Life around here continues to be an adventure.

Every day feels like I’m on an unpredictable and exciting journey as I follow my Creator. So often I plan my day but find His plans are bigger and better.

Hence, the adventure.

2017 has settled in rather quickly. Goodness, we’re about ready to cross off two months of this year’s calendar! (A friend of mine mentioned in an email today that ten months from tomorrow is Christmas! Oh, my.) Is it possible for time to speed by any faster? I certainly hope not.

Some of us were ready for a fresh start in the new year, and some of us have received that in a beautiful way. Yet, there are also some of us who have found 2017 to be a bit of a struggle. Some of us find ourselves asking, “Where’s the fresh start for me?” I’m sorry if this new year has been difficult thus far. Friend, if it may help at all, I extend to all of us some truth today… we aren’t alone in the difficulties. God is with us. He said He’d never leave us or forsake us. He’s with you and me. May we cling to this truth today. (I’d be honored to pray for you if you’d allow me to. Either contact me here or share how I can pray for you in the comments below.)

[Tweet “I extend to all of us some truth today… we aren’t alone in the difficulties. God is with us.”]

So, how has 2017 been so far for you?

What are you learning?

What have you experienced these first eight weeks of 2017?

If you chose a word or a focus for your year, how are you seeing it lived out in your life?

You might remember I chose LIVE as my word for 2017. No other word could have been more appropriate for me this year. LIVE has moved me when I didn’t feel like budging. It has stretched me when I wanted to stay comfortable. It has prompted me to take chances and explore new paths. And, it has given me, in a way, a new lease on life.

As silly as it may sound and read…

LIVE has helped me live.

Big changes have happened since January 1. I began a new job nearly three weeks ago. Actually, though, it’s a new, old job. My new job is one I held two years ago… so it’s new, yet, it’s old. It’s a job I enjoyed and flourished in, and it gave me an opportunity to enhance the lives of others. It feels good to be back in the role of Foster Grandparent Program Coordinator for Linn and Johnson counties.

I’m also helping in my former role at the church until the open position is filled. (So, locally, if you know someone who would be great in a church office setting and is looking for a wonderful job, send them my way!) It was a terribly hard decision leaving this position at the church, as I was comfortable and happy there. My job was fulfilling and brought me much joy. It helped me heal in a church setting, and it allowed me to get to know many amazing people. I have been blessed to work with/for wonderful people and serve God as I did so. But, there’s more. A draft job description for a Director of Communication is under consideration at the church, and if it’s approved, I will step into this new part-time position and serve in this role alongside my new FGP Coordinator position.

I’m excited to continue walking this LIVE adventure out!

LIVE has helped me appreciate life.

You might also remember I began the new year wearing heart monitor for a month. Results showed an irregular heart rhythm just once in 30 days. I had another test today, an echocardiogram. I’ll find out the results next week.

So many years of my life I took my health for granted. I didn’t fully appreciate what healthy meant. For years I’ve exercised and ate healthy (for the most part). But, I’m understanding more and more that my health is a blessing and a gift. Being healthy is more than the number the scale shows, and it’s much more than how one’s body looks. Being healthy is my total well-being and appreciating the life I’ve been given.

[Tweet “Being healthy is more than the number the scale shows and how one’s body looks. #live2017”]

LIVE has helped me keep my focus on what’s important.

 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:2

I’m not doing it perfect, but I’m trying to keep my thoughts on what’s above, not on what’s here on earth. Keyword here is trying. I’m finding staying close to Jesus through my Bible study, through conversing with Him, through hanging out with others who also stick close to Him are what’s helping me keep my eyes lifted.

I’m a work in progress on this LIVE adventure.

A big work in progress.

I’d love to get caught up with you and your life, friend! I invite you to share your thoughts, ideas, experiences, life stories, etc. of these first weeks of 2017.

Let’s continue to walk this journey together. Thank you for being a part of my LIVE adventure!

Blessings,

Julie

Linking this post with friends Crystal and Susan.