Into Year Thirty-Eight

It’s pretty crazy what can happen in a whole year.

What’s more crazy is how easy it is to forget what has happened in a whole year.

April 14th always brings with it a wave of texts, posts, and messages that always overwhelm me with gratitude for the many people that I have been so blessed to have in my life. To all those that sent those messages - thank you. You are a blessing to me and I’m so grateful for you.

This year, for my birthday, I was given the opportunity to do something that I love, that I feel gifted to do, and am so privileged that the Lord continues to use me in this way. This April 14th, I was asked to preach at our church.

All week leading up to Sunday, I honestly did not love the direction of the message. Mainly, because I the content of the message was just super challenging to me, personally.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” - 2 Timothy 1:7

If you’ve been around Jesus or the Church for a while, perhaps you have heard this passage quoted.

The thing that was most challenging to me about this passage and the things that Paul says to Timothy thereafter is this: What things am I giving power to?

It might be the single greatest thing that I have been learning/processing in my 37th year of life. I am the one who determines what I allow space for in my mind and in my heart. I am given the power to make space for the truth of the Gospel or the truth of another gospel.

Personally, this year feels like the year to press into saying my best yes. I’m committing to cultivating space that is devoid of timidity and fertile for power, love, and self-discipline. To fan into flame the gift of God so that I can see those things be true in my life each day.

If you’re interested in the message from Sunday, you can watch the message below.

As I walk into my 38th year on earth - I’m thankful for the people in my life. I am grateful for the opportunities that I find present in my life. I am looking forward to the chances that I am afforded this year to continue to forge and foster those relationships as the Lord sees fit.

Here’s to another trip around the Sun. Hope to see you on the journey.