Today amidst the homeschooling, the christmas shuffle of getting it all done and the baby juggling, I somehow managed to just sit.  And instead of sitting in front of the tv, digesting a pound of corn chips (I have never done that before), I decided to open up my computer and read some old blog post (like this one).

It was liberating.  There is something so great about having these stories on screen so that I can actually look back and see all that we have been through as a family and how far God has taken us.  It's all about perspective people.  If we can retain perspective in life, it truly allows us to sit in a place of thankfulness.

Last week our pastor's wife delivered a powerful message of what we should leave behind this year and what we should carry into the New Year.  It really hit home for me.  I have always done the goals and resolutions for the New Year, but I have never pondered on what baggage I should leave at the door before walking through the new.  Make sense?

In other words… what crap can I leave out of my life in order to make room for the abundance of goodness that He is just ready to give me.


1.  Negativity in front of the mirror.  No more will I stand in front of that huge, bathroom mirror and pinch back the places that I would love to see gone.  I mean… how I never saw this as a bad start to my day is crazy.  BUT… no longer.  I will embrace confidence and I will force myself to say nice things about the image He created.  After all, I am created in His likeness.

2.  The need to be the "fixer."  When I am told a "problem" my first reaction is to "fix it."  Which nine times out of ten, usually leaves me stressing about how I can be the one to make things better when in reality I really need to be looking to Jesus and speaking life into the situation first.  After I do that… then just maybe HE will give me wisdom as to how to fix it or peace to just stay out of it and let it be.

3.  Throwing the "maybe one day's…" out the window.  I cannot tell you how many things we have put on the back burner because "now is not the season..." or "one day when we have enough money we will…" We plan to be more intentional this year about planning purposeful vacations and fun activities as a family.  I have decided to write down 4 things I would like to see our family do this year.  And instead of being frantically worried about how we are going to pay for it or make time for it, I have decided to lift it up to the Lord for help.  In advance and not just two weeks before.  I know you've done it too.  I am willing to bet we will be much more successful this year about seeing our family fulfill some of the desires of our hearts.

4.  Saying NO to comparison.  I am going to try really hard to go into this year not worried about what others think.  Too often I am wondering about my purpose, am I doing enough or am I a good mother.  If I really reflect on the root of all thsese questions… most of the time they stem back to the opinion, or even worse the comparison of others.  I am going to tune my ear to what HE says, verses what others think.

5.  Sayonara shyness.  I know some of you who know me well are thinking I'm crazy by saying that I am shy.  But that's because you've either known me a long time and I feel comfortable around you OR I barely know you and that gives me enough freedom in "faking" it.  Yup, I said it.  So shyness must leave.  No longer will I feel intimidated by walking into a room full of strangers or doing something that I have never done before.  I am going to welcome Boldness into my life.  And I am willing this will improve once I start at #1.

For the last two years I have written New Years posts and it amazes me how far God has taken my family and the fact that I am still blogging... I hardly ever stick to things like this.

I saw a post today on Facebook about a New Years tradition in Grenada.  A friend recently moved there (I actually have no idea where "there" really is...) and she said that they refer to NYE as the "Old Year." She then went on to say that she actually enjoyed this because it caused her to reflect on all that God has done...

So 2012...

Last NYE I wrote all of our dreams, goals, resolutions and prayers on a chalk board in our kitchen.  I meant for this to stay up only for a few weeks, but the words that couldn't leave our heart, also stayed on the board in front of us.  Although, we definitely didn't take notice daily, we did often talk about it, dream about it and on occasion even doubted it.  We often wondered how much of "it" would actually be fulfilled this year... or any year at that.



6 months into the year, I began to underline some of the things that I felt like had been accomplished.  This was around the time that River was born.  Through diet and medicine, I could literally begin to feel God's healing hand over my autoimmune disease.  Income had increased, but then was suddenly taken back when Wade lost his job, just 4 weeks after River was born.  I have to be honest, when this happened in our minds we thought that these "requests" or dreams were going to have to be put on hold.  However, it was during this time that God showed us most of these, either through His love for us or the love of others.

We experienced such a pour out of love from friends, family and church members that exceeded anything that we had ever experienced.  Wade and I witnessed the tangible presence of God like never before... even when things seemed "quiet" we still knew that He was with us.  Looking back, we grew in wisdom even when we felt like "our world" was crashing in on us.  I watched Wade dig into His Word and grow into the things that God is calling him towards.  I watched my girls learn and love Jesus and call on him in times of need and healing.  I watched my family pick themselves back up when we fell down and move forward with very little "bruising."  I watched our life here in Wilmington take shape and we knew without a doubt that God had placed us at "home."  When I would find myself with a loss of joy, a friend would often lift my spirits or a good hour with the Lord would refresh my soul.   When diapers were unaffordable and wipes were almost gone, a package would show up at my doorstep or a check in the mailbox.   Learning to cry out to the Lord in the time of need is much more effective than just crying.  As tough as it is to walk through financial uncertainty... it's impossible to do without the Lord.  Although Wade and I have experienced this before we grew even more and it is through these experiences, trails, tears and even some doubt, that we gained wisdom, truth, joy and alignment.  All of which is going to catapult us into 2013.

