It seems like just yesterday I committed to my writing. Going strong for a while and a windstorm hit. I was knocked down but not out. Tossed about but still standing. Trusting God no matter what and even when I was missing in action for a few weeks, I knew that I would be back. The commitment was real. This year has passed swiftly with all its challenges.

Romans 8:35-39 – 35What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? 36As it is written: “For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As I sit and reflect on decisions now made, I am still looking forward to each day and the new year. Not going to make a bunch of resolutions to try and stick to. I am going to continue living in the now, even when the going gets rough. I have to say that writing has been a help and a comfort. I am truly grateful for all the friends that I have met along the way. Reading the posts from other bloggers has been strengthening and encouraging. You never know what an impact you make on someone else’s life just by sharing yours. Not talking about dirty laundry or anything like that. I am talking about the realness of this journey. The truth about how hard it can be sometimes. But also about the resilience that exists in us to get up and keep going. One might just call it faith.

I have faith in God and know that others do as well. I also know that we are to help each other. I say a big heartfelt thank you to all those that have helped me. We may abide in different places (cities, states, and countries), but the written word has blessed me from near and afar. I would like to say to my blogger friends, keep writing. Even when it takes a follower a while to get to your post, know that when the writing comes from the heart, you never know whose life is impacted. Sometimes the like isn’t there, doesn’t mean it wasn’t read. There was an online discussion about clicking like and it doesn’t appear time was taken to even read the post. I personally love responding because I love reading. I have resolved in my spirit not to get caught up in the likes. I appreciate them, of course. But as I move forward on this writing journey and prepare to add photography, I am excited. I share because it is who I am.

I have always loved to read and write. I am still partial to the hard copies of books and writing in my journals. The computer is fine and I type pretty fast but each method has an endearing quality that makes me appreciate both. There are times when reading on the computer or the phone is appropriate. The phone is needed especially when you are waiting in some type of line (DMV, grocery, etc.). The hard copy is appreciated in downtime and curled up in a blanket with thoughts on appreciating the different things life has given us.

As we welcome the new year, let us end this one with a bang. Gratitude for still being here. Gratitude for God being who He is in our lives and giving thanks to Him for His mercy and grace because of His Son Jesus Christ. We cannot out give God anyway. Thanksgiving Day can’t be the only day we give thanks. Of course, it is a different atmosphere with great food, family, and friends. There is a different level of appreciation in me now to put first things first and truly live.