Through it all...choose love! #loveproject365

The past few years have had extreme highs and extreme lows for me but hanging on to Jesus has helped me through it all. From diving in with both feet to serve God to being so angry at Him, to teacher of the year to falling on my face with new ideas, to loving those who don't love back, life has truly slapped me in the face a few times this year and last. Fighting back I continued to get up every day, go to work, face my family and simply trudge on hoping for the best. Last year, I vowed to love more and not let others bring me down, and I think it caused a spiritual battle I struggled to beat all year long. Some days were up, while others were so low, I sat in my office and cried until someone walked in to ask me a question or I got called out for a meeting. I put on a good face for the most part but those who know me, knew I was faking it. Growing in your faith can be a long hard road at times, but never let go of God and know He is the only one who can redeem you.

While others will let you down, day after day, God is consistent and constant, loving us where we are and for who he created us to be. Who I was this year, was NOT who He created me to be. He calls us to love and serve others and put all of our trust in Him. A few years ago, it came to me that if we all simply believed God with everything we had, there was nothing to fear in this world. I am still not so sure of what I am so afraid of, but my walls are thick and only God knows how to break them down.

This year, I am setting out again with the same goal to love others and myself so that I can serve God with everything I have. The last few months, Romans 8:28 has come up in my studies and sermons and in sharing with friends more times than any other verse, so this year, I will trust that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." No matter what happens, let this year be the year you trust it, too.

Now, with every goal, you need a plan and every plan needs some accountability. In order to stay focused on the right things, a few things need to happen every day. Focusing on God, focusing on others and paying attention to the small things that God intends for good.

Let's be people who love Jesus so much we have to share Him through that love.

Happy New Year!