It’s here again – New Years Eve. A time for sparkly outfits and midnight kisses.
…. what a f.r.e.a.k.i.n.g. dreaded holiday ….
Pessimistic, I KNOW. But it’s not my favorite. No sparkly outfit looks good on my petite curvalicious bod (tear), little plans can beat a night reading in my bed (tear) and no boys to give me that FAMOUS New Years Kiss (rolled eyes) – WOE. IS. ME. terrible life huh guys?
J/K. I am about to turn this pity party around because you know what I do LOVEEE about New Years eve – reflecting. Yep – *NERD MOMENT*, but haters-can-hate. As tradition goes (…2 years worth of tradition…), I whip out my old journals, look through my planner and smile at all of the pictures taken. Why? Because it yet another story of God’s faithfulness. It gives me chills thinking about it. Just as He gave us day and night because He needed us to know we can only handle so much in one day. He also gives us years – so we can look and see how all of those small days make up a larger picture – a picture of His faithfulness.
This year, God did some major work on this child {THANK YA JESUS!} He took brokenness and made it shine. He took anxiety and molded it into strength. He used insecurities to show He can use anything for His glory. He is always trustworthy and that is the main point He wants me to know.
Jesus’s teachings along with some good adventures and greater friends made 2014 more than A-OKAY! It made it worthy and incredible to remember. His faithful paintbrush danced all over my year and I am beyond grateful for His good and creative hand. So 2014, here’s to remembering the big and little strokes God painted across me –
THE BIG STROKES
1. The strength of God’s word.
Skimming through my journal, I noticed my relationship with the Lord has changed this year. Amazingly, it has grown deeper in the word. I know He wanted to show me I can find strength and answers when seeking Him in his word. I shouldn’t wait for faint whispers, signs and more. God gave us the Bible for a reason – to discover and know Him more. And that is what He led me to do. Some of my favorite passages from the year:
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. {Isaiah 49:16}
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things {Phillipians 4:8}
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. {Colossians 3:3}
For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you O Lord my God with all of my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me. {Psalm 86:10-13}
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. {Isaiah 43:1}
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. {2 Corinthians 3:17}
&
EVERY INCH of ROMANS 8 & PROVERBS 2
2. He will ALWAYS faithfully provide.
He is the provider of ALL things. The beginning of this year, I was walking anxiety. Yet at the end of the year, He has removed it from my soul. This year, I had no idea about jobs and if I could provide for myself financially – he provided. I was uncertain of living situations – he provided. I was lonely and felt undesired – he provided. It seemed I lost community – he provided. Constantly, no matter how broken or anxious I was, he showed me – “Seek first my kingdom and my righteousness and all things will be given unto you.” {Matt 6:33} and boy is that true! He blessed me with part-time work for Pure Charity – relieving my financial burden, giving me work community and taking me back to where my passion for the world began. He blessed me with roommates and a house that is warm and inviting to any friend. He blessed me with dates so I could know of His love and desire for me through others. He blessed me with new and old encouragers, a new church, and community dinners. He allowed me to lead a bible study of 4 girls who are incredible women and friends- leaving me humbled that I would be granted such a position. He provided. He will always faithfully provide.
3. Big and Small Adventures
New York Fashion Week. Horse Races. Sharptop Cove YL Camp. Charleston. OKC. Nashville. Dallas. Weddings Galore. Helena. Michigan. Dave Matthews, 1D and Live on the Greens Concerts. Buffalo River. Costa Rica. Nashville. Razorback Football. Little Rock. Ozark Mountains. Tour da Delta. Duck Gumbo. Telluride. Big and Small Adventures – he took me there. I am sure even those who slightly know me know that I have a BIG desire for adventure. I like to think that God placed that in my heart and feet for a reason (Don’t worry mom and dad, I am still careful with my money)! But again, God gave me the time and finances to see some pretty amazing things. Thank you Jesus for the gift of travel!
THE SMALL, BUT REALLY, STILL BIG STROKES
- One of my best friends had their first baby and he is the most precious thing in the world #deacbef #ILikeBabiesNow.
- Claire and Lizzie (with the assistance of Phoenix, Cassie, Becca & Courtnie) made my 23rd birthday one to remember!
- I rode roller-coasters with Whip, the roller-coaster master. Always a dream!
- I celebrated beautiful marriages and engagements of cousins and friends.
- I joined a book club! Reading awesome books and made new friends in the process.
- I went skiing with my family and didn’t tear an ACL in the process. Go Hannah!
2014, I love you and you rule.
xx
Han
Vigor & The Vine 