What are some goals you have for this new year… & for this new decade?

The 2010’s for us were marked by my husband & I dating, getting engaged, & the first 9 years of our marriage (our anniversary is TOMORROW, New Years Day!). We experienced newlywed life, moving 10 times (including cross-country), being first-time homeowners, then puppy owners, & now parents for the first time! 🙂 What a ride it’s been so far.

To be honest, this past decade was challenging in every single way for us. We’ve experienced incredible personal growth in every area of our lives but also stagnation, waiting, several heartbreaks, & deep/painful healing of our hearts & souls & even bodies. It’s been quite an experience.

We went from our mid-20’s to mid-30’s, from single to married, from wanna-be parents to mom & dad of a beautiful, fun-loving little girl! I personally went from full-time employee to stay-at-home mama, from Georgia peach to Texan to Floridian again! And my husband changed careers multiple times & went from lifelong Texan to honorary Floridian now (a role he’s thoroughly embracing) 🙂

This past decade was a game changer for us.

What about you? What changes have you gone through these past 10 years? I hope you’ve seen God’s goodness, His faithfulness in the ups & downs of life, His presence in the everyday mundane & in your darkest moments, & His joy & peace.

I hope you’ve seen answered prayers — even if they took years longer than you thought. I hope you’ve seen restoration, even though walking through the valley about did you in. I pray you’ve seen recompense for the losses you’ve experienced or that your heart is full of hope for His repayment coming in due time. This is where I stand, too, at the end of this year.

In the past decade, I went from heartbroken to healed. From idealistic to sobered by reality 🙂 From healthy in body to a chronic condition to clawing my way out again healed!!!! From broken to blessed.

Take time to write out what the past decade looked like for you & your family & your hopes/dreams/prayers for the “Roaring 20’s” ahead! Here are mine.

My hopes for our 2020 & beyond are that…

• Our family grows — the good, old-fashioned way or an unorthodox way! 🙂
• We live healthier lives!
• My family walks in our purpose together
• I prioritize passion projects / part-time work ~ I feel God pulling me back to what I love (writing & creative work!)
• We move back to the neighborhood half my family lives in, to be close to everyone again (yay!)
• We invest more @ church! Lead & join groups, serve, show up & connect!
• We launch a business (or 2) for God’s glory & for fun!
• We both do what we’re called to from a place of love, not guilt. Enjoy the freedom God’s given us to be part of His plan, not because we “have to” but because we “get to” & He’s made room for us in it!!

What is your biggest hope for 2020 & for this new decade?

My greatest hope is that I’ll live daily in a place of JOY, gratitude & love & that my family will flourish & grow!! In Jesus’s name amen!