I feel like I have to start this post with a recap of my 2017 year, according to my 2017 word: VICTORY. I prayed hard over this word at the beginning of the year, and I really felt like God was telling me that He would give me victory in my health, finances, and marriage. So let me just tell you how He showed up and showed off, in true Godly fashion.
For any of you that know me, you know I have been let's just say "chubby", because it sounds cuter than overweight, for quite some time now. I remember my first pregnancy weighing in at a whopping 200lbs the day I delivered!!! I would love to say that was all baby, but that would just be lying. I ballooned up and down for a few years, popped out a couple more baby boys and started last year in January around 170lbs. A few of those pounds may have still been from my sweetest little October baby, Connor, but that's to be debated. The point is, I worked my butt off, joined an amazing HIIT gym, watched my diet, and ended the year at 153lbs. I probably could have done even better but I took the last couple months of the year off and enjoyed the holidays. Even God took a rest after the work was good y'all, right? I've still got a ways to go but either way, I would say in my health? VICTORY!
Next up, my finances. While I would love to spout off that I am "debt-free", "paid off my house" and am "giving to the needy", that again would just be lying. However, we have made some significant strides. We are no longer depending on credit cards, not having to borrow from family, and are so close to our full tithe. I will chalk this one up as a VICTORY.
As for my marriage, yikes! If you put it out there in the universe that God is doing something good, let me tell you, Satan will try and take it from you. And he is crafty! It's very easy to put your children first in your life, but when you have a spouse, they should always come before your children. You are the example for them of what a marriage and family unit looks like. Brian and I spent too much time doting on the kids, and the rest of the time trying to just relax, and unfortunately no time talking and loving on each other. The good news is, we discovered it, we turned it around, we got our butts back in church and I'm so excited that we will be going on our first mission trip together in March! Our marriage is not and will never be perfect, but we came out this year stronger than we started. So what's the word for that? Yep, VICTORY!
And just because God is the God of immeasurably more, He also led me into a deeper relationship with Him and the Holy Spirit than I could have ever imagined. I have heard Him speak and it is the most tangible thing I received in 2017. It's my greatest VICTORY on the list!
So what's in store for my 2018? Well the word I've heard from the man Himself is PURPOSE. These next 12 months will be spent in study, reading God's word, and writing from my heart. I know God is calling me to write a book, I just don't know what that looks like yet. Time will reveal, this I know for sure.
What is your word for the year? Spend some time asking God what His plans for your year are. Ask for a word or verse to stand on. If I have learned one thing from last year, is that he is oh so faithful. Even when we think, Especially when we think He's not listening, for when we are weak, He is strong.
"The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out." - Proverbs 20:5
"The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out." - Proverbs 20:5
