2014 - A Big Year

"This is going to be a big year for us," Andrew told me as we made our almost 18 hour drive back to Texas from Iowa last week.  As I asked why and listened to him explain, I definitely agree!  2014 brings for us our 10 year anniversary and the hope of moving overseas (as soon as our funds are raised), which is the fulfillment of so many things God has spoken.  Above all, it's another year of moving forward and growing deeper in our relationship with God!  To us, that's something to get excited about! 

2013 has been good and fruitful but we always look forward in anticipation of what a new year brings.  A clean-slate, second chances, starting over in many areas, but mostly a re-upping in our commitment to Jesus being Lord over our lives.  Mostly recommitting to include God in our big decisions and our small ones, committing to sharing the good news of Jesus with those who don't know him, committing to serve, discipling people into deeper relationships with Jesus, resting  in his promises and walking in obedience. 

Yes, mistakes were made in 2013 and mistakes will be made in 2014.  Yes, the challenges will be there and hard times are sure to come, but we are assured that 'our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all' (2 Corinthians 4:17).  Even in our trials there is hope for the future!

So this morning at the breakfast table Andrew asked everyone, "How can we look more like Jesus in 2014?"  It was stirring to me as I thought of all my character flaws and how many things I wanted to change about myself in the snap of my finger but the truth is...looking more like Jesus is only going to come from being with Jesus, knowing who he is (not just what he does), being in the Word and spending time with him (kinda like number one).  Learning he's not just my Sunday worship companion or my feel good God.  He's everything in between all the everyday and messing stuff too.  Learning all over again that he is my Guide, my Provider, my Healer, my Friend, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Father, my Comforter, my Promise Keeper, my Protector, my Joy, my Creator and the list goes on.  He's my EVERYTHING!  Oh how I long that 2014 will bring more of this reality!  May 2014 be the best year yet!