It’s always remarkable looking back on the past. Hindsight does give a perspective. The days that once seemed long and even unproductive now are sweet memories with evidence of fruit in the time you sowed.
I hope you have taken time to reflect. Here’s 3 simple way to help you, if you haven’t. There are such precious lessons tucked away between the days of past. Don’t let them slip by unaware.
Here are 9 things I learned in 2014.
1. When God whispers crazy things ever so silently, He’s about to do something wild.
God whispered go to the streets and invite the girls there to a women’s event we were hosting. It seemed totally cray, but I risked and did. Girls were invited and they showed up! 178 exactly. God just blows me away.
2. Serving and loving others will mess you up!
It never amazes me where God leads and all the ways there are to serve his people. And yet when we are scared to step out, others are comforted. God moments on the streets are among my favorite moments of the week. I’ve learned God will only let us see what we are ready to see.
3. You have to take steps to refresh your soul.
If you know me, you know summer is my fav!! Absolute fav. This past summer was the best as we invested in some property out on the island. This meant I got to spend more time in my most favorite place. The beach. But running 90 to nothing even during the summer can wear you down. Here are three steps I took to get fueled back up.
4. God will grant the secret desires of your heart.
I promised last year that I would slow down this summer and not miss moments to enjoy the beach. However, I found myself half-way through summer realizing my days were slipping by. Headed to the island one morning, I lifted up a little prayer “God you know the desire of my heart to spend more time on the beach this summer, to slow down, and soak in the sun.” When I got home I received a phone call from a friend, which led to a last minute unexpected trip to Cozumel. God surely knows our desires and hears even our faintest of prayers.
5. Dreams really do come true.
Ever since I was a young child and would watch Flipper every day after school, I was dreamed of going to the Florida Keys. Guess what? Hubby took me. I fell in love with the area as we toured the keys in our speed boat. Oh how I love water, sun, and fun!
6. When you write a letter to the President, everyone thinks you are going political.
I did it. I wrote a letter to the President. I wasn’t meaning to get all political as others took it. I just wanted to address the real issue of why he was not coming to our borders. The truth is that when you see, you have a responsibility.
7. I can get within feet of spiders and not freak-out.
Touring the rain forest beauty of the Bahamas, I looked up to see this thing right in front of my face. It certainly took my breath away as I am afraid of spiders. But that day I learned to get a little closer. I tried to appreciate the beauty of the spider and it’s web. Sorry, still don’t see much to appreciate there!
8. You can survive and celebrate life changes.
It was a crazy 7 days. Our oldest daughter got engaged and we were lucky enough to be a part of that special evening. A few days later our youngest daughter graduated RN, BSN and went on to begin working as a nurse. That evening our son and daughter-in-love surprised us with the announcement that we would be first time grandparents in March. Life just doesn’t get any better — even when it comes to you at warp speed.
9. I have a Starbucks addiction.
Y’all really I do. It’s not good. 2014 was about admitting the problem. I guess 2015 will be about detoxing and conquering the problem. My mouth is watering just writing about it. I can taste that Cinnamon Dolce latte!! Anyone up for coffee?
The past year, I have learned so much more than what can be written in to words. With eager anticipation I long for what 2015 holds. With ministry, business, a grand-baby, and a wedding I’m sure blessings will abound.
Have you taken time to review your past year? What were lessons you’ve learned? I’d love to hear about them.
Alene, thanks for your so-very-kind words on my blog today. I’m glad I found yours, too, and look forward to reading more :-). Stay in touch.
I love that you got to go to some beautiful places this year, Florida Keyes looks stunning! I flicked over to you 3 ways to refuel and I’m completely with you on the getting outside – God must speak to us in the same language! Thanks for introducing us, I’ll look forward to many more posts :)
Love me some outdoors and SUN!!! My soul is already craving summer. I’m just weird that way. Glad I found a soul mate.
I adore this! I myself am dreaming big crazy dreams for this next year! Congrats on the new family members!
Alene, I loved these lessons! I could relate to almost every single one. Well, except for number 7. No. Can. Do. This quote of yours really stuck in my heart, “God will only let us see what we are ready to see.” I pray He is able to show us all new things in 2015!
YES YES YES I’m so ready to see more in 2015. Well, I think. :)
I grew up watching Flipper, loved that show! Your heart to reach out to others is inspiring and your words encourage me as we transition to new community in England. Loved your list.
Girl – I had the biggest crush on Sandy!!! Wanted to swim with Flipper. A few years a go, I was able to fulfill that dream. Well, I’m sure it wasn’t the REAL Flipper, but I did swim with dolphins. Can’t wait to read more about England. Happy 2015.
It sounds like you’ve had a blessed year! I’d like to think I’m getting better at hearing the whispers from God as I get older. I’d love to see him show up in more crazy ways in my life like he has in yours in 2014. I’ll bet you can’t wait to see what he has planned for you in 2015! Happy new year!
It was great to read your list. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like an eventful 2014!
hey alene … kind of cool to begin to get to know you as this year wends its way to an end. i hope that our paths will begin to cross and intersect as we launch into 2015! i love what you’re doing in this space!
“God will only let us see what we are ready to see” wow! I am learning there is so much truth to that – this past year was a year of learning to let God rearrange my life as so many things at this stage are much different that I had anticipated they would be. He is teaching me much and my hope for 2015 is that he will continue to shape me to fit his space for me. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I’ve been working on a coke addiction for a while now. I switched to caffeine free and that seem to be slowing down the craving somewhat. Blessings to you in 2015!
Alene, loved the things you learned in 2103, they make me think of all God taught me through my desire to have His perspective for my every day life. It was a great year because of Him, not void of hard times or void of struggles and never ever void of His presence in my life. Great post.