The other day I looked up my first post of the *decade* on Facebook. It was a Sunday where I had four two year old boys in the nursery and decided to finger paint with them. I loved it. ♥️
Fast forward 10 years to my last post of the decade and it’s a picture of me and a new friend who will probably be roommates in Africa.
This decade has brought so many changes. I’ve battled writing my first blog post/update/new year post for quite some time. But reflection and looking ahead seems appropriate.
10 years ago I was 22, going to nursing school and in an awful relationship. A totally different person than I am now. Since then I’ve ended that relationship, gone to and graduated from nursing school, worked a consistent job, graduated from (three times) bible school, become a credentialed minister, been to Kenya twice, Dominican Republic once, and most recently approved as a missionary associate to the country of Togo in Africa.
God is good and I choose to follow His plan for my life.
2020 will be an incredible year, it will pull me out of my comfort zone, away from friends and family, to a new continent, it will come with challenges that I’ve never faced before but through it all I know that God is with me.
“God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.”
Psalms 46:5 NKJV
For many years now I’ve asked the Lord for a scripture or a word for the coming year. This year I’ve waited and waited. A few times I’ve felt this word(s) and honestly I’ve kind of ignored them. I did NOT want this to be my word or focus for the year. A few days ago it was like the Lord gave me a glimpse into the insight of how this focus would help me in the year(s) to come. I know this is right and I know what I need to do. It’s just… not comfortable.
Be still.
I’ve not been diligent about rest, stillness, or sabbath. I know, that’s not good. I like to go, go, go, do, help, work, serve, be working on a project, or helping with kids (somewhere… anywhere!). But I know that this new season I’m transitioning into will present challenges and will require a closeness and dependency on he Lord like never before. I want to get quiet, get still, get alone with Him as often as I can. I want to learn, be led, change, grow, be molded into who He is calling me to be. It won’t be comfortable but neither was the cross.
I choose Him.
2020, I’m not ready, I’m nervous, but I’m walking with my eyes set on Jesus.
He is in my midst. I will not be moved. He will help me.
Thank you for sharing your fears and your faith as we step into the new year! He will bless your “yes” to His plan!
Sometimes God asks us to be still because there is so much going on in our lives that we can miss His voice and His leading. I am glad that you have decided to take time and be still, in the quiet you will find the direction, the love, the protection, the strength, the patience and everything else that you are going to need for this new adventure in your life.
I wish you the best, the best is yet to come for you in this decade!
Thank you so much, Carolina! God is good! 🙂
Psalm 130:5-7 The Passion Translation (TPT)
5 This is why I wait upon you, expecting your breakthrough,
for your word brings me hope.
6 I long for you more than any watchman
would long for the morning light.
I will watch and wait for you, O God,
throughout the night.
7 O Israel, keep hoping, keep trusting,
and keep waiting on the Lord,
for he is tenderhearted, kind, and forgiving.
He has a thousand ways to set you free!