"Where did the year go?" How many times have you heard that said this week! I am baffled by the question more than ever this year. I can't even explain to myself what just happened in 2010. My life was changed forever and I didn't see it coming at all!
When I look back on the past 365 days, what I see is a series of falls. Which is not much different from any other year in my life. What is different about 2010 is that right after the falls, I see my strength being renewed time after time. I see myself being raised up on wings like eagles. I was able to run and not grow weary.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
I just know that at the beginning of 2010 I was at the end of me. I was tired, scared, and desperate so I let go of everyting I was holding onto and reached out for Hope. It was the best thing that ever happened to me.
The comparison photos are quite dramatic proof of my physical transformation. If I could only show you a before and after of my heart...
Dear Lord,
I know there is someone out there who is just like I was. They might be reading this right now. Will you just let them know that you are here? Will you let them know that you see them? I know that you can make something out of absolutely nothing; my life is proof. So it is my prayer that this person who feels like nothing can believe that you want to make them into SOMETHING for your glory.
You know everything about each one of us and you give us permission to come to you with our guard down and our hearts completely torn open. Indeed, this is how you most desire to receive us. Take our hands, our hearts, our every thought captive now. Conform them to your will. Take our lives that we, on our own, can not willingly give. Lord we are not willing, but make us willing to BE willing. Help us overcome our disbelief.
I thank you for your unmatched grace and mercy in my life. I don't know why you do the things you do. But I trust you. I trust you with my 2011. I trust you with my days and even my moments. I love you, Lord.
Amen
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20 comments:
I don't think I can tell you how much I've enjoyed reading your blog. Your understanding of God and His glory much matches mine. Your full out belief that He can heal you from the inside out gives me hope.
All the best for 2011.
Well.
I love your idea. Of giving God your year, I mean. So many people want to be changed, grown, used by God. Problem is, we don't like His methods. Or maybe I'm being too broad here. I'M the one who frequently doesn't like His methods. They involve work! Pain! Suffering! Perseverance! Trust! You get the picture.
We're on the cusp of a new year and I think I just may make this my New Year's Resolution: Giving God my year and being willing to be used by Him as He sees fit. Kinda scary but exciting all at the same time!
Blessings to you Keelie. You've been a blessing to me in 2010 and I appreciate you and your wise and uplifting words. Thank you.
Happy New Year!
Holy goodness! You look amazing. I wish I could hug you and thank you for your posts...and showing me what I can achieve through a lot of work and prayer.
*hugs*
wishing you an even better 2011...congratulations on all the hard work paying off...
You look so great. The change is remarkable. Congrats to you!
Happy new year!
you've tapped into the truth. thank you for this past year of revelation. you've taught me a lot; you've been a great blogger and a great blog buddy.
keep your hand to the plough! Luke 9:62. God bless you, now and always.
God is so amazing, isn't He?! You should be proud of the work you've done this year to get where you are. God gets the glory and thank you for giving it to him!
Happy New Year!
I just heart you! You are one magnificent woman!! You are down to earth and a woman of God. I love your posts and I am so very thankful that I found you this year while on my journey! You have always made my days brighter!
Cheers!
Here's to an amazing 2011 !!
God bless :)
Keelie, you are just so amazing. Your transformation, both on the outside and within, is really inspiring. So thankful that I found your blog a few months ago. I'm ready to make 2011 my year. Happy 2011 to you!
Thank you for such a beautiful post. I am turning this year over to God. I want to grow physcially, mentally but most important spiritually this coming year.
May you be blessed in 2011.
Oh my goodness, you look like a different person! I loved the side by side picture- you truly look amazing. It's so encouraging to read your blog. I'm vowing to take control this year, and will continue to read your blog for inspiration.
Thank you for sharing your story with all of us in blog world. Wishing you a very happy new year.
I absolutely love your blog, you are so positive and upbeat and motivating even when things seem to not be going in the direction you'd like, you simply trust that this is what is best for you. Your beautiful letter to God is an awesome gift that you give to each of your blog readers and I feel incredibly blessed to have read it! I hope to join you on the weight loss journey this year but I too want so much more as I want to reconnect with my heart and my soul! Thank you for your strength and courage to just be you!
May 2011 allow your journey to continue and may you continue to be blessed and share it with all of us!
Hugs
Virginia
I am so grateful for finding your blog, Keelie. You have been a huge inspiration to me in 2010 and I look forward to more good things to come in 2011. Well done!
Praise God through YOU! I am encouraged by your testamony and am too, "Giving God my year", THIS YEAR. (am in the process of setting up a seperate blog like yours to track my journey)
I don't have the same journey ahead as you did, but I have one none the less. I have gained 30 pounds in the past two years and feel fat, insecure, unhealthy, tired, and stuck (my profile picture is before my weight gain because I hold onto how I was and want to be again). You have been an inspiration. Thank you for journaling it!
Blessings to you for a wonder-FULL 2011.
Teri (in Corpus Christi, TX)
That was so very beautiful and you are so very beautiful inside and out! your heart eminates the love you have for the Lord!! That is powerful! You can tell from your posts that you are most certainly filled with the Joy of the Lord and He truly is your strength. What an encouragement you are to so many many women/girls out there.
I need that! Thank you. Happy New Year!
great post
happy new year
I just came across your blog! You look amazing! I cant wait to accomplish what you have!
Angie
Love your post! Happy New Year and you have inspired me to trust in the Lord with all my heart and give him my 2011 year!
Thank you!
I've been reading your blog for a few months now and find it so inspirational. This post especially touched me. I actually have goosebumps and tears rolling down my cheeks. You are a powerful writer! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I don't think you will ever know what an impact you have had on others. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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