Questions to ponder as we bid farewell to 2014

Are you who you were a year ago?

Take a moment and let that sink in.

Ask anyone that question and I'm sure you'll get lots of different answers.

But, I'm pretty sure if you dig deep enough you'll find that you just aren't the same.


Looking back over 2014 start to (almost) finish, I have to admit how I feel (because thanks to a kindred friend, I learned it's ok to feel your feelings).


WHEW! Just WHEW you all!

I feel like I came, I saw, I conquered but also, my armor is in need of a good buff and polish!  You see, it's pretty banged up and lackluster.

This year has been a battle at times, to say the least.

The things I battled a year ago, some lay smoldering on the battlefield completely defeated and for that I am giving a big victorious shout of praise!

The other things, well... some have run for cover and pop up every now and then to remind me they haven't been defeated just yet, these dragons.

What have I learned about myself in this past year?

Oh gosh... so incredibly much!

I've learned that you should always walk in faith and not by sight. Even when it's really hard to see what's around the corner or behind the door.  I've heard His voice in the quiet tell me "ask, seek, and knock."

Life.

I've really learned how truly fleeting it is. I've learned that beautiful smiles aren't always legit.  I underestimated the love of a true friend.  I honestly didn't realize how much that she loved and valued our friendship until she was gone.

I've never been more determined to not take anything, especially friends and family,  for granted.

I learned that the anxiety and panic attacks I had been plagued with were ultimately caused by stuffing my emotions.  Eventually,  30 plus years of stuffing had to escape somehow.  I've since found my peace in leaning on Jesus, standing firm in his promises, and a little help from modern medicine.  The things that burst forth like a tube of biscuits,  I've been forgiving and allowing myself to feel grief over those that I've lost.

This new year. I don’t want to have a list of resolutions that I'll surely break. Because what's the fun of missing out on my love language, chocolate!
I do plan on getting healthy. Moving more and eating less unhealthy comfort foods .

Most of all, I want to live intentionally.  I want to be grateful for each and every day I'm given and each person that crosses my path. I want to encourage others not to give up. Let them know they are worthy of this life. I want to live my life with a mantra my  friend Cheri used to say:

"Always leave it a little better than you found it"

Wishing a happy, healthy, New Year to you all. Cheers!

Philippians 3:13-14NIV

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heaven ward in Christ Jesus.

photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nikopol_to/5313012607/">Nikopol_TO</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a>