New Year

Happy 2012!!! 


When I woke up this morning, I grabbed my Jesus Calling devotional and turned to the first page. January 1. What a crisp, fresh feeling that brings. I read the passage with excitement, and was offered this encouragement:


"Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year."


I am extremely motivated by this because there are plenty of old ways I'd love to leave in 2011. Control is a constant struggle for me. Every time I try to demonstrate my knowledge of what is best, I get knocked down. I end up fighting an even bigger battle than I started with, and uncover the common theme of control issues. 


When I was on my mission trip I experienced 8 WHOLE DAYS of letting go. God was in control. I have never felt so peaceful and protected in my life. Humbled, I came home longing for that again. But with the hustle and bustle of life, that peace slowly dissipated. 
Recently, I have been craving that peace and protection. 
I have never wanted anything more.


So, for 2012, I am letting go. 
I am trusting God.
And I am going to live happier.

For I know the plans I have for you, 

declares the LORD, 

plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

SwitchUp

Yes, I changed the name of my blog. Back to what it originally was when created it. The only thing that comes to mind as I am writing this is the Black Eyed Peas song, 
when they say "switchup" really fast. 

Switchup.

Back to running on grace. Allow me to explain. 

When I decided to start a blog, I had a hard time deciding on a title. I wanted it to wrap up my faith and something that I loved into a sweet, little, "tied-with-a-bow" blog title. 
I wanted it to represent me. So, I decided on running on grace. I wanted it to represent my love for running but also illustrate the fact that my life is, in fact, "running" or being fueled by the grace of the God (need I mention the fact that I am able to run by the 
grace of God? No? I figured y'all caught that one). 


About a month into blogging, I began struggling with old behaviors and listening to lies I knew weren't true. I was spending more time worrying about what a looked like from the outside than focusing on the inside--my heart and spending time with the Lord.


The truth is, I was enjoying running more than I was anything else. I spent more time thinking about it and would get frustrated with myself when I didn't try my hardest or do my best. So, what should one do with they find themselves in a spiritual warfare, you ask? 
Change the name of their blog.

Right? Wrong.


Why is it so easy to be proactive about changing the way I workout when I feel like I am slacking, but so easily brush off the fact that I haven't cracked my Bible in a good 2 weeks? 
Because I am a sinner. I became tired of hating myself and I began relying 
on the Lord for direction, patience, and provision. 


Then, last night, it hit me. I want to be running on grace again. I want to do exactly what my original blog title represented -- my faith, something that I love, and ME! 
Isn't that what living is about?