Before the year closes and a new one begins, I like to sift through my Val Marie Paper Prayer Journal and Powersheets to help me reflect on the Lord’s faithfulness throughout the year. Here’s a list of answered prayers, accomplished goals, favorite moments and just all around good things God did in 2019!
1. READ THE BIBLE IN A YEAR: This was my #1 goal for the year and I still can’t believe I did it. I’m a few weeks behind, but am still on track to finish in mid January. I’d done several Bible studies over the years and have gone through seasons where I’m spending time in God’s Word every day, but I’d never actually read the whole Bible from start to finish. I want to know God’s heart more and be able to discern His voice more clearly and I know that comes from spending time in His Word every day. It was life-changing to say the least and I can’t imagine going another day where I’m not accepting the incredible invitation of reading His Word. I will do a post soon sharing my favorite Bible tools and resources I used to help me accomplish this goal.
2. CELEBRATED LIVELY’S 1st BIRTHDAY: After struggling with infertility, it still feels surreal that we have a daughter and that includes celebrating major milestones like her first birthday. January 24 was one of the most joy-filled days of the whole year. You can see all the details from her flower themed party here and read my 1st birthday letter to Lively here.
3. EXPERIENCED GRACE FROM THE GARDEN: It was a bright spot and source of joy all season which you can read about here. I’m already dreaming of my 2020 garden which will (hopefully) yield some of my favorite flowers that may or may not love our intense Florida heat, i.e., peonies, dahlias, poppies. Stay tuned!
4. STARTED EXERCISING CONSISTENTLY: Since Lively’s been born, I’ve struggled to find a fitness routine that I enjoy enough to stay consistent with and I am extra grateful the Lord led me to The Glo this summer. Not only is it the cutest fitness studio, but I have fallen in love with their bounce classes. Seriously the most fun way to exercise! I’ve been going early Tues/Thurs mornings and am hoping to find more time in my schedule next year to attend more.
5. FOUND A NEW CHURCH HOME: We started regularly attending City Church and it’s changed our lives in the best way. Todd and I are being challenged and growing in our faith, the kid’s church has blown us away (Lively never wants to leave), and the community at City Church is unlike anywhere else we have experienced. So thankful God led us to this amazing Christ-centered church that teaches His Word, His love and His gift of salvation.
6. GOT TO KNOW MY ACTUAL NEIGHBORS: As a Christian, I know I’m called to love my neighbor and I’m embarrassed to say that after living in our neighborhood for almost 3 years, I only knew like 2 of my neighbors (and 1 of them was already a friend before we moved into our house). I work from home and am pretty introverted, so it’s is easy for me to stay in my house and keep to myself. But I sensed a prompting from the Holy Spirit this year to be more intentional about getting out of the house and spending time with my neighbors. Little by little, I started loving on them through simple acts of kindness, like taking them flowers from the garden or letting them know I was praying for them as they walked through a tough season, and it’s been a beautiful year of growth and new-found community with the people who live closest to us.
7. RECORDED A PODCAST: I love listening to podcasts and never imagined I’d be interviewed on one. It’s scary to be vulnerable, but I can’t help but share what God has done in my life. Thankful to my sweet friend, Wren, for allowing me to share my story with her listeners. You can listen here.
8. CELEBRATED MOM’S 60th in NYC: For as long as I can remember, my mom and I have talked and dreamed about going to NYC together to see the Rockette’s. So for her 60th birthday (Sept 27) I surprised her with a hotel reservation, flight confirmation and show tickets to see The Rockette’s at Radio City Music Hall in December. It was her first time visiting NYC and my first time in more than 15 years. We made some of the most precious memories that we will both cherish forever. I will be blogging our Mother/Daughter weekend in NYC soon!
9. GOT A BUNCH OF NEW SISTERS: In September I traveled to Northern Idaho to spend 5 days with a group of women I’d never met…. and it turned out to be one of the best Jesus-led adventures ever! The Open Door Sisterhood Retreat refreshed my spirit in more ways than I can put into words. Praising God for the gift of these new friendships and shared joy for making Him known.
10. STARTED WORKING WITH RED FLY STUDIO: After blogging consistently for two years, I was able to start working with my sweet friend, Cristina (Red Fly Studio) to photograph much of the blog’s content. This was a dream I had when I started the blog and I’m still pinching myself every time we shoot. Cristina and I have an absolute blast together and it’s such a gift to have so many of her beautiful photos that are treasures to me.
This year wasn’t without it’s struggles and heartbreak of course… this summer we said goodbye to my father-in-law after his courageous 12 1/2 year battle with colon cancer. My heart is still sad as I miss him every day, but I’m thankful for the hope of heaven and the promise of glorious reunions.
What were some of your “good things” from 2019? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
A few prayers that have been answered:
1) after a significant health scare and major lung surgery in 2018, 2019 brought wellness and a consistent approach to living, including how I eat and exercise. Best part, I was able to learn from others, but found a path that worked best for me.
2) After many years not entirely connected to my faith, I have started to reconnect. I’m grateful to my family, friends, colleagues and positive forces within social media whose beliefs vary, but whose conviction and steadfast love and trust in the Lord inspires me to keep moving forward in deepening my relationship with God.
3) better balance between work and family.
4) Angels, helping me through my journey, I’m grateful for and to all of them.
Happy New Year, Mycah! Continued happiness to you and yours. Thank you for your kindness.