New Year

I know it is already the end of January but I haven't had time to post about this new year, 2013! I have really high hopes for this next year and am so excited to see what the Lord will do.  When I reflected on last year and tried to sum it up in one word, that word was difficult. I had a lot of hard times come my way but the Lord was faithful through it all and I am now stronger because of it. This next year I want my word to me Intentional. I want to be intentional about my faith and in my relationships with others.

This New Year is going to bring about changes which I am excited about, normally I cringe at the thought of change. In August I plan on moving back to the town where I went to college, it is about 30 minutes away from where I live now. I am going back there because that is where my job and church are. I also know the Lord is calling me back there. I feel like Jonah from the Bible and I tried to escape Nineveh but at last I am done being in this belly of a whale and I am ready for whatever the Lord has for me! I am also applying for a new job in that city and am excited about the opportunity to work in a different nursing home.

I am also excited to begin a new Hobby! I have been saving up to purchase a nice camera so I can take and edit nice photo's!

This past weekend I traveled a few hours north to see two really good friends from college and it was like we had never been apart. We talked for hours, watched movies, drank coffee and painted our finger nails. It was so exciting hearing about what these two women were up to and what the Lord has been doing in their lives. I really missed them and already can't wait to see them again!

The drive home was not so fun however, there was a big snow storm! You could not even tell if you were on the road or even in your lane. The snow than turned to freezing rain and the sky kept lighting up with lightening, so strange in winter! I stopped at a McDonald's half way home to call my other friend and warn her about the roads, meanwhile I got stuck in the parking lot! Thankfully some employees and customers were able to help push me out! Always thankful for the kindness of strangers. It also reminded me that even when there are storms and life gets tough, the Lord will provide for me and help me.

I am going to go catch up on some reading on this cozy winter day!

XoXo,

Valerie

Battlefield of the Mind

I have begun reading Battlefield of the mind by Joyce Meyers, it is an awesome book that talks about negative thoughts and uses scripture to do it. I have only read the first four chapters but already it is so encouraging, this is what I have learned so far:

If we have a negative mind, we will have a negative life

To have an effective prayer life I need to have a good relationship with my heavenly Father.

Fill your prayers with God's Word.

We will walk across the finish line of victory in any area if we are willing to go all the way through it with Him.

Galatians 6:9

I have spent forty years trying to make an eleven day journey. (Reference to the Israelite's journey)

1 Peter 5:10

When we try to do something on our own, fail and then realize that we must wait on Him, our hearts overflow with thanksgiving and praise as He rises up and does what we can not do ourselves.

Don't receive condemnation when you have setbacks or bad days. Just get back up, dust yourself off, and start again.

Just let Christ be strong in your weaknesses, let Him be your strength on your weak days.

Psalm 42:5

Discouragement destroys hope. Without hope we give up.

God wants us to me encouraged not discouraged.

He uses the difficult period of waiting to stretch our faith and to let patience have her perfect work. (James 1:4) God's timing is perfect, He is never late.

Philippians 2:13, 1:6