2017 has come and gone and so much has happened!! Where do I begin?! ? Trips have been enjoyed, birthdays have been celebrated, fantastic visits from friends couldn’t have been any more fun, and a plethora of work was accomplished! Moving across the great state of Texas may have been the biggest feat of 2017? and the SPRING100 + all participants completely blew me away and filled me with immense gratitude.❤️ This past year holds too many joys to count, memories that will last a lifetime, and spiritual refining/testings along the way. With each new trial I’ve come to a deeper realization of God’s unfathomable mercy and grace! I will admit, in 2017 I have failed the tests more often than I’ve passed… just ask my parents or sisters. ? As a friend so brilliantly puts it, new layers of my oniony heart have been peeled back and shown me how much heart-work needs to be done in me. But, praise the Lord, I don’t have to do the work myself! I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in me will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ[Phil 1:6]! So, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”[Philippians 3:14], fully trusting in God’s mercies, knowing “They are new every morning”[Lam 3:23]! If I had a theme for 2017 it would be “great is THY faithfulness” and can we all just say AMEN to that truth?!!? So, today I am welcoming 2018 and all the Lord may have in store! Y’ALL… I’m just a little-LOT excited about this year. We’ve been gifted with a new year to live fully for God’s glory! Whether it be 1 day of 2018 or 365, let’s seek the Lord and His glory diligently. That’s what we were created to do[Is 43:7]! :) My 1 resolution this year is to seek the Lord with all my heart! As far as goals, I have a few but they are for another post. SO until then, I will leave you with a few favorite photos from 2017 and I have a QUESTION!! I would love to hear what a couple of your favorite memories are from this past year. ↓↓ Comment below and have a Splendid New Year!! ?
“The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in HIS mercy.”
Psalm 147:11
I love to see all the pictures of your year. Probably one of my favorite memories of 2017 was going on my third missions trip to Haiti. I learned a lot about God’s faithfulness in the midst of hard times. I also made new friends and learned to love new places.
Wow, what a wonderful memory for 2017 Elisabeth!! ❤️ So thankful you had that opportunity and the Lord strengthened you spiritually through it. Happy New Year to you! ?
O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.-Is 25:1
I had to stop my day and thank you for the encouraging posts. Thankful to the LORD for you and your testimonies! It seems so often when you post that the LORD has been bringing to mind an exact verse and then I see it again on your blog–must be the Spirit!
Joseph’s Uncle Ronnie has given me the illustration of the onion as well. I get so discouraged by the filth still remaining in my heart that I often despair thinking that I must not be saved…but by the GRACE of God, I’m not who I was–not am I who I hope to be!
May the conforming of us to God’s image continue over the next year and until we see Him face to face!
Love,
Rebekah
John 17:20Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Rebekah!! The Lord put you on my heart + mind just this morning. Your comment was such a day maker and blessing from the Lord! Thank you. :)
Praise the Lord! He is faithful to use my posts to encourage you and remind you of verses He is using in your life. That is a huge answer to my prayers and I am thankful for His continued faithfulness!!
Amen, by the GRACE of God. “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” [1 Cor 15:10]! So thankful that it is by His grace alone.[Eph 2:8]
“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Rom 5:2
Thank you, Rebekah! I am looking forward to His continued work in me during 2018 and beyond. Praying you find 2018 filled to overflowing with fresh lessons, measureless mercy, and strengthened faith as you seek and serve our Lord & Savior!
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” Ps 115:1
Happy New Year!! One of my absolute favorite memories from 2017 was getting to go on a trip of a lifetime to Europe with my brother and sister! I’m so thankful that God allowed us to go on the trip together!
May your new year be blessed as you seek first God’s Kingdom!
Happy New Year Bethany!! Wow, what a huge blessing and exciting trip. That is definitely a trip of a lifetime!! <3 Thanking the Lord you had that wonderful opportunity. :)
Thank you so much! I pray yours is filled with blessings, benefits, and fantastic memories as you continue to seek and serve the Lord. He truly is faithful!!
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.-Heb 13:20-21
Wow! What an enriching post. So glad you shared these truths and the sweet highlights of your year.
So much happened in 2017, but one that comes to mind strongly is my sister’s engagement! It’s a new season for her and a new season for all of us as we transition into the first wedding in our family. So many firsts! (And lasts…!) But I cannot wait to see how the Lord works this year. It’s going to be a growing time. :) :)
Also, becoming a vendor at my first craft show was pretty exciting. :)
Btw, love that uhaul truck family shot. The more candid and sporadic family shots are always my favorites of my family. :)
Blessings and Happy New Year!
Leah
Thankful the Lord used the this post to encourage/enrich you, Leah!! ☺️?
Your 2017 was filled with lots of joy!! So loved watching you prep and present your gorgeous products at the craft show. You did a fabulous job!! And I’m so excited for you all as you prepare for this special wedding. Praise the Lord for His goodness!! ??
Thank you!! ?❤️ We really should have used that photo for our 2017 family picture. ? It holds lots of great memories!!!
Happy 2018 Leah!! ?
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.-Jer 29:11