2013

the weekend after all the company left,
I pulled out my journal and spent some time writing.
this is honestly my favorite part of the new year.
sure, I like the "newness" of it all,
and the confetti celebrations,
but I REALLY like the idea of sitting with a yummy cup-o-something
and reflecting, remembering, and dreaming.

so, that's what I did.
(this was also a great way to procrastinate taking down Christmas and cleaning.)


2012 was full of change.
it was a year of things not necessarily going as we had planned.

and with those changes and challenges came growth.
I didn't (and DON'T) want to rush into 2013
without stopping to remember what 2012 taught me.

here are a few of the things I wrote:

• 2012 taught me that I can live with both full joy and deep sadness. 
• 2012 taught me that I can maintain friendships across distance and that I can be known deeply by people. It also brought the renewal of a friendship. 
• 2012 taught me that my Jesus is my #1 rock and Rob is #2. And that when these relationships are healthy and in balance, I'll be okay. Even when everything else is turned upside down, I'll still be okay.
• 2012 taught me that following God's path is full of joy, sorrow, waiting, moving, risking, and so much more. Living the adventure with Jesus is worth it, even when it isn't easy. 
• 2012 humbled me. I became aware of pride and was challenged to continue to vulnerable in my marriage and friendship. 

what did 2012 teach you?

 I hope that 2013 includes:  

more listeningmore writingmore runningmore basketball less social mediamore time living out the story that God is writing for memore creativitymore cookingmore scrapbooking/picture-taking/painting/sewing less comparing of myself to others less spending more giving less comfort more Jesus

I want 2013 to be about living an adventure with Jesus--
even when that means following Him into things that are uncomfortable, scary, difficulty.

I don't know what 2013 holds. 

My sense is that it will bring times of laughter and joy,
hopefully some traveling and celebrating;
I also sense that 2013 will bring times of brokenness, surrender, and heartache.

My prayer is that 2013 means more of Jesus.
more of His glory.
I pray this same thing for you.

I'd love to hear how you ring in the new year!
Do you spend time reflecting and dreaming?
Do you pick a word or theme for the year?