Ever feel like you stepped into a time warp and “whoosh” an entire month is gone? That would be me today. I’ve had my nose to the grindstone, well… my fingers on the keyboard and eyes on a computer screen a good share of this month. I’m coming up for air today to catch up on email and social media and feeling a bit shocked that it is almost the end of January.
To tell the truth, I’m also feeling  like I’m behind before the year has really begun. Anyone else feeling that pinch? True confession here–I just sent off the last of my Christmas cards today. No judging, friends…
I could re-frame that thought and spin it as getting ahead this year. After all, Christmas is happening earlier and earlier each year, right? But with a dose of honesty and humility, I’ll just call it what it is. My Christmas cards are late. Quite late.
At the moment I am juggling multiple significant opportunities, and I’ve never been much of an acrobat. I did manage to multi-task…once. I believe that was back in 1997. Just kidding, but I do find it a challenge to keep up with many things and do it all to the level that I’d like. Maybe this is a struggle for you as well. If so, let’s encourage each other!
The temptation is to look ahead and want to panic. Or maybe just hyperventilate a bit.
That’s the temptation but not the truth.
The truth is that God will complete what He has begun, and my role is to live faithfully each day as we tackle each task together.
God will complete the work of growing character as well as the work of fulfilling calling in each one of us. Isn’t that a encouraging truth to hang on to!
On the ministry front: Planting Roots: Strength to Thrive in Military Life is well under way and I am filled with awe as I watch God continue to build this ministry of encouragement and equipping for military women. I can’t give you all the details, but God is doing some very big things as this non-profit gets set up and the framework to be able to simulcast conferences and create live recordings is built! Praise-praise-praise!!
And the writing:Â As for the house, half of the Christmas decorations are still up and it’s a bit of a mess… I am leaving my tree up on purpose. It stands right next to my desk and I’m hoping the twinkle of the lights will continue to inspire me as I work on completing a draft of a Christmas book. This tree is not coming down until the draft is finished…which will be soon (Lord willing).
For the short term, the blog has taken a bit of a backseat, but that’s only temporary. I’m looking forward to several other speaking engagements this spring as well. So you can see why I feel like I am juggling.
I’m super excited about all of these things! When I stop to think about it, I can feel a little overwhelmed. My inner wimp pipes up with thoughts like, “What make you think you have something to say?” She has other barbs of self-doubt, but I’m not listening to that voice.
There are moments when it feels like a house of cards that could easily come flittering down. But my word for this year is stand. So I will pray like crazy and stand in faith and trust that God will enable me to go far beyond merely keeping up.
I am choosing to trust that God will fulfill His purpose in every plan and each opportunity He has sent my way. I am choosing to be grateful and available. I am choosing to believe that He will give me every word, whether spoken or written.
And that, Sister, you can take to the bank, no matter what you’re working on!
So I sit at my desk, a wide open field, and watch to see what God will say and do. I lay my heart in His hands with a humility that understands that I must learn and receive, surrender and trust, respond and rejoice. I ‘m clinging to the vine and letting God bring forth the fruit of results and growth.
Isn’t this the true work before us all?
Blessings sweet friends, as you come to the end of this first month of the year. I hope in some what that I have encouraged you to stay focused on Christ and let Him bring forth the fruit that is pleasing to Him.
To God be the glory.
Tweetable: Pray like crazy and stand in faith!
How can we stand together in faith? Leave a comment and let me know how I can pray for you.
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
I can totally relate sweet friend – this post totally resonates with me! We do have our tree down but there are a couple of small,items that got missed but have been really bugging me! I have been sick for four days and I feel like I have missed the January boat for sure! I was going to use this week to get back on track and finish January strong and now I am having to regroup and pray that I am healed by Sunday! Praying for you! Thanks for sharing your heart!
Oh I hope you feel better and get caught up soon. No fun to start the year out being under the weather. I’m so glad these words were and encouragement to you and thanks so much for your prayers. Right back at you!
Ginger, I so know this feeling! I have had similar thoughts lately. So glad God is faithful! I will be praying for you, my friend, in the days ahead and know that God will continue to work through you. Praying for encouragement in your heart, wisdom in your preparing, and time. Thank you for sharing today!
It is a strange mix of excitement and energy with a does on uneasy on the side. A good place to stand in faith and rejoice while you tackle the job before you. Praying for you as well as you work on some very exciting things!
Oh yes the month has flown and I am am right behind with you, but do you know I am trying to trust in God’s timing – thank you for your honesty and such an encouraging post – I love your writing Ginger and it always inspires me 🙂
Thanks for the kind words, Tania. I think I need new running shoes to keep up with this race, how about you? Isn’t it good to share encouragement together?
Oh, I so get the feeling like where did the time go! A lovely post and affirmation, I so appreciate the truth that He will finish in me what He has begun…and I can rest in the confidence of His faithfulness! Best wishes as you speak and go forth in all of His plans for you this year, Ginger!
I love seeing your familiar face in the comments today, Dawn. Yes, confidence in God enables us to rest. I really like the way you put that:)
I loved this part, “The truth is that God will complete what He has begun, and my role is to live faithfully each day as we tackle each task together.” Isn’t that so true? God always finishes what He starts. There are some exciting things happening in your life. Can’t wait to hear more!
I’m so very grateful that God is our grand completer. What stress I have heaped on my head by thinking it is up to me to finish and succeed. This grace of life together is something God is taking me deeper into. Blessings friend!
I love that juxtaposition between temptation and truth. Satan tempts us, but we have to stand on truth. Blessings on your opportunities and praying God mightily uses you in the year ahead.
Thanks so much. I loved visiting your beautiful website. Blessing on all that God is doing through you as well!