My reflections on 2014
This was a year that stretched me. God began to use me in ways that I never dreamed fathomable.
Real World Ministries made it through another year. As a charter member of this new church in 2007, we have seen God do amazing things in every area of our church. I am never short of being amazed by God and His faithfulness to RWM. We have seen people come and seen others go. In both cases, it was cause for a celebration of God's goodness. He moved others to where He needed them and He brought others to us who needed to be there. Worship keeps me in awe. Prayer is stretching me. Ministerial staff keeps me growing and the youth keep me on my spiritual toes.
Life was taken away and life was given. I lost very special people in 2014, yet God gave life to some who will forever change who I am in Him. The goodness of God, particularly with how He prepares us and does things so decently, in order and definitely with a hand of excellence still overwhelms me. The hurt of those gone is as real as the day they departed this world but the peace of God is more unfathomable. God never takes without provisions already in place. They are not provisions to replace but rather provisions of His love and that suffices for me.
As it happens each year, friends come and friends go. The season for some end and the season for others begin. What I did attempt to focus on in 2014 was how each of my friends sharpened my life. If I did not see God using them to sharpen me or vice versa, I knew their season was up in my life and I dismissed them or separated myself from them. As always true, I needed to focus more upon my friend who is known by many names such as "Emmanuel, Jehovah, Rose of Sharon, and Son of God to name a few" From my conception throughout my eternity, He is truly one friend who I know that I can and will always be able to count on.
Knowledge was a grandiose journey for me in 2014. I worked towards furthering my education with purpose, as I should have. I'm still grateful that God has allowed me to continue to move beyond the point of grades to the point of being educated for application. In 2014, that obedience of applying what I learned was much more expedient than in prior years and for that I am grateful.
The political arena and the economy seemed to continue to spiral to a place of the unknown in 2014. I am fortunate enough to know and understand that God is the only Sovereign One and He is in complete control of everything that is allowed to happen in this country.
Reading is still a first love and passion of mine. It is with a humble sense of pride that I brag on God's wisdom in my life when it comes to reading. No matter what I find myself reading, I find myself connecting it to God, His Word, His purpose for my life and/or my area of gifting - teaching. Of course the more I read, the more I found myself writing.
Family is still an integral part of my life. My desire to share more of me rather than things continues to prove worthwhile. I enjoyed the time to re-kindle relationships through conversations and visits. 2014 was truly a year of stretching for growth and I'm looking forward to 2015 and all that God will do with His vessel.