If one thing is for certain, 2014 has taught me, to above else, cherish life.

CHERISH LIFE.

2014 was an incredible year for my husband and I. One of my best friends got married in our back yard, our dear friends families gained +1’s, 2’s and 3’s. We traveled for the first time across the world for Mission’s. Where we spent un-interrupted time loving, and ministering to children and families in hopeless situations, and showing them love. Our friendships grew deeper, and our hearts grew fuller. We gave our time, talent, and resources, to people, families, God desperately needed us to reach. We listened to His voice, even when it was out of our comfort zone, and put a deep trust in abilities that weren’t in our own doing. We dreamed bigger, laughed harder, and grew closer than I ever thought possible. But that’s the beautiful thing about life. There is never a point to where we have “arrived.” Many times we think, “if only I could have what they have”, “If only I could make XXXX”,  “If only I married someone else”, “If only I could buy a bigger house”, “If only I could be a size 2”. If only… If only.. If only….

But why? Do any of those things genuinely bring you a deeper happiness?

This time of year, of reflection, and setting new hopes and dreams for what lies ahead, I encourage you to ask yourself one thing, “why?”

Why, make more money? Why live to a standard of perfection? Why pursue so many things that distract us from our purpose?

Let me say one thing, I am all for change.

I am 100% committed to daily pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and setting goals. Committed to looking challenges, hardship and obstacles  in the eyes and saying “we’ve got this.” But it’s not easy. Change  takes a daily surrender, a deep humility to produce results that last.

And if I’m being honest,  I know, realistically- I could never do it alone. I could never do it without The One who fuels my vision, and gives me purpose- The Lord.

I know 2015 we will look back, and it will be even greater, because LIFE, is a process, not a project, not a checklist,  but a process. A process of ups, downs, highs, lows, laughter and sorrow, purpose, and vision, change, and  renewal– and through all that, there is a great consistency, a great assurance, knowing your purpose, and pursuing the “why” behind the wonder. Pursuing Grace and humility above perfection. That is my goal for 2015. 

And in all things,

To Wherever I am – to be all there.

To chase dreams, and even through disappointment, know that it does not mean defeat.

To spend time on social media entertaining friendships by scrolling, and more time, spending real tim with those I love the most.

To capture love between two souls, starting a new journey together.

To love better, continue to dream bigger- and to always remember WHY. For WHO.

To believe in myself, and not look to someone else’s journey to define mine.

To let my character speak louder than my words.

And above all, to boldly pursue the things of God, so that in all things, HE will get the Glory!

As all those things fall into place- I know that I will be able to conquer this year, and all it has for me, my family, and my clients, with fists in the air, and a big fat “HOORAH” in all the ways God proves His faithfulness to us in 2015.

blessings, dayna

{here is a great message on “changing for good” Steve Rickard \\ Accelerate Church: “Change for Good”