Chapter 28

As I welcome in another year of life, I wanted to share a few truths that I am walking into this year with!

Faith - I desperately need God now more than ever, and I’m pretty sure that’s been the most consistent realization of my life every year. I recently realized how I was spending so much time rushing through some aspects of life, with a handy dandy first aid kit, making quick fixes to deep wounds, and patching it with bandaids that didn’t even scratch the surface. So I’ve spent more time during quarantine rediscovering my God intended and ordained identity in His word more than anything else. Knowing how much I desire and need the love of God, anchors me, and that will never change! 

Self- Care- When I peel off every layer of roles that I fulfill, there is me...  As I grow more, I’m learning how essential it is to make sure my cup is full before I pour into anything or anyone else. During chapter 27, God allowed me to pour out every last drop, until it physically broke me. As someone who has such a big heart for people, I’ve realized the most neglected person in my life has become me... chapter 27 magnified that in such a significant way. As I enter 28 my focus is me. How selfish right? Wrong! How healthy! How wise! How thoughtful! How necessary! This year, I'm first!

Fun - This year and every year, Im making it a point, within my power to consciously pursue and embrace moments that bring joy! Here's one way this has shown up for me :)

Family- My definition of family changes every year, and still, they are the most essential part of my life. How I have chosen to identify my family has always been very fluid. Truly blood isn't always the defining piece to that puzzle. Within the past year, my family has shown up for me in ways too immense to explain. Being in a completely different state away from family, I still didn’t feel too far away from “home”.  And during some of my darkest days, I’ve never had to walk alone. For that, I am extremely grateful! Thank you all!

My best posture is surrender- When my will stops aligning with God's will, something has to go. While I was certain I was living by God and for God, there were still so many things God needed to show me. Starting with surrender. In December of 2019, after experiencing a significant series of seizures that would continue into the following months, surrender became my only choice. I was unable to drive, work, complete normal daily tasks, and these facts began to impact many other aspects of my life. The painful truth was, I needed rest, and I'm not just talking about sleep, I'm talking about embracing unavoidable peace and rest in the presence of God. The truth was, I became too busy with life, placing bandaids labeled "I'm okay" on areas that needed my attention, until God had to force me into a place to accept that I wasn't completely okay, nor did/do I always need to be okay. When I surrender, and lift up my arms, as a child reaches up to their Father, it means I am releasing every expectation, every weight, every failure, every iniquity, and every plan I have, and receiving the fullness and abundance of all that I need, found in the Author and Finisher of all that I am.

As I move forward, I am intentional about standing in humility, and seeking God whole-heartedly every day to align my heart with His, my will with His, and my hearing to His truth, and to not only know His desire for my life, but to actually live in that! I am determined to grow where I am planted.

My hopes for the future 

Travel — Far and wide! To discover more of the world I live in, and to hopefully share that love for exploration with the generations that will come after me. 

Teach again— I miss the classroom. I miss the kids! I miss waking up everyday and living and breathing my passion and my purpose! I miss being a part of the small percent of adults in the building that actually look like the kids we serve! I miss seeing my small strides, make big impacts! If teaching again is in God's will for my life, I will truly align myself to that.

Ministry — I desire to share the love of God by living my truth! I desire to see more lives radically changed this year! I pray my life will be a continued reminder of how God takes broken things and makes them beautiful!

Becoming a published author!!!— I’ve put my blood, sweat, tears, lessons, and victories into a work of art that God has written through me. I am looking forward to sharing it with you!!! Stay tuned! 

There are so many things these days we just don’t know. As I celebrate another year of life, I want to encourage you to start grasping and celebrating the truths you are currently walking in. Among the things that aren't good, what is God still working for your good? What blessings are you viewing as burdens? Use the time God is giving you in this season, to celebrate your truth.

Please share with me your favorite memories of us!

I love you, and thank you for being a part of my journey! 

Lia