I know for certain that THIS year is going to be the year of success, renewal and promise.  I know that 2013 is going to bring us great things spiritually, physically and financially and I am eager to see what God has in store for us...

So while I may not erase the memories of 2012... It's time to erase the board and move on to bigger and better things for 2013,

This year, I said that I wasn't going to make a long list of resolutions and just focus on "Our Daily Bread."  Well, as I laid on the couch to take my daily pregnancy nap... I realized that I haven't even glanced at last year's resolutions to see how I did.  Being the competitive person that I am, a nap no longer took priority and the need to see how many "check marks" I got seemed more important. 

I have to say... I did pretty good.  Most years, by the second month I have already forgotten my resolutions.  I am not sure that this year was any different... after all, I don't recall even looking at this list of "goals" after the 1st part of the year.  So what made this year more successful than others? 

I recall praying about my 2011 resolutions and as I look back today on the list, the ones that I "completed" were not just goals that I set for myself.  They were dreams and desires of my heart.  Things that I was earnestly praying about.  Things that were so meaningful to my heart, that it was more than just a resolution.  It was a prayer request.  So really I didn't complete the "checklist" at all.  My mighty Savior did.  He is the one that made this past year a success and took my requests farther than I could have ever imagined.  So He gets the credit this year... I just made the list. 

This New Year is off to a great start so far for the Nagy Family.  If you read our New Year's Resolutions, then you are familiar with some of the things that have been going on in our life the past two weeks.  I wanted to write an update to encourage you in your New Year, New YOU Resolutions and remind you that if you've "dropped the ball" on doing what you've set out to do, then it is not too late... Just DO IT!

#1- Get Healthy.  I am proud to say that I have ran/walked everyday, except for 2 resting days.  I feel better, I have more energy and my confidence has already improved.  Although, my running is no where near where I want it it to be, which you can read about in my past blog, I am improving everyday.

#3- JOB.  Wade had an interview with the Durham City Fire Department last week.  He said that it went well and that he is hopeful about the position.  He also received a letter from Samaritan's Purse saying that he was a Potential Candidate for a Construction position that he applied for a few months back.  The position he applied for was the Construction Manger who would oversee the renovation and construction of the African Bible College in Liberia, Africa.  Yes.. you read correctly.  Wade and I ask for you to pray for us on this matter and agree that God's Perfect Will, will be done. We are open to the possibility of both jobs and know that wherever the Lord puts us, it is to serve and help others in need.

As for the rest of my resolutions...

Wade and I went to church this past Sunday in Wilmington and I brought home some valuable lessons that I believe the Lord was trying to teach me.  The preacher said that the Enemy will sometimes use "business" in our lives to distract us from what really matters.  Like the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10: 38-42)...  Martha thought she was doing what Jesus would have her do by all of the preparations she was making for Him, but really what she needed to do was spend time with Him.

How many times have we thought to be doing the right thing, when really we need to "be STILL and know that he is God?"

The preacher spoke about creating "margins" in our life, so that we can live a more stress free life.  Creating time so that we can do the things that really matter in life.

Therefore... In order to focus on my resolutions that I am lacking in, such as digging deeper in His Word and reading more, I am going to create some bigger margins in my life.  I am going to FAST for 21 days from something I love to do, something that adds some fun to my day, but also something that takes up too much time and without it would allow me to have more "Margin"...

I am going to fast from Facebook for 21 days. 

With that being said, I will touch base with you in a few weeks and hopefully I will be able to tell you what I have been able to accomplish or even learn by doing so.  Please pray that God will speak to me during these "open margins" and continue to show us His Will for our family.

What are some of the things you can delete from your life to create some margins? I challenge you to ask God and see what he has for you...

As this year ends and the New Year begins...  I spent most of my morning pondering what 2011 will bring and what kind of goals or expectations I should set for myself and my family.  In past years, I have always made a few resolutions as the NYC Ball dropped at midnight, but by the time the 2nd month arrived in the new year, most of my resolutions were past times. 

So this year, since I have found my new hobby, BLOGGING, I have decided to write my resolutions down, print them off and ask my readers to help keep me accountable... so here goes. 

11 resolutions for the year 2011.

1.  Get Healthy... I know right?  This is the #1 New Years Resolution, but in the words of my dear friend Krissy Wood...