January 1, 2017!!!

Can we just take a minute or two to reflect on 2016? What was your year like?

Maybe some of you met the love of your life, got engaged or married or became a mom. Or just maybe the odds weren’t in your favor and you experienced divorce, a breakup, a miscarriage, or decided to get help and go to rehab.

All of these things can make or break a year.

Yesterday, I spent some time running outside. It was freezing and I felt like I was dying but there was also something so very peaceful and special about my mile run. I used this time to reflect on my year. What worked and what didn’t?

Ya see, last year I was so busy trying to make myself happy. I poured myself into relationships and friendships that weren’t doing me any good. I spent my weekends at bars, chasing boys and just dying to feel something.

Thinking back, it makes me sad and that’t not the point of all of this.

The point of all of this is that crap stays in 2016. We have a clean slate, a fresh start. That break up you are experiencing doesn’t matter anymore. Maybe you hate yourself for sleeping around, or it could be that you spent your new years passed out on the bathroom floor. Whatever it is that you’re mad at yourself for–forgive yourself. I know it still still hurts but we are given freedom on January 1st. His mercy and love renews every single morning. Maybe it’s a mindset? I don’t know. But, if you have faith in Jesus-He will see us through.

Today, instead of wallowing in self-pity– make a list. Yes, I am one of those girls that LOVES a list.

Go ahead, create a list of goals not resolutions. For some crazy reason, goals sounds more promising. What do YOU want to do differently this year? Listed below are just a few of mine and since we are friends here, I am going to ask you to hold me accountable. Find someone you are close to– to do the same for you. Accountability is so great.

• Listen more–speak less
• Lead a Bible study (Cultivated in Grace)
• Be obedient to God
• Plug in at church (Kidspring)
• Quit blaming myself for everything
• Live a healthy lifestyle (come on yall, it’s inevitable)
• Love God
• Love others
• Love myself

Of course budgeting and all that jazz is on there too BUT you get my point..hopefully. Please remember that we have freedom. We are NOT trapped in our sins. We can get out. That incredible man died on a wooden cross so that you and I could have redemption. We are not slaves to our pasts. We are F R E E. Just ask and you shall receive. Make today the best day of your life by asking for forgiveness and become a child of God. Such a perfect start to a new year.

If there is any way that I can help you please feel free to contact me at  roarkallie@gmail.com. 

Of course, I am doing a little giveaway.. It’s a new year and who doesn’t love free stuff?? I truly believe that spending time with God is a necessity which leads me to Lara Casey’s Write the Word journal. The winner will receive her very own journal and a Cultivated in Grace decal. What better way to start the year! Please comment for your chance to win. Bonus points to those who share:) just saying! Winner will be announced one week from today! 1-8-16

I love you all and I have an insane feeling that 2017 will be our year!