2018 a review and 2019 a preview

Welcome 2019 (soon)!

Looking back at 2018, a smile lights my face as I think back on the year. Why smile? Oh, there are so many reasons, but here are two that have impacted my life greatly. I smile because God has matured and helped develop my habits. I was able to read/listen to the entire Bible in chronological order! I did not lose focus or give up, or get too busy. I actually did it! And I gained knowledge, awe, reverence, and reminders that I am walking a different path, with a different aim, and far different destination than anything the world might have to offer me.

I also smile, and release a large sigh of contentment because I started a new job in 2018! And it is such a great match for me! I enjoyed the twists and turns of the public school system and I know the help, teaching and counsel I was able to provide for 9 years, was of a benefit to some. But to branch out, and discover a new realm in higher ed, has truly been one of the absolute best parts of 2018!

And so, looking back with gratitude, I stand here at the brand-new, fresh start of a new year! Excited, thankful, and ready..I think, for what a sparkling new year will hold. I'm growing up, so I already know there will be sweet and sour, but I'm realizing it really is your mindset in how you handle the "flavors" of life that makes all the difference. Now, as always, I will preview some parts of a fresh new year. 2019 here we come, be kind please.

2019:

* Financially, I am approaching the finish line of a major financial milestone for me, and while I am giddy and grateful. I am also getting the new goals ready, so that I don't lose focus and drift along. This is the year for determination, and drive!

* People that I know and love will pass away or suffer through illness. Aging is real. Eternity is real. Don't get caught up on what you can see, and forget the Lord who created us all and gives us everlasting purpose. 

* SHIPT- I started this side hustle in October (thanks to Melanie's wisdom), and as I enter a new year, it will be my additional funds for travel and home buying. Yayyyyy! 

* Faithfully, the thought of shining for Christ has come to my spirit a lot lately. I still am praying and seeking to find out how I I can shine and be a bright, positive light to attract others to Christ. 

* Cookies! Branching out and selling cookies to friends and family. And the baker in me is just thrilled about this one right here....maybe this will just be the start of the Brina Bakes empire (kidding, kidding). But seriously, if you are in Tallahassee, look for me to be offering up pretty, and delicious cookies just in time for Valentine's Day!

* Relationship land, I had to kind of regroup in 2018. I will not lie, it is difficult in the dating game, when you know what real love is, and you just can't settle for an imitation. So, sigh, relationship land is something I do desire, but only if it is true and good for me. I am hard-wired for loyalty, and caring but those two traits are not exactly appreciated in the dating world today, so it's kind of "interesting". However, I am going to try and not give up, but embrace courage and hope. If you would like to pray about this one, I would appreciate it:) 

* Turning 34 and continuing to celebrate the gift of this precious life 

* Travel plans for this year....you know I WANT to be traveling a lot....but in the season of preparing for a home purchase, I must do what I NEED to do, not want. So, a Key West trip with the girls, and then cooling my jets. Though I would adore to get to go to DC and see the cherry blossoms in full bloom!! And I would love, love to finally make it Texas and see some dear friends! 

For 8 years I have closed the same way, so here we go:) Love you all!

Now with all of that said I will say this.....2019 is a completely unknown entity. Sure, I know some things but they are so tiny compared to what I have no idea about. The key is to hold fast to God, have faith and grace, love my family and friends, and be the very best Sabrina Maude Stewart that I can be.....that should not be too hard ( I am kidding) it will probably take me 365 days to kind of get it right!

Care

* I started this post in July, and finally finished it today. Interesting how not much has changed in the news cycles.*

Recent political events have been on my heart lately. You see, I say, on my heart, not on my mind. Because in this oppressive, greedy, "me-first" America that we live in, too many people are thinking but not enough are...caring.

You know, during the election I often wondered, do people realize just how dangerous the "us vs them" rhetoric can be? I pondered, do people not think that history can repeat itself? I stewed over, how can people interact with you on a daily basis, but in their hearts and homes support a new American dream of divisiveness and harm. And I didn't come up with any answers, but that did not stop me from...caring.

So then the election came and it went. And I personally stopped tuning in to politics. I felt like I was both getting dumbed down and horrified. And I just turned my attention to more local matters, and using my small influence for good. And so it's been for about 2 years. And all the while bullying speech has been lauded from the highest office in the land. Untruths have been hurled like grenades, leaving nothing but ruin and confusion in their wake. And those on both sides have jumped into the festering cesspool  of ignorance and anger that some call "politics" but in reality is some of the worst "civilized" and "accepted" and "expected" behavior that I have heard of in a long time. The taunts, the jokes, the ridicule, and truly soul clenching hate that has been very thinly disguised and even cheered. It is disgusting, and the opposite of...caring.

And now enter in the border and the continued games of using people as pawns in what for us is just "news" but for them is their very life and death. And so my heart has been beating lately for those fleeing persecution. And I don't mean the "Americanized", they won't bake me a cake stuff. I mean, they burned my fields and crops, and threatened to come back next for my teenage daughter, if I don't sell them what is left of my familial property. Real life, gasping, bleeding, real life. And it gets chopped down to fit a news segment, and it gets looped with lightning speed but also in the rush, comes mistakes in reporting. And because everyone is so suspicious,  it feels like we have stopped...caring.        

Caring is defined as feeling or showing concern for or kindness to others. Well, if it is true, that our actions are a reflection of our heart (and that is true), then right now I live in a county of such promise but such abyssal showing of caring. And in times such as these, I have to remember to kind of shake it off, the bruising blows of pop culture, the selfish, unkind threats of politics; and pick back up my light and shine it with...caring. I have to listen to people, and carefully watch my words, that they would be genuine and...caring. I have to look ahead to a New Year, and remember that if a bunch of "I's" get together and don't give up, our...caring, just might change the world.