2015. For me this year feels so different from the past already. I feel no frills. I feel stripped of all of the sparkly, glittering words and all kinds of rough around the edges. I try to live life authentically always but this year I want to be even more intentional about it, including being more authentic with God. For instance I have many journals that I write in from time to time. My prayer journal though I always keep set apart for notes or prayers and today that seemed odd to me. I pulled out another journal cause I just wanted to write about my life and my thoughts going into the year. Not to think too much but just to let everything out, write everything down. The good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful, the scary, and the areas of peace. And I know that I KNOW this but yet still it hit me that God wants to be involved in every area of my life. My words and thoughts and confusion can be lifted up to Him and become a prayer in themselves. I can just invite Him to be a part of it. Whatever it is. It's not like He doesn't know anyways but He wants us to include Him in every area of our lives. And I'm not saying you shouldn't have separate journals to separate different subjects- your dreams, ideas, your daily life, your inspirations, whatever it may be. It was just something I noticed that I was unintentionally closing Him out of, while in my mind I thought I was asking Him to take over.
It dawned on me just how uncomfortable this year may be and how generally unprepared I am for it and how so many different parts and imperfections of me are sure to be exposed, but amongst everything: the hurt, the rawness, the awkward. I'm grateful. I know that He will ask me to do difficult things, but that He will not abandon me. I know how necessary it is to heed His call and I know despite the ugly or scary feelings that can lurk inside, I'm not alone. I was talking to one of my closest friends earlier about the art of connection and how much it means to me and I'm grateful to have had and to continue to have that opportunity. To connect with people and meet them where they're at and have them meet me where I'm at. We don't have to see everything eye to eye, but things that are important: listening. REALLY listening. Being there. Just showing up. Or being available if someone decides later they want you to show up. Following up. Loving wholeheartedly. Asking the nitty gritty questions. Not being afraid of those awkward moments and going for it anyways. Always. And in the moments when we chicken out the first time, still trying again. Taking it all in. For a little or for a while. Giving yourself time. Understanding life isn't a race but an entire experience.
My inspiring friend
Janie gave me this journal filled with scriptures a couple of months ago and I just wanted to share a few verses that keep flushing a wave of peace over me.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not in your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways... Psalm 91:11
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. Psalm 55:22
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
May each of you have a blessed 2015 and feel God's love and provision over you.
xx,
SeySey
OH! & P.S. on a happy *and dancy* note... there's this.
For some reason, this video just makes me really happy and sometimes you need something to bring a smile to your face. So maybe this could be one of those somethings for you.
