2016 Recap

 I have a few hours of alone time.  So I'm at Panera...I finished eating, got ready to write and reflect, and my brain was complete fog.  Why?  I realized I've only had about a half of a cup of coffee today!  Yikes!  This situation must be fixed!  It's better now. :)

2016....I've had better years.  This year has had some high highs and very low lows.  It's been a hard year.  I'm choosing to focus on the positives because I have much to be thankful for.  And let's face it, I'm very interested in being real and genuine, but I'm not gonna share the low lows for all the world to read. :-)

One huge high is that I love homeschooling.  I feel like I've really hit my niche in life.  I literally can't think of anything else that I'd rather be doing during this season of life.  It brings me great joy to have my little ones at home with me every day, while I teach them and pour into them God's love and goodness.  I can totally see how God has prepared me for this time.   I taught Ezra to READ this year.  So rewarding!  I'm currently reading Little Women with Sophia.  She is such a little school girl.  It comes so naturally for her.  And Amos is cooperative during school most of the time, and we are enjoying his affectionate, playful little personality so much.  These truly are the days to remember. 

God has been faithful in teaching me some things this year.  This past year our church did a study called "gods at war", referring to idols that have strongholds in our lives.  God showed me that I struggle with "gods of love";  putting people in the place of God in my life.  No human can satisfy me like God does; they weren't even meant to.  My identity is found in how God sees me and not how other people see me.  That's what really matters.  (By the way, He sees me as loved, valuable, and forgiven.  Only through Jesus.) I know I will always struggle and fight against this god, but I have now identified it and can put up a fight when the feelings of insecurity start flaring up inside of me. 

Side note- Our small group is currently reading/studying "God- Discover His Character." We are about 1/3 of the way through, and I am learning so much and am in complete amazement of who God is! I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

To sum it up, through the highs and through the lows of this past year, I have found Jesus to be my very best friend.  This is probably the first year that I can truly say that.  His presence is always with me.  He lifts my head up.  He strengthens me.  He sustains me.  He loves me.  He speaks truth.  He listens.  He gives great peace to my soul.  With a Savior and a Friend like this, I can say during this past year and through the years to come...It is well with my soul. 

Goodbye, 2016.  I am not discouraged or afraid of you, 2017.

"Be strong and brave.  Do not be afraid.  Do not be discouraged.  For I am the Lord your God, and I will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9