A little late resolution for 2015

***This blog post was started in January and thought I would complete it now. It is sort of a new beginning...a new school year is upon me so felt it was appropriate to post!***

Reflecting on my journey in 2014 is propelling me forward with anticpation to the adventures, both burdensome and gratifying, that await in 2015. 

One of my biggest lessons from 2014 occurred during one of the most difficult health challenges my family had to walk through.

I realized, only by the grace of God, I am one strong woman who was able to cope with everyday life while enduring one of the darkest seasons of my life thus far. By strong I don't mean pretending all is okay and putting on a brave face. I felt safe to express my feelings and deep emotions with those closest to me. I cried from the darkest part of my soul many a night. I wondered why God was not hearing our prayers. But even in those doubts, I continued to hold on, barely, to my rock and fortress. My God.

I did see God's hand. Now on the other side God was listening and in His timing gave us the miracle we prayed for our loved one.  Able to breathe now more deeply, I am a stronger woman from this crazy year.  I feel more confident heading into 2015 embracing what may come and not holding any regrets.  I will continue to develp the beautiful old and new friendships in my life. My community of friends are amazing!

I also boldly took a step of faith and changed churches and denominations and have no regrets. As difficult as the decision was, it was a God thing . Beautiful community, beautiful denomination.Not perfect I am sure but exactly where I need to be during this season of my life.

One of my twitter friends from  the UK comes up with anchor words/ hopes and a verse for  the new year. I thought it was a great idea so I adopted this practice.  Here are my anchor words for 2015...

peace...
hope...
sing...
pray...
love deeply...
do not care what people think...

The verse that God laid on my heart for 2015 is...

Romans 8: 35, 37-39

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the furture, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

____________________________________

Interestingly, a few weeks after I wrote this post, my loved one faced yet again health challenges that tested our faith and strength. I clung to those anchor words.

I have had a bit of a reprive over the last few months and even enjoyed an incredible holiday to London England in March. I needed this travel adventure and once again loved exploring on my own. I love meeting people and exploring historical sights. I felt peace and a renewed sense of hope. I was even able to meet in person a beautiful human with whom I met blogging! He introduced me to the most amazing coffee shop in all of London!

I am now finishing up a wonderful summer and embarking on a new school year.  I hope to blog more and use this outlet to express myself. It is my prayer to stay out of the water cooler gossip ,not care what people think, and love my students deeply doing my job to the best of my ability.! Praying my loved ones stay healthy! It was a stressful year...wow. But God gave me the strength to make it through. Here's to new resolutions, a few months late. Better late than never!