Be the light.: January 2013

I've always heard people say "God said x, y and z about this year."

And I've always thought, "huh, how nice to have a head's up."

I never felt like I had a "personal prophecy" when it came to the new year. When the year turned, I never felt like I was getting a fresh page. I never felt like I was at the brink of something new. I never felt anything about January 1st... except perhaps regret that I was just getting older.

In the beginning of 2012 that changed. I was spending time with God and I heard Him say "I'm going to do a new thing this year."

I was filled with excitement.

By the end of 2011, I was tired and worn in most every aspect of my life. I was confused, alone, and hurt. I remember saying multiple times in the last few months of 2011,

"Life sucks. The only thing I'm sure of right now is I love God."

So, I was excited.
I would get the things I had been hoping for, resulting in the relief that was so needed... right?

How little did I know.

This past year wasn't what I expected. It was new, for sure. I didn't get the things I was wishing for. I got something much better. I got to see first-handed God provide time and time again.

2012 was amazing. It was hard, it was FULL of new things. There was at least 5 times this year where I was at my wit's end. I had no idea what to do with anything in my life. I wasn't sure of much except that "I love God."

I had 4 different jobs this year. I went through 5 cell phones. I've lived in 4 different places. I've felt completely alone.

He promises that He works all things to the good for those who love Him. This year has been turned marvelously to the good.

I'm doing now what makes my heart happy. I am surrounded by "older" friends who support me. I have never been so sure in my uncertainty.

A wise woman told me in January 2012 when I was first completely unsure of what I was going to do...
"It's like you're walking on a rope bridge in the fog and you can't see in front of you. You've just got to step out in faith."

So my friends, Happy New Year. Welcome to the fog.

If you cultivate trust in the Designer, you'll delight in the plan.

For those who are interested, there's a timeline of my year below (with a few pictures of my highlights). I'll do my best to keep it entertaining ;-)

Year of 2012

January:
-left the ministry I was with (on good terms)
-was hired as a floor supervisor by walking into a restaurant when God told me to (I argued first)

February:

-got a new nephew Caleb
-discovered how difficult it was working in a secular environment
-was offered a job in a faith-filled environment
-put in a 5 week notice at my food service job