Fully Surrendered

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" Matthew 16:24

Fully surrendered.
A couple days ago I was listening to a sermon online about finding the one to marry, and the pastor mentioned looking for someone who is "fully surrendered." If they are fully surrendered to God, then everything else will take care of itself.
This truly impacted me, more than just as to who I am going to look for as a spouse--although it definitely gave me perspective for that too.
As I began to mull over being fully surrendered, I realized that's ultimately what I want for myself. I want to be fully surrendered to God, to fully pursue Him for Him and be a living sacrifice. Not surrendering for what I can get and what God will do for me, but surrendering in pursuit of Jesus Christ Himself.
Looking at my life through surrendered eyes puts a lot in perspective. I am able to reframe and see my true motivations. I'm able to re-think selfish pursuits and see how I can instead bring glory to God.
I can't wait to see how God works in the coming year. Here's to being fully surrendered!

My Year In Rewind: A Reflection About My Goals

                                
In a few short days, 2016 will be coming to an end. A new year will be upon us. I started this year with many goals and high hopes. This was going to be the year I hit my goals and returned to my passions.

Have I gotten closer to reaching goals?
Am I pursuing my passions again?

Writing. I have written blog posts and used my creative talent on class writing assignments.

Photography. Other than some random moments captured by my phone camera, I haven't pursued photography. I don't think it is as much of a passion as I once thought.

Teaching. I continued subbing, got a job as a paraprofessional, and I'm continuing my education to become an elementary teacher.

Reading. I have read many books throughout the year, including fiction and nonfiction. I've spent time enjoying books again and reading them for pleasure.

Music. I have found such joy in singing and listening to new music. I have even learned a few new songs on the piano.

I had a goal of reading through the Bible in a year. Being on a strict reading plan that rushes through isn't for me, so I'm extending this goal. I have read my Bible most days, and I've been working my way through books of the Bible one at a time. This month some girls and I decided to read through the book of Luke, and it's been awesome!