

I do not know how 2013 was for you. It might have been a great year… but perhaps it could have been better. No matter what you went through last year, it’s time to start afresh now… but not without the hope you have in Jesus.

It might be a smooth road ahead, it might be a rocky one… but be encouraged that God is with you. He has walked with you into 2014, and He will lead you right through it. Walk on in faith!

I pray 2014 is your best year yet!

Have a blessed year!

Let’s seek Christ, not just this season, but every day of our lives. If you need a bit of musical inspiration, I encourage you to listen to the song, How Many Kings?

Here’s wishing you a blessed Christmas as you remember the love, joy, peace and hope you have in Christ!

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