I am linking up for the Five Minute Friday. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung on her blog Heading Home. Today’s prompt is “Reflect” Write for five minutes; unedited.
It is almost hard to believe that is already Advent and then Christmas and then a new year will soon be upon us. And as the new year approaches, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year. It has been a great year: meeting new blog friends InRL, starting a tradition of a sister’s trip to Nashville, a youth gathering, and so much more!
I learned what it means for me and my friends to be brave through the words of Annie Downs. learned to savor our Tuesdays because in the words of Emily P. Freeman “It is Simply Tuesday.” I have continued to show love to my friends and family because in the words of Jen Hatmaker we shower each other with love “For the Love.” I have listened to those who have been “Searching for Sunday” and searching for God. And along the way, I have learned too that I am indeed a writer myself. (Thanks Kate, Charity, and Ann!)
For the last several weeks, I have been reflecting on my life and what I have to share. I have sensed a call from God to write a book titled “Chasing our Untils.” I have created an outline and need to simply begin writing. I wonder where this will take me.
Not only has this been a year of joy and happiness, I have also experienced sadness. My friend Laura is now reunited with her husband Rod in heaven. My heart breaks for their daughters but I find joy in knowing that they are not alone and surrounded by so much love. There are so many struggling with cancer and at times, I want to shout “This is enough God!” Yet I know that, even in the midst of sadness, God promises to never leave us or forsake us “Weeping may come for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”–Psalm 30:5
*I am so thankful for the Five Minute Friday community. I have found kindred spirits. I have found a community that has blessed me in more ways than I could ever imagine. We have cried together, laughed together, and even prayed together. We have shared about our love of all things Gilmore Girls, chocolate, and even our love of bacon! We have participated together in the Write 31 Days challenge. I am so blessed by each of you…and as I reflect on this past year, you all are one of the biggest gifts! Love you all so dearly!
During this season of Advent, may you take time to wait, watch, and reflect on the past year and remember Emmanuel “God with us” who, in the words of Eugene Peterson “takes on flesh and blood and moves into our neighborhood”
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, Tara. It's been said that while we're glad they're safe with Jesus, we want them safe with US!
#3 at FMF this week…reflecting, and it wasn't pretty.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2015/12/your-dying-spouse-93-fmf.html
Andrew, thank you! Continuing to pray for you brother!
Beautiful, Tara. You've lived so much life this year! It's sooo good to look back on the year and see God's fingerprints imprinted on events and days. I'll look forwad to hearing more about your book!
Thanks Jeanne!
Tara I am SO excited that you are writing a book! I will be praying for you in that process that God calls your heart to words that are free flowing, grace filled, and hard to type but needed. I am so thankful for FMF too! It brings joy to my Friday mornings! I love that you have a pic with Valerie and Janelle at the bottom too! I got to meet them too this summer. What warm spirits to meet in REAL life! I appreciate your words from ND! I hope you have a fantastic day and Christmas season. May God continue to shine His light on each of us as we do our thing for Him. Love, Jenn
Jenn, I am so glad that you are excited! I'm not so sure some days! 😛 It was so fun to meet Valerie and Janel this summer. I hope you have a fantastic day and Christmas season too.
Tara, I'm always glad to visit you. What a compelling title for a book – Chasing Our Untils – I am excited for you! I hope that your year to come is filled with blessings. You seem to always make the most of whatever comes – I think that's one of the true blessings of knowing Christ – the belief that we are never forsaken or forgotten, that we are truly cherished and loved. You are cherished and loved, Tara. Hugs!
Thanks Janet! You are cherished and loved too! Hugs back at ya!
Looking back, our vision sees a fuller picture, recognizes more of the blessings even in times of struggle. That's what you've shared here, Tara. Lovely reflections on a good year and I know you look ahead with Hope.
Thanks Debby! And I do indeed look ahead with Hope!
Woot! Woot! You go, girl! I'm so proud of you for taking that first step!
Thanks, Anita!
Can't wait to read the book!! I'm so thankful you and Bethany introduced me to this crazy group of women.
Thanks Miranda! I am so glad that Bethany and I were able to introduce you to this crazy group of women. I'm so thankful for them too!
I'll be the first to join your book launch team! Such a wonderful reflection of the past year. This was my first year as part of the FMF community and I absolutely love it. I've been blessed to get to know you and many others from FMF.
First on my book launch team sounds like a plan to me! I love the FMF community too.
Tara once again, we're right there together…I cannot believe we are going to write our books at the same time haha. I know several young women that your book will inspire.
Want to help keep each other accountable?
I love your reflections and continue to pray as you mourn
Christy, yes, we could and should totally hold each other accountable.
Tis the season for reflecting and it all seems to be good. A looking back so we can move forward! Thanks for these words! Happy Friday to you!
Thanks Rachel!
I love this so much… because, of course! And squee for an outline for a book, girlie! How exciting!!!
Thanks friend!
tara, i enjoyed reading through your reflections…happy and sad. they reminded me of some of the events of this and previous years. carry on sister:)
Thanks Martha!
This is terrific, Tara. I love how much the community of writers and the words you have read have blessed you this year. And how exciting to hear you are nursing the embryo of your own work to come! With a title like that you have already gained my attention. Praying for you as you go forth and multiply your words as a gift to share with others in the year ahead. Well done, you! 🙂 x
My own embryo of work…that image will stick with me. Glad that my title gained your attention too. Thanks for the prayers. They are so greatly appreciated!
I enjoyed your reflections on the year, Tara, and I love the idea and outline for your book. Look forward to hearing more about it.
Thanks Carly!
Tara, I love that you're writing a book! It sounds like a good one! I have enjoyed the Five Minute Friday community even though I haven't made it every time. It's a blessing! May you be blessed and have a great weekend.
Thanks Gayl! Hope you had a great weekend too!
UNTIL'S….perfect. Love the idea and the outline! xo
Thanks Susan! xo
How exciting about your book! That is inspiring. 🙂 Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.
Thanks Becky!
That's really beautiful, Tara. What an amazing year! I love that you've outlined your book. I too love the FMF community. Merry Christmas and blessings!
Thanks Christina! Merry Christmas and blessings to you as well!
Those are all wonderful books! Thanks for sharing your insight with us. And good for you for starting your book! I'm working on my first book as well. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Elizabeth, those are all some of my fave books from this past year. They truly are wonderful.
I love you, friend. Love your reflections here. And I can't wait to meet you in RL someday soon. You are beautiful, inside and out, and I can't wait to read your upcoming beautiful book! Sign me up!
Awww thanks Julie! Love you too friend, And yes one day soon we will meet in RL. And thank you for saying that I am beautiful inside and out. I will indeed sign you up! 🙂
Tara,
what a lovely reflection of the year! You are indeed a writer. I'm very excited for this next chapter for you! And thoroughly encouraged that you read Annie's book. You are indeed a brave girl!
Love,
Tammy
Thanks Tammy! I am so glad you are excited. I am too…but then there are days, I am wondering what I am doing! 😛 But when God calls, it's best for us to answer, right?!?! As I have lived into my word for the year, I have found I am seeing myself as more and more brave!
yay you are going to write a book! how awesome is that. I too have been heavily influenced by books this year. those are good ones you mentioned there.
so glad that i got to meet you and have lunch together and that great chat in your hotel room in Nashville. Love you girl.
Thanks friend. I loved our time together too. Love you right back friend!