If I had to personify 2017, I’d describe it as a bitter, scowling, crotchety old neighbor who yells at kids to get off his lawn and refuses to decorate his house for Christmas. No matter how many times I reached out and tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, I ended up getting the door slammed in my face without so much as a neighborly smile.
In all honesty, it was a hard, hard year, and I am not sad to see it end in the least. For me, 2017 brought crushed dreams, cancelled plans, broken relationships, countless setbacks, rejection, deception, hurt, grief, and an utterly weary soul. It was an ugly year where the ugliness turned out to be more internal than external. I discovered just how weak I am, and it was a scary, humiliating realization.
Praise God, however, that my life is not dependent upon my weaknesses, but on God’s strength!
Through it all, even my stubborn silence, God proved faithful, loving, trustworthy and empathetic. He allowed me to be angry. He allowed me to blame Him (even though He did not deserve it). He gave me the space I needed to process my anger and did not rush or condemn me. He is so patient and forgiving, and for that I am so, so grateful!
The ironic part about all of this is that I had just finished writing a Bible study called Woven: Discovering God’s Purpose for Your Potential when the bottom seemed to drop out. I had written about what God had taught me about serving Him based on His Word and a lifetime of experience.
And then He let me live it all over again!
If there’s one thing that 2017 taught me (or REtaught me), it’s that serving God is less about who I am and more about who God is. Yes, I am Woven differently than everyone else in the whole world (as are YOU!), and yes, I am able to serve Him out of who I am. But, when who I am runs out – as it does so quickly! – who HE is fills in the gaps. He alone qualifies me for His service.
Part of the craziness of 2017 was that I had planned on teaching my Bible study last fall, but Hurricane Harvey wrecked those plans and we had to cancel it. God obviously knew that His message would mean even more now – after the storm, after the confusion, after the mourning.
So I am happy (and humbled) to announce that I’ll be live-teaching Woven this spring at Sagemont Church! The study is not yet available in stores or online, so this will be a special time, for sure! It’s open to women of all ages, and you don’t have to be a member of Sagemont to attend. I would love to have you join me!
Woven: Discovering God’s Purpose for Your Potential
In Woven, you will take a panoramic inventory of your life, from your personality and talents to your spiritual gifts, experiences, and more, in order to discern how best to serve the Lord and bring Him glory. By surrendering every thread and every fiber to the skillful hands of the Weaver, you will discover God’s unique purpose for your life – for today, tomorrow, and eternity.
When: Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:30pm; February 6th – March 27, 2018
Where: Sagemont Church; Houston, TX
Register: Online or call 281.652.3706
Questions? Email Cindy Jones at cindy.jones@sagemontchurch.org
I was happy to see 2017 end. It seems like we all went through some kind of trial.
I am what they call a non traditional student at UHCL. I am 74 years old and I have hopes of graduating in May of 2018 with a degree in Behavioral Sciences. This semester was one of the worst semesters I have had since going back to school. My grades fell to an all time low and I just couldn’t get with the program. I have some health issues that didn’t help.
I am a firm believer in higher education for anyone regardless of age.
I know there is a purpose for me being in school. I have met so many students who have went out of their way to help and encourage me. I have been blessed by wonderful processors who challenged my thinking. I thank God I have been able to share some of my faith with them.
With Harvey, health issues, and school I am ready for the new year! I praise God for his grace and mercy that has taken me through.
I have no idea where God is leading concerning school but I know He knows.
To God be the Glory!
Wow! That is amazing that you’re back in school! What a great goal. I plan on being a life-long learner as well, and I always day-dream about going back and getting my Masters or Doctorate. It’s not in God’s plan right now, but maybe someday. Praying for a great semester for you and that you’re able to finish well and finish strong in May!
I wish I lived closer so I could attend! I am happy to say goodbye to 2017 because 2018 brings the birth of our third child! The end 2017 was rough with a house fire and the flu, which have both followed us into 2018! But we are looking towards the future and know that God has a plan! Praying for you as you lead this study!
Praying for you as you welcome #3! That is so exciting! And I’m so glad God kept y’all safe!