Every year, instead of
focusing on a long list of unmanageable resolutions, I pick a catchphrase to
focus my prayers, study, growth and mindset.
2012 was the year of
Redefined Beauty.
2013 was the year of Freedom.
2014 was the year of Peace
and Purpose.
2015 will be the idea of Not
my Own.
2014 was a year that truly challenged
the idea of peace. I entered the year on a rocky start professionally, knowing
that I would be changing careers but with no idea to what. Soon, I began
feeling led to apply as a house parent in residential facilities for struggling
teens to quickly receive a job offer in Missouri. Plans halted when I received
a sudden and unplanned position with Youth for Christ still in Whitley County. [you can catch any of these ideas more in depth
in the “life happenings” tab]
Aside from professionally,
2014 was a year of morphed relationships and much anxiety. Anxiety being the
biggest opponent when trying to remain focused on peace. Through each of the
changes, I clung to my routine, my independence and my faith. I began learning
what it is like to have peace in Christ even though every aspect of life is out
of control. I learned how to be in a constant state of prayer. I knew what
would bring greatest anxiety and would cling to verses in those moments. My
year was driven by the common Psalm “She is
clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.” That woman is who I
desperately desired to be throughout 2014 and despite hiccups, I grew steadily
in peace.
This year, I set out to
continually grow in peace while fighting my fierce desire for independence, for
being able to live in my controlled world and do as I want. I’ve never been one
to ask for help-from God or friends…I’d rather do it how I want so I know it
gets done. I’m not a feminist by any means, but take pride in being able to do
things on my own- change a tire, balance a checkbook, pay the bills, make the
money, cook [only when
necessary] and
get myself wherever I need to be. I am Miss Independent.
My phrase this year is “Not
my own” pointing more to God than anyone, but leaving room to ask those around
me for help too. I desire to not operate on my strength, my intelligence, my
schedule…to not speak or write my words but His. I’m jumping into scripture on
a daily basis and pouring myself into the ways I know He brings me strength. I’ve
exercised my freedom and peace through independence and Christ, but this year
will bring balance to the idea of being Free yet Clinging to Christ for every
desire and action.
2015 is Not my Own.
