Finally, I have a chance to post some New Year’s updates! If you’re reading this, you’ve probably noticed some changes around my blog lately. I’m excited to share more about that in a bit! For now though, a quick thought on New Year’s Resolutions. I’ve always loved New Year’s - it gives me the feeling of starting over, of having a blank slate, so much possibility, so much “scope for the imagination.” This year, like every other year, I wrote out a list of my New Year’s Goals. Exercise plans, spiritual goals, bucket-list activities, daily habits, equestrian dreams, and academic resolutions composed most of my thirty item list. The Sunday following New Year’s Day, I heard a sermon that really struck me. The basis of the message (taught on Mark 5 - when Jesus calms the storm while he and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee to Decapolis) can be summed up in this one question, “How can I ask God to take me to the ‘Other Side’ in 2019?” (To make more sense of this, I strongly encourage you to listen to the entire message, which can be found here, it was incredible!). This was such a thought-provoking question…so often we make lists of goals, resolving to be healthier, exercise more often, work harder in school, meet a certain sports goal etc. etc., and while these are all good (don’t get me wrong - I think goals are extremely beneficial and important and I love working towards them), isn’t this the real question we should be asking before we ever write our goals? God, how can you take me to the ‘Other Side’ of ____? Jesus, give me courage to step into the ‘Other Side’ of ___ this year? Think about what that might do in your circumstance. What if we stop obsessing with our lists and our goals and our perfectly thought out plans and instead turned our focus to Jesus, and where he’s guiding us in this next year. What relationships he’s calling us into, what activities he wants us to pursue, what lessons he’s teaching our hearts, where he wants to use our gifts and talents to serve his people and further his Kingdom…where he wants to take us to the 'Other Side.' Soooo…that all led me to do some thinking, searching, and praying on many fronts, one of which I'd like to share with you today!
I’ve always loved photography, but it's really just been over the past year that I've spent time trying to learning more about it. I’ve had so much fun experimenting with what I’ve learned by taking pictures of friends, siblings, horses, and of course, the Great Outdoors. To help practice what I’ve been learning, I've decided to add a photography section to my blog! While I am far from experienced, my hope is to share with you a glimpse of the beauty and joy I see around me. This is part of my 'Other Side' focus for 2019, having the courage to try new things, step into new areas, seek God's guidance, and trust that he will lead me from there. To start off, I’ve decided to post 18 of my favorite shots from 2018. Enjoy! :)
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AuthorHey there! I’m Noel. An 18-year old living in the beautiful West Michigan countryside. An aspiring writer, horse-crazy country girl, sister of five, amateur photographer, chocolate enthusiast, used-to-be-ballerina, recovering perfectionist, decided introvert, but mostly…a broken mess redeemed by Christ. Thanks for stopping by. Archives
June 2021
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