It is crazy how fast a year can go by and how much can change in that one year. For my own benefit and hopefully for anyone that reads this I'm going to try and reflect on what I have learned in this past year...
1. Feelings are not good or bad they are just real
2. It's okay to not be okay
3. It's okay to fail, and there is much to be learned through our failures
4. Living life to the fullest means being in the present moment
5. Living in the present moment is experiencing His presence
6. My wounds go sooooo much deeper than I could ever imagine
7. God is in control and pretty much does what He wants...I don't have to worry
8. I don't have to understand why God is doing what He is doing, I just get to say "yes"
9. God never takes us backwards in our journey, He always gives us "more" and it is always good...that doesn't mean it has to feel good
10. I love to be crafty and it is a gift to others around me... didn't know that about myself
11. I am VERY selfish, but God is changing that...woohoo!!!
12. I'm not cool...never was and that is really okay
13. God's grace and love are seriously important and need to be my foundation
14. Special Education is messy: there are so many threats to its existence and dignity. Even though this is true there are those out there that God has called to be a voice for the voiceless
15. People are beautiful, because God created them and He sees SO much more than we could ever see. Lord give us YOUR eyes.
16. Deal with the junk in your life, otherwise it will permeate everything you do and say and are a part of.
17. Say yes to God even when it hurts, He knows best.
18. I like healthy food
19. I'm allergic to most dairy products
20. I love A Capella singing groups (sing off..what?!)
21. I love detective shows (Psych, Castle...ya know)
22. I like to knit
23. There is so much about myself that I have yet to learn...
As I enter this New Year, I believe that Papa has New Life for me. I believe this will involve letting go of a lot and it's going to be painful, but I know the end will result in joy and freedom. I look forward to that. I also See this next year as a season of learning how to be a teacher, considering I am entering those classes in my education. WOW...kinda crazy that I am already there. I'm learning how to do something that I am passionate about and may do for the rest of my life? That sure sounds like an adult to me.
Well 2011,
I know I will never forget about you. This past year has changed me in ways that I would have never imagined. 2012, I can't believe you are literally hours away, but with that said I look forward to this new beginning.
Happy New Year everyone,
Jamie
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tis Better To Bequeath Than Receive
One of my pastors made up this phrase, and many of my friends now know that it is my favorite thing to say these days. As funny as this phrase is I would say it definitely was the theme of my Christmas. For all of those who don't know what Bequeath means dictionary.com tells us that it is to "hand down, pass on," and its synonyms are "will, impart, leave, bestow, grant, consign." And in modern English this phrase simply means "It is better to give than receive." Bequeath is so much better, don't you agree?
This year my Christmas was filled with giving rather than receiving. What was so amazing about this is that my soul received such rich blessings in the process. I think that is how it works -- that is why it is better.
On Christmas Eve Day, I had the privilege of singing in a choir at my church for all three services. I got to sing a long side some of my dearest friends. It was seriously so much fun and brought a lot of life into my heart. Singing praises to our God and being able to look out at my community knowing that I am singing with them -- it was so beautiful. That day Christmas was alive to me. I also got to hear the message three times... now maybe that seems like "oh my goodness, get me out of here," to some, but for me it was so awesome! Each time I got something new out of the message -- and my adoration for Jesus grew.
There were other ways that I had the opportunity to Bequeath...and they were equally wonderful. It is kind of a tradition for our family to go to the community table Christmas morning and serve those that come in for breakfast. This tradition is newer, but I am so glad to have done it. I hope to visit there more often -- once again it brought rich blessings into my life. I was also reminded of my love for children as I helped a mother and her children get breakfast, and that makes me excited for this next semester where I will be in the classroom again :).
That is just a snapshot of my Christmas, and I think I am writing this more for myself for not all my days are filled with ease and joy. It is good to be reminded of these times as I trudge through the mud of harder days.
One quote that has also stuck out to me this Christmas season is "He Knows our need, our weakness is no stranger." Happy Birthday Jesus, thank you for all that you are.
-Jamie
This year my Christmas was filled with giving rather than receiving. What was so amazing about this is that my soul received such rich blessings in the process. I think that is how it works -- that is why it is better.
On Christmas Eve Day, I had the privilege of singing in a choir at my church for all three services. I got to sing a long side some of my dearest friends. It was seriously so much fun and brought a lot of life into my heart. Singing praises to our God and being able to look out at my community knowing that I am singing with them -- it was so beautiful. That day Christmas was alive to me. I also got to hear the message three times... now maybe that seems like "oh my goodness, get me out of here," to some, but for me it was so awesome! Each time I got something new out of the message -- and my adoration for Jesus grew.
There were other ways that I had the opportunity to Bequeath...and they were equally wonderful. It is kind of a tradition for our family to go to the community table Christmas morning and serve those that come in for breakfast. This tradition is newer, but I am so glad to have done it. I hope to visit there more often -- once again it brought rich blessings into my life. I was also reminded of my love for children as I helped a mother and her children get breakfast, and that makes me excited for this next semester where I will be in the classroom again :).
That is just a snapshot of my Christmas, and I think I am writing this more for myself for not all my days are filled with ease and joy. It is good to be reminded of these times as I trudge through the mud of harder days.
One quote that has also stuck out to me this Christmas season is "He Knows our need, our weakness is no stranger." Happy Birthday Jesus, thank you for all that you are.
-Jamie
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