My Year in Review

2014 has been a year of many laughs, adventures, challenges, growth and celebrations!  Past few days I have been reflecting on how fast this year has gone by.  It seems like yesterday we were at church and praying over our 2014 year.  Now with just a few hours left we will soon embark on a new season: 2015.  The Lord has been really good to me and my family.  He's given me hope and has taught me many lessons on life.  Most of all I been able to grow into a stronger woman of God.  He's taken me on a journey that I can't even fathom!  Despite the attacks from the enemy along the way I always knew how to overcome.  The enemy is out to hurt, lie and destroy!  But I'm a woman of God and it takes no bound on my life.   Yes I've faced challenges and had baggage that needed to be released but I stand today in FREEDOM! 

Part of my baggage that held me down at times was approval - seeking approval of others.  Seeking approval in my relationships, how I looked, motherhood and just doubting my worth.  I didn't wake up and become that person.  It stemmed from my childhood.  Abandoned from my parents, dealing with emotional and physical abuse, poor relationships, alcohol, sucicide thoughts and just not feeling any worth.  When we don't deal with our baggage or take responsibility it will affect you.  Even leave a black hole in your heart.  But this year God removed all those layers, healed my wounds and forgave me of my sins.  I had the honor of being baptized with Alex.  I attended a weekend Encounter with God.  All personal choices to better myself.  I DESERVED IT!   

I remember writing my goals for 2014 and one was to live FEARLESSLY.  I can honestly say today I no longer live in fear. I know who I am in Christ.  I'm a Daughter of the Most High.  Now does that mean my life is perfect? No!  I had to learn a lot.  I learned to take accountability when I was wrong.  I learned to forgive - not hold grudges.  Learned that motherhood can take a toll on me and it's OK to have bad days.  Learned to honor my husband in the small things.  Learned to create boundaries.  Accept people for who they are.  I learned my strength is not defined by my abs.  I've embraced modesty.  Learned to accept myself for who I am!  

A few of my favorite milestones: Ran the Nike Half Marathon six months pregnant, became an Ambassador for Bao Bei, became debt free, grew as a Fitness Coach, my marriage is stronger, I'm a mother of two boys, bought a new home, I have some amazing friends, been awarded for my stewardship in the community, my relationship with Jesus is flourishing and I wake up everyday feeling JOYFUL - despite lack of sleep HA!! 

I'm not sure what God has in store for 2015 but I do know that I plan on being BOLD in everything I do.  Glorifying God in my actions. Encouraging others to have HOPE - even save a few lives!  Spread the Gospel in my lifestyle.  It's who I am!  I'm not hear to seek approval of man or to gloat but I'm here to SPEAK LIFE and be the light!   

I will be bold in my running. Achieve 2015 miles. Run a few marathons.

I will be bold in my role as a mother.  Pray over my boys. Take pride in my appearance. See them worship in church. 

I will be bold in marriage.  Date nights. Honor Alex. Embrace the roles of being a Proverbs 31 woman. 

I will be bold in my finances.  Remain debt free.  Stick to budget. Live like no one else. 

I will be bold in my career. Achieve 2 Star Diamond. Mentor my Coaches. Grow my fitness ministry. Start a mommy & me group in Los Banos.  Write a book. Active Blogger. 

I will be bold in my relationship with Jesus. Save lives. Pray for others. Spread His word. Less of me more of Him. 

As I had my last CoffeeandJesus bible study of 2014 my devotional ended with this:

Let your life be modest and reserved, your manner courteous, your admonitions friendly, your forgiveness willing, your promises true, your speech wise, and your actions unifying. 

Proverbs 31:25-31

A perfect way to begin 2015 ~ I am READY! JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL!!! 

Happy 2nd Birthday Maximus

Son, you've brought so much JOY into my life and your fathers.  The minute you were born and I heard your cry I knew my life had changed for the better.  God truly revealed His goodness by choosing me as your mother.  The past two years have flown by.  We've laughed, cried, overcame challenges but most of all God was in the midst of it all.

I want you to know that I love you more and more everyday.  Everything I do is to better myself as a mother and love for your father.  We have a bond that no one can break.  Some might say you're spoiled.  Some might say you're a mamas boy.  But the truth is you are a mamas boy... You are MINE!  I'll never stop hugging you.  I'll never stop you from expressing your feelings. I'll never stop letting you cuddle with me especially when you have a boo boo.  I'll never tell you you can't do something.  I'll always be the #1 woman in your life.  One day you'll get married and I'll have to let you go.  But for now I'll embrace every smile, hug, I love you's and the special word: MOMMY!    Maximus, just know that I love you with all my heart and I'll continue to work hard as your mother.  I might make mistakes on the way, I might cry at times but one thing remains...my FAITH!  I'll Never Give Up!  It's because of God we are brought together.  

Never stop being yourself because you bring so much JOY to our lives.  Mommy and Daddy will always there for you but when we are not just know God is.  He's in your heart.  He will never leave nor forsake you. Our prayer is you'll continue the generation of serving God.  Your daddy and I are the first in our family to break many chains and serve God.  We pray you'll do the same with your family someday.  Until then, we will continue to be the examples and show His love in you.  

Keep smiling!  Keep being YOU!   Keep being the funny child you are.  You have so much to give to this world and only God knows.  

As we celebrate your life every year we want to give you the true meaning.  We won't promise you'll have a big party or be given luxurious gifts.  But what we will promise is we will celebrate you!  Our memories as a family we be carried on and one day you'll give back to your children.  You'll always have candles to blow out, you'll always have balloons, you'll always be prayed for and mommy will always cook your favorite meal.   Most of all Mommy & Daddy will always be there to celebrate with you! 

Cheers to the TERRIFIC TWOS in Jesus Name!

Proverbs 22:6