Shalom – Stepping into 2022

The end of 2021, the beginning of 2022…Shalom – peace out to 2021 and praying for a peace-filled 2022.

2021 was full of blessings – a new granddaughter, new ministry opportunities and a newly written favorite song “Jesus Is”.

Heading into 2022 I’m even more overwhelmed with God’s goodness. An additional new ministry opportunity that came my way and was really unexpected, an upcoming revival in April in Fulton, MO with one of my favorite preachers, lots more opportunities with my beautiful family and so much more.

God is a good God, He has good plans.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 

It is so easy for me to get sidetracked by many things – the day to day stuff that has to get done, work, social media, blah blah blah. I need plans…to make plans but I want those plans to be led by the Spirit of God and for my heart to know they are His good plans for me and not what I want. I don’t know all the things He is doing and I am trying not to run ahead of Him. I simply need to trust and obey. Lead me, Lord Jesus!

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Proverbs 16:3-4

For 2022…

I want to blog more regularly, to write with focus, intentionality and substance.

I want to play acoustic guitar (this is going to be a lot of work) and more piano, write more songs, memorize all my own songs…I know, I know…it’s ridiculous that I don’t have them all memorized.

I want to record my next album.

I want to study and learn more about my Jesus, to know Him more and more. To BE with Him and choose Him even when I think I need to “get things done”.

I want to know more of the Word, about prophecy and the gifts of the Spirit, the scriptures that seem harder to understand and more!

I want to memorize scripture.

I want to sing in unlikely places, like nursing homes, bedsides, jail pods, in living rooms with friends and neighbors.

I want to bake cookies with my granddaughters and sing songs with them, play on the floor and tell them about Jesus.

I want to read all kinds of books, do jigsaw puzzles and play games with anyone who will.

I want to visit my extended family, help my mama, love on the homebound and write letters like my grandma.

I want to go for long walks and work in my yard.

I want long talks with my husband sharing time in the Word and praying together, date nights and service alongside him. I want to be his biggest cheerleader.

I want to push my friends and other women of God to pursue and step into their calling.

I want to be a light for Jesus in my family and see them fall in love with Him.

I want to use the gifts, talents and my home for His Glory.

Here I am, Lord. Use me and all that I have for Your Will. Weigh my motives, Lord, and remove the plans that are not Yours.

“A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9