It's hard to believe that 2019 is over and we are almost a whole week into 2020 already. I enjoy seeing and reading the end of year reviews. There have also been the end of the decade reflections and discussions if it truly is the end of the decade. (I'm fine either way.) 

Near the end of December, I tend to get reflective and look through my last year's journal entries, remembering what was, thanking God for His faithfulness and looking ahead in hopeful prayer of what the new year will bring. I review my one word for the past year and ask the Lord what I should focus on for the next year. 

If you've followed my journey on this blog, you may remember that my one word for 2019 was "DELIGHT". For the most part, 2019 was a delightful year. I sensed more of God's presence and how He delights in me. I was delighted to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary with my wonderful husband. I made new friends at work, received a promotion, and am growing into my new role of leadership. My "solo trip" back home to OH in July to see my parents and attend my 35th high school reunion was delightful as well. I even met my reading goal of 24 books in 2019 and intend on sharing the 2nd half of the year list soon. (Click here to see what I read January - June 2019.)

2019 ended on a delightful note by having both of our daughters home over the Christmas and New Year's holiday! It's always so fun to relax, play cards, watch movies and catch up with everyone at home. 

Yes, this is just a snippet of my year in 2019. Yes, there were some hard times, but God is always faithful and I'm so thankful for His watch-care over me and my family.

As I've prayed over the last few days, I sense that He wants me to focus on the word "STRONG" for 2020! I'm starting an online book study with Holley Gerth tomorrow. We are reading her devotional Strong, Brave, Loved - Empowering Reminders of Who You Really Are. (Check out the information here. I would love to have you join us. It begins on 1/6/2020.) 

Here's my first verse to focus on for God being strong in my life and seeing myself strong in Him:

"Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last: Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force of His explosive power flowing in and through you." Ephesians 6:10 (The Passion Translation)

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash