*2013*

Seems I haven't posted in a while. Surprise, surprise!! Life has been incredibly busy but, to say the least, I am blessed. Blessed to have an awesome new job working with at risk families. Blessed to have been a Kairos leader. Blessed to have an amazing man in my life who never ceases to amaze me. Blessed my awesome friends who love me unconditionally.

But today it seems is January 1, 2013. Another year has come and gone. And it seems today is the perfect day to reflect on the last year. As always, it amazing to see how God's plans are better than mine and His time is perfect. As I think about who I was on January 1, 2012, I can only hope that today I am better, I am stronger, I am wiser. I gave a little challenge to 2012 last year. I said "Bring it" and it sure did.

•  I ran (5) 5K races, some fun, some hard, some with obstacles, but all of them I ran my little heart out! 
• I was able to buy my goal pants size in October (size 6!! what!!) and I am dancing around my goal weight (cursed holiday treats and being on the go eating fast food). 
• I left my job at HAVEN for another social work job with more flexible hours and a different challenge and an opportunity to grow more in my field. 
• I moved in with 2 of my favorite Lighthouse women and it has been a blessing to live and grow with them, even if we don't always agree on the thermostat temperature. 
• I started dating a man who tells me all the time how much he adores me, loves Jesus just as much as I do, loves running, and isn't afraid to say it like it is. He encourages me, prays for me, is wise and empathetic, and loves my crazy friends too! :)
• Got an iPhone (which included my own cell phone plan, ouch...) and car insurance ($$ ouch) but I feel a little more grown up and independent all the time, even if it was my parents literally forcing me into these things. 
• I've gotten even more involved in my church and Lighthouse and loving every second of that. Woodside Bible Church and its leaders are amazing and it's so evident how strongly they are led by the Spirit. I feel so blessed to be part of that body of Christ!
• Got into my first car accident (NOT MY FAULT!) but I survived, Toby the Turtle (my affectionately named car) survived, and I got it all taken care of. Scary and frustrating but I know it was a sign from God telling me to slow down and rest. 
• Got to ring in the New Year with my boyfriend, one of my new BFFs and her boyfriend, all of whom I met in 2012. 

I know I'm missing things but these are the events and people that stand out in my mind.  As we roll into 2013, I remind myself, and you, that no matter what happened yesterday or during 2012, that God is still on His throne. He is constantly reigning and we will never, ever leave His sight.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31

 And another promise from my favorite book of the Bible to start your new year:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (emphasis mine)