New Year - New Adventures

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Life has been packed, jam packed of late. In fact, it's been so full that I decided to do something drastic about it. For the fun of it, since I am turning 23 this year, I've decided to do 23 somethings about it!

But we'll just start at the beginning.

Not so much a "New Year's Resolution", but rather a decisision to focus on some really important things, cut out distractions, and reevaluate life in every sense possible. This conclusion happens to also come at the same time as the end of the year. Thus it seems to work as a NYR, so call it whatever you like.

Typical NYRs are about health, self improvement, and religious ideas. Well, what do you know! It's perfect!


So, we'll go through it in reverse.

1 - Be more faithful in prayer
I'm desiring to focus my time in more effective ways. I know of nothing more effective in time management than prayer. So this is certainly one of the biggest things on my list of 23 amazing changes.



2 - Be devoted to reading my Bible daily
Likewise, changing a lifestyle is pointless if it's outward alone, but I purpose to hone in on my soul in this year. Soul style changes are important to me. This is something that we should all strive to cultivate, so if you'd like to start a reading plan, here are some from my friends at Ligonier Ministries. They also have a lot of great resources for FREE!!!
Be sure to let me know how your reading plans go.

3 - No  Facebook, no Twitter

I love people. I love talking. I love being connected. But for this season, being connected needs to be very purposeful. It calls for the disconnecting of some areas, so that those efforts can be rerouted in more efficient direction. So this is just one of the the steps I am going to be taking to become more focused in my 23rd year of life. Should be a lot of fun!

4 - No caffeine

After college got my coffee addiction started, I started working for Starbucks. As of December 31, 2014...consuming 11-12 shots of Starbuck's espresso shots, does not effect me. So, for 2015, there will be no caffeine consumed by moi.
There are a few foodie related things I have planned for this year. For January this is my big step. Of all the foodie plans, this is going to be the hardest, so it's going first.


I hope you keep up with me as I go through this year of adventures! Leave a comment with your NYRs, lifestyle changes, and soul changes you have either just jumped into or have been working on lately! I'd love to hear from you.

Together, lets make 2015 a year of glorifying God for the growing and maturing He develops in us!


Adventure is out there!

Ephesians 5:16-17

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Happy Birthday Joshua

So, often a person might make a new friend, and thus a friendship is born, yet siblings may not be included in that friendship, worse they may even be seen as the "third wheel" or viewed as "cramping style". This is very sad to me, my friends siblings are just as much my friend as the first sibling I met from that family! My best friend's youngest sister is my "twin".

And the brother to Jenn, the author of Becoming A Fair Lady blog (and the one who invited me to the Dominican Republic), is one of those kinds of friends. I didn't know him until AFTER getting to know Jenn. He soon went from being "Jenn's brother", to my own friend. The entire Raimundo family is dear to me. So, without further explanation…

Happy 18th Birthday Joshua!!

It was such a joy meeting you, and wonderful to get to know you throughout the trip. I've loved that we still keep in touch.

Yes, when I am out there next, I'll teach you to drive. :-)

You, sir, are a blessing to my life, a dear friend, and tons of fun!!

Your kindness and thoughtfulness wasn't missed on the trip, I was always very grateful for your gentlemanly conduct. Of all the men I've been around that gave effort to treat the women around them as SISTERS in Christ, you have succeeded. I felt honored and treated well when around you.
Often you gave up your will to someone else's, that is wonderful. It is a brilliantly burning light in you, that you serve Jesus Christ.

Dear brother, may this coming year be a year defining to your character and being in Christ. May our Lord continue to mold you to look more like Jesus.
I pray that you keep growing into the man of God you were created to be!

It has been, it is, and I am sure it will continue to be, a huge blessing in my life to watch you as God directs your footsteps.

Dear brother, when life pressures you to compromise, keep your eyes on Christ, He will make you able to withstand pressure.
When life seems upside down, remember that Jesus IS the WAY! You will never be lost or misdirected if you're guided by Christ.
When sin crouches at the door, remember two things…One, for it to overtake you, first it must bind up the strong man that is Christ, and two, you are in armour is given to you by God. He will always provide you an escape.
When it's hard and you're exhausted and it seems good to give up, hold tight to what you know is Truth. He'll never leave you, and He provides you with everything, and He is enough for you.

Dear brother, grow, like a tree planted by the still waters, soak up the blazing hot SON Light. Remember you are chosen by Him, and kept by Him.

Ephesians 4:32 - 5:1-2

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Stand strong brother, fear nothing but God, be bold and courageous! Be unashamed of the name you were chosen for…disciple of Jesus Christ.

Romanos 1:16

"Porque no me avergüenzo del evangelio, porque es poder de Dios para salvación a todo aquel que cree; al judío primeramente, y también al griego."