Happy 2016!

I had a word for 2015 and it was GOODNESS. I wanted above all else to experience the GOODNESS of God in a totally new way. I wanted to be alert to His Kingdom, and to the quickening of His Spirit. I wanted to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). The Hebrew word for “taste” is ta`am which means “to try the flavor, to taste and/or to perceive.” The word “see” is what you would think it to be...to see, to discern, to perceive, learn about, and among other things, to observe.”

I wrote in January that 2015 was going to be a year of “new beginnings.” It appeared there was something stirring within the world, and at that time, I could not have imagined some of the things that would happen during 2015...the good AND the bad. However through it all, I did my best to “taste and see” the Lord’s goodness in ALL things.
 
I experienced His goodness in many good things:

• My first two books published
• My teenage son’s first worship fundraising concert
• My husband’s first time teaching a Bible Fellowship/Sunday school class
• My husband’s first time preaching a message from the pulpit
• Increased leadership within my church
• Healthy children and spouse
• Daily provision
• New friendships
• And so much more… 

I also experienced His goodness in many not-so-good things of which I will spare you the gritty details. Just know that life is not always perfect even when we make it appear to be so. God never leaves us. Sometimes we think He does...especially when we are not on the up-and-up, but He doesn’t. God is omnipresent and sees ALL...our good, our bad, and the ugly...and through it all, He loves us with an everlasting love. His love is the epitome of His goodness.
 
My word for 2016 is COMMUNITY. I believe that as God continues to tidy up His church and lead more people into the Kingdom, COMMUNITY will be more important than ever. God started working on my heart in November about COMMUNITY (It Takes a Village), and it has been running through my mind, and heart, ever since.
 
I am not sure what is in store for 2016, but I am excited for all that God will do this year...through the laughter, the bumps, the tears, and the excitement. All of it is for His glory so He’ll be present, available, and waiting on me, and on you, to get busy building the Kingdom one life at a time.