Random New Year Reflections

This time of the year often creates a flood of so-called "New Year's Resolutions".  You know what I'm talking about, those wishes that everyone has for themselves that are so close, yet just out of reach.  They come crashing to the ground in a pile of ashes by January 5th as the old ruts are the most comfortable place to be.  

Because change takes discipline.  Lots of it.

And discipline is hard.

I'm in America again, after 19 months in Africa.  Discipline can be challenging in Africa, but it's overwhelming in America.  The options are endless and I'm having to teach myself all over again that just because it's available, that doesn't mean I have to have it.  

I'm simplifying my American life.  I thought I had simplified it before I left, but now I look at some of the items I saved and gag.  Why is this even still here?  I love simplicity.  I'm not quite a minimalist, but I could get close.   This winter season is hard tho- it takes so many articles of clothing, and so much time to get ready to go out!  May I please return to the land where flipflops reigned and hoodies were only sighted on rare occasions? 

I'm drinking vinegar water again and sipping the amazing kale smoothies my sister creates.  I've gaped in awe at the endless rows of food available at the local supermarkets, and especially choked up at the beautiful displays of produce that I could only dream of in my Ivuna life. 

2015 is over.  To be totally honest with you, I'm glad.  It was by far the hardest year of my life.  But on the other hand, it was also the best.  I've experienced God and community in ways I never dream't I could.  I don't know what God has in store for my 2016, but I am determined to embrace each experience- whether hard or good, and grow in trusting Him more through them. 

I'd like to blog more this year, especially while I'm Stateside.  You're welcome to follow my journey if it interests you.  I'm learning, and I make a lot of mistakes, but it is my hearts desire to be abandoned to the will of my Father. 

 My motto for this year is this:  "Courage, dear heart" by CS Lewis.  My heart is very weak and emotional, and is in much need of courage.  Can we encourage each other to walk in true, holy courage, with our eyes fixed completely on our Master no matter what happens?