This post is written in honor of my birthday today! What an exciting time, beginning a brand-new year of life. I hope to live it to the fullest 🙂

I’m going on an adventure!

~Bilbo Baggins, The Hobbit

So, remember that one time (January 1st :D) when I got my word for 2014? It was simple: Live.

In the time that’s elapsed this year, I’ve been working & reflecting more… writing less… spending more time with people… and less time trying to fit life into a mold. I’ve been observing the world around me, to see it for what it really is (apart from my voice). It’s an interesting journey to take as you embark on your 30’s and a necessary one for me.

We learn a lot in silence. We discover that the world keeps rotating without our every opinion, experience, & feeling time-stamped & recorded. We observe people & human nature in their more honest forms. We hear what those around us are actually saying (& make room for the Lord’s voice, too). We also find fewer reasons to apologize (thank God) and relish the present more.

In short, we begin living more fully 🙂

There’s a joke that goes, If I didn’t put it on Instagram, did it even happen?? 

This was the small, fishbowl kinda world I wanted to retreat from, just for awhile. To gain some perspective, maybe. To realize not that many people needed to know about my every move (or me about theirs). To gather my thoughts (without the interjection of everyone else’s) and to observe for awhile. To learn & grow in my pursuits without as many interruptions. It’s been such a lovely & surprising relief.

Since then, a new spark has kindled in my heart, one that the Lord relit this January. It was as if He breathed on me & said Live, child. I’ll take care of the rest.

So I’m beginning to.

This word has been resonating within me this year, growing louder each passing month. And a cool experience has been happening: my heart is reopening to possibilities, to new opportunities, to dreams laid to rest too soon.

It’s as if He’s saying, It’s time to live again!

When I passed by you and saw you wallowing in your blood, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’ I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’ I made you flourish like a plant of the field. And you grew up and became tall and arrived at full adornment… [then] I made My vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became Mine. 

~Ezekiel 16

In 2014, I’ve been going on new adventures and it has been glorious! 🙂 And in times to come, I’m gonna go on more exciting adventures. It has me on the edge of my seat. I can hardly wait for what the Lord is inviting me into!

As with any destination, we never know the twists & turns, dips & peaks we’ll encounter or who we’ll meet along the way. We aren’t even sure who we’ll see in the mirror at the end of them, but all in all, I’d say it’s time for some adventure in my life! I believe God is holding the pen, and I hear Him saying… We’re going on a new adventure!

You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!

~Dr. Seuss