Another year has come and gone. I am so thankful for each day that God blessed me with as Alexander’s mom and Adam’s wife. But if we are being honest I cant say that I am sad to see 2016 go. It was a hard year to say the least. Starting out the year with emergency gallbladder surgery was rough, but God walked me through it and brought me to the other side of a long struggle with worry and anxiety. Though every day was not always sunshine and rainbows, life is a beautiful gift that we get to unwrap each and every day!      

I think it is sometimes easier to just dwell on the bad days and forget all the wonderful ones. I know that there were many more days then I want to think about or count that I was in pain or had a migraine. But I also know that there were many, many more days that were happy and joyful and full of laughter, dancing around the kitchen or singing in the car! Those are the days I am taking with me into the new year! You know why, because I am choosing to, live like I’m LOVED!  Have you heard the song by Hawk Nelson? If not, go listen to it when you finish reading this blog post. :) The words ring loud in my head and make me hopeful in Christ for a new, AMAZING year!

“So go ahead and live like you’re loved
It’s ok to act like you’ve been set free
His love has made you more than enough
So go ahead and be who He made you to be.

And live like you know you’re valuable
Like you know the one that holds your soul
Cause mercy has called you by your name
Don’t be afraid to live in that grace!”

So how can YOU live like you’re loved in 2017? You can decide that no matter what has happened in your past {whether that is five years ago or five minutes ago} that you are loved by God, who created  you. You were created with a purpose, for a purpose. You have been set FREE! You don’t have to be fearful to step out in faith and dream BIG dreams this year. You don’t have to worry who likes you and who doesn’t. Because He does. He loves you just the way you are, so shine your light and be BOLD in the New Year.

My word for 2017 may sound silly but its, RESTORATION.

I am praying diligently each day that the Lord heals me and restores my health back to normal. No more daily pain and migraines. In 2017, I am looking forward to celebrating each day as though it were the best day. I am excited for Grace in His Beauty’s 1st anniversary at the end of March and am so thankful for all those who come in contact with this ministry. I am always praying for YOU! Know that you are loved deeply by God. Know that you have been redeemed and set free to live in His abundant grace!

2017 will be a great year if you decide to LIVE LIKE YOU ARE LOVED! Will you join me in living intentionally for God?! Happy New Year, beautiful friends!

xo,

Elizabeth