End of the Year SHINE Update

Dear Friends,

If you remember at the beginning of the year I had selected the word SHINE to focus on during 2013.  It was a word I had felt placed on my heart and I felt I was being called to shine in my words and actions.  That post can be found HERE.

Over the course of this past year, that word has helped me keep me pointed north, meaning that it has guided my way through situations I've encountered.  2013 has been a very difficult year, plus it has been an extremely busy year.  It truly has been a year for me to serve others (which isn't a bad thing and what we are called to do).  A year of service and a year of busy creates a weary Nancy and I have felt like life was out of balance.  It has been through those times I would repeat in my head, "just shine Nancy, just shine."
 
God used this word in me in ways I didn't imagine when I first selected it.  I didn't realize I'd be called upon and called to serve like I had this year.  I've said many times in my life, "We do not know what tomorrow will bring," and that has rang true over and over this year.

Despite the difficulties of 2013, this year has shown me many blessings.  I can also say that the struggles of this year have brought to light blessings, things I'd taken for granted.  I feel more in tune in that I notice God's beauty showing itself the many things around us.

God is great.  He truly is.  I have full confidence that 2014 is going to be an amazing year, especially considering the words that have been placed upon my heart to focus on.  I can't wait to share them with you and will do so January 1st. 

 

But for now, Emily is home from college.  It has been the first time she has seen our new home, first time for her to be in Michigan, and it doesn't quite feel like home to her yet, but it will.  There is a lot of beauty out there in that snow today.  God's love is good and everlasting.  I am thankful for my blessings, and I am thankful to all of you who are out there reading this blog.

 

With love and God's blessings, may you be enjoying the beautiful Christmas season.

Nancy