dear twenty thirteen

Dear 2013,

You brought me so much joy and excitement. You were filled with many intense days of planning and preparation for the most significant day of my life. You gave me rest and you gave me exhaustion. You reminded me that although I am not a perfect person, there is someone who loves me more than his own life. You showed me that an honest, loyal and faithful marriage is possible. You gave me opportunities, and you helped me to better my character. You helped me to revisit my past and take steps towards a promising future. You were the year that allowed me to become debt-free, for the first time in my adult life. You opened doors for me to travel with my favorite people, and experience new horizons. You instilled in me more desires and passions. You taught me that God is much bigger than a church building, or a simplistic worship song. You taught me grace. You revealed to me the importance of community. You gave me a chance to embrace optimism in the midst of a rather negative world. You reminded me that I am loved, blessed and capable. 

2013 you were a fabulous and exciting year, thank you for exceeding my expectations.

January - December 2013

Dear 2014,

Here's to a new chapter, and a new year. I am confident that you will continue to grow and change me, for the better. I welcome you with open and anxious arms. I am excited to observe how far you will stretch me, and what doors you will guide me through. I have a inkling that you will not let me stand still, but instead you will keep me on edge, and on the very tips of my toes. 

Here's to a new adventure, a new season & a new year.

XO,

Brenda

2012, my best year yet

For the last several years, I've posted a New Year's blog. I have enjoyed reading them and seeing just how far I've come. To see how many things I've set out to accomplish, and actually fulfilled. I'm quite the dreamer, though, and sometimes I aim really high. But, you know what? I am okay with that. 

On January 1st of 2012, my aim was to pursue good health -- specifically in the areas of emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health. It was so neat to see that I really came a long way this year. I had my moments, and I was not nearly perfect in my endeavors, but I sit here proud of the woman I am today.

Here is to 2012 : 

You were beautiful, you were graceful. You gave me hope and you healed old wounds. You gave me the strength to dream big, and cling to the possibilities. But most of all, you gave me another chance; at life, at self-worth and at love. You brought back together what was thought to never be again, and for that very reason, I deem you the best year of my entire life. 

So, to 2013, you have a lot to live up to. But, I am quite confident that you will deliver. I have many things to look forward to. This year, I will continue to pursue good health, and on top of that I will embrace the newest chapter of my life: becoming a wife. I can hardly wait! But, I think for now, that is a large enough resolution/goal in & of itself. There is so much preparation I have ahead of me to becoming the wife Jamey deserves. I will cling to the Lord in this time and seek out His will
for me and for us.

XO,

Brenda