{photo taken in the aspen forest of Rocky Mountain National Park,

one of my favorite places in the world: magical.}

Perspective: it’s my “word” for 2014

& I pray God does much in my heart through this word & thought process I am hoping will grow in me.

 

The word has come up several times over the last few months. Many times coming from the wisdom of my hubby after he comes home from the hospital where he encounters death {literally} on a weekly basis. He’ll just say, “Jul, this is a small matter. No one is dying. It’s ok. It’s not that big of a deal…everything will be O.K.” And, you know what? He is right. Who cares if the house is a mess? We HAVE a house. Who cares if work is piling up? We HAVE work that we not only love but enjoy doing!

 

Yesterday I met with a dear friend who is currently battling stage 3 breast cancer. She & I designed books together for Tyndale House Publishers. We started having babies at the same time & she too has 3 adorable young ones. Through her trial, she is teaching me SO MUCH about perspective. The fact that EVERY day is a gift from the Lord. The fact that despite pain, hardship, and a life turned upside, she has seen the miracles of God poured out over her family in new ways & felt God holding her tight & providing for each step of the way. Most of all, the perspective that all of life is about bringing glory to our great God.

 

Here’s to what I am praying/hoping for in 2014:

PERSPECTIVE that life is not all about ME, but it’s about God & honoring Him & loving others {despite what most blogs I read tell me: they emphasize that it’s all about YOU & YOUR dreams & YOUR desires… yes, in part follow your heart & reach for the skies, but when it comes down to it, I am not called to live a life that is self-serving but rather to serve God & others}.

 

PERSPECTIVE that this life is short & moving a mile a minute, so slow down & enjoy the little things. I am honestly in denial that 2013 is over & I am freaking out already that next year my youngest will be in school full time. It will be the first time in over 10 years that I will have a full day sans kids at my feet & so I want to soak up all the time I have with my littles as they are growing up soooo fast.

 

PERSPECTIVE to think about what will last forever {ie: eternal perspective} & focus on those things & not the fleeting, materialistic things of life and hope that a renewed eternal perspective will deepen my love for Jesus & my love for others & make relationships deep.

 

PERSPECTIVE to be kept in check about my business: that it is all for His glory, in His hands, in His time, for His Word to get out & encourage others. I am bent on perfectionism, success & play the numbers game in my head, which part of that is necessary to run a “successful” business, but I do not want to get bogged down in how I define “success” & have freedom and joy in pursuing this dream… which leads me right into:

 

PERSPECTIVE in what GOD has for my life & to have a thankful heart & relish in the things I already have & not get caught up in what I do not have. This mainly deals with my weakness in how I compare myself to others, especially other artist moms who are way more “successful” than I am. I pray this year I keep my eyes on God, what He has for me & my family & STOP comparing myself to others, as I know full well there will ALWAYS be others way better than me! ugh. I am sick of this struggle in particular.

 

PERSPECTIVE to take care of myself: spiritually, emotionally, & physically. I have finally started exercising regularly & hope I keep it up! I also hope to deepen my spiritual practices of prayer, reading the Bible, and worship through giving thanks to my Father. I want to soak up truth every day & deepen my knowledge of the Word both for myself & to be able to answer my kid’s questions.

 

Here’s to a GREAT & refreshing & freeing New Year!

Grace & Peace,

Julie