Good-bye 2011

It is that time again, the time when many of us bloggers feel the need to look over the year, to figure out just what we did with our 365 days. I am no different. It has been an interesting year in my life.

I began the year as a newlywed with less than a month of marriage under my belt, and I end the year anxiously awaiting the birth of our first child! That in itself is a lot, but the pregnancy is not the only event because we do not live in a vacuum.

I've also had to say good-bye to 2 men that I loved and admired. 2 men that were giants in the faith, even though they didn't show up on the national radar. Their impact will be seen by how many souls they helped lead to Heaven, and how many more they mentored and helped grow.

As if that is not enough I've also fought my own battles. Battles with sin and feeling like an inadequate daughter of the King of Kings that I love so dearly. I hate to sin and to fail Him, to know that what I'm doing is wrong, yet not being quite able to overcome the temptation. I hate being weak.

Yet, 2011 has taught me one big lesson to share- I'm not weak. I fail, I give in when I shouldn't, but I'm not weak. I'm strong because of what I've been through in the last 10 years, and because I've finally learned the secret to strength. I've learned the secret is that I can't rely on myself, I have to let the Holy Spirit work through me and within me. I have to use God's strength.

You too can be strong in the Lord. You too can overcome the obstacles, temptations, fears, pain, and loss that you are feeling, but you have to give it all to the Lord and ask for His help. May your 2011 end better than it started and may you start 2012 focused on healing and growing in Christ, for that is how we will live Joyfully After ___________.

-J-