Tag Archives: New Year

Welcome 2023!

Posted on by brokenredeemed

It’s been a while since I’ve written, so thank you so much for sticking with me! I’m going to be honest, as I approached this year, I kept questioning, “What is 2023 going to bring?” After the chaos of 2020, I moved into 2021 and 2022 without even attempting to come up with goals, because I felt like nothing went according to plan, so why bother. But this year just feels different.

I’m walking into 2023 with actual goals! Last year we decided we’re finished having babies, and I’m beginning this year with an 18 month-old, a three-, and five-year-old. My homeschooled 5 year-old is reading like a champ, my 3 year-old is a social butterfly, and my youngest is beginning to speak. We’ve been changing up our daily routines, so we can get more things done around the house and have less chaotic lesson times. Some things I’m looking forward to this year are…joining a small group, co-leading an FPU class with my husband, working out, and getting together with friends, at least once a month.

I’m also planning to write more this year, take a trip with the hubbs for our anniversary, and to read lots of books! While, 2021 and 2022 seemed to steal all my aspiration and initiative, I’m much more hopeful about 2023. Dreams that I’ve laid down, I’m attempting to pick back up, and things I’ve needed to lay down, I continue to daily lay down at the foot of the cross.

So, we’ll see, how 2023 goes. I’m looking forward to a new year, with new adventures, and opportunities to learn and grow, to disciple and be discipled.

Truth, love, and grace to you all!

2017 in Retrospect

Posted on by brokenredeemed

It’s that time of year, again! I was thinking and talking to my husband, just yesterday, about all that has happened this past year. We have been so blessed. My husband and I went on a babymoon, we purchased a car (with cash), we became aunts/uncles again (×2), WE had a baby (my Cookie girl!), I left my job be a stay-at-home mom, AND we became debt free.

Wow! There’s just so much to be thankful for, and yet, we know that there’s more to come in 2018. We have multiple friends who are expecting babies, my sister is expecting again, and we’re hoping to begin house-hunting in the next few months. 

Now, that’s not to say that 2017 didn’t knock us back a few steps here and there. A broken down car; sleepless nights with a new baby; one of my sisters lost her home in a fire; my brother-in-law was diagnosed with leukemia; family in Puerto Rico were affected by the two hurricanes that passed through; and my husband’s grandmother passed away. But God continues to provide and prove His faithfulness over and over again. 

So as I sit here, with a napping baby on my lap, I’m jotting down some goals for 2018. They’re different from what I’ve desired previously, mostly because I’m in a new season of life. Yet, the same, in that I desire God to be at the center of all that I do. (You don’t realize how difficult that can be once you have a little one vying for all your attention.) If I were to write everything down here for you, it would take forever to explain, but I’ll go ahead and share a bulleted list of four areas I’d like to focus on for 2018.

  • Relationships…with God, spouse, baby, and friends.
  • Finances…budgeting, saving, and home buying.
  • Ministry…my family, homeless, worship, hospitality, and this blog.
  • Health…eating/cooking healthier, exercising, and taking time for self.

    As I look at this list, I know I’m going to have to be intentional, organized, and very diligent with my time. However, I also know that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). 

    So, what are some goals you’re hoping to accomplish in 2018?

    Welcome to 2016!

    Posted on by brokenredeemed

    First, I’d like to start out by saying, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you finished 2015 strong and I pray you have a wonderful 2016. Personally, and I think I’ve mentioned this before, I like to do a quick review of how the previous year went before the new year arrives—and usually around my birthday, as well—and think about what I accomplished, what I’d like to change or improve; and this year was no different.FontCandy (2)

    Last month, I began to write down some past accomplishments and some future goals. You know what they say…it’s not a goal unless it’s specific, attainable, measurable, etc. etc. So, I started getting really specific, but as I did this I remembered that Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” And I was reminded that it’s great to make plans and create goals, but we must also allow room for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and allow Him to change our direction whenever He sees fit. So I’ve been praying that I allow God to lead me more this year.

    Oddly enough, He saw fit to change some of my plans, when my boyfriend of about a year and a half, asked me to marry him on Christmas day 2015. So, now some of my plans have changed slightly, but I’m still here and I’m still planning to share the Word with you, as well as some wisdom and guidance. Originally, I planned to schedule a post once a week (as part of my 2016 goals), but now since I’m leading a Monday night Bible study on Michael Catt’s Refresh, and planning a small wedding (in 4 months!), I may only be able to share with you bi-weekly. Below are a few goals I’d like to accomplish this year…let me know what some of your goals are for 2016.

    • Teach a Bible study
    • Really pour my heart into children’s worship
    • Read a book each month
    • Watch less television
    • Learn to play guitar (I got one for Christmas!)
    • Learn Spanish
    • Get more involved in outreach ministries (Hey! Maybe even start one!)
    • Exercise (Be healthy!)
    • Become debt-free by the end of the year
    • Post a blog every other week

    Bonus ** You know how a lot of people like to use a word to describe the year? My word for this year is passion. I want to be so passionate about the Lord and what He’s done and is doing, that I ignite the people around me. I want to start a wildfire! And I want to act more on the things that I’m passionate about! I don’t want to just talk or write about these things, I want to actually DO SOMETHING. God-willing, I’ll be able to share some of those things with you throughout the year. I love you guys!

    God bless and take care.