Reflecting on a Year of Bible Journaling

It's been almost a year since I began this new way of connecting to the Word through Bible Journaling. I'm so grateful for this process and how God has used it to draw me in closer. God has used the time to rebuild and reform and reestablish how I see myself - as His child - worthy, loved, valued, included, and created for a purpose. That outlook will be important this next year as my family establishes a new home in a new state. (Yes, we are moving again after just 2 1/2 years in this house.)

God reminded me this year that He is trustworthy and faithful. People and circumstances of this world can hurt and disappoint us, but when we put our full trust in Him, our outlook changes and we can face those trials of the world as we keep our eyes on Jesus and our hearts rooted in His love for us. I've experienced some personal hurts this year and broken relationships, but I believe God is using these experiences to make my heart a little more tender towards others and give me courage to step out and trust in Him as I build new relationships in West Virginia. (Yes, we are crossing the border - but only a little bit.)

God has walked with us each and every step as we've investigated and considered this move. For me, Bible journaling has been an important part of my prayer time and discerning His voice as we took each step forward. Truth be told, I wasn't a fan of the idea of moving when my husband brought it up last summer, but I promised to pray about it. God met me there and changed my heart. He also began to line up events that kept leading us in this direction. He revealed Himself to us and let us know he is with us as we walk a new path.
We are excited and looking forward to what God has in store for us in Harpers Ferry, WV. We go forth knowing that whatever happens (for certainly in this world there is bad with the good) we need not fear for we have planted ourselves in faith and our God is near to us.