This year I will come to a life crossroad.

In a couple of ways, this is true. This will be the final year of homeschooling my crew of six over a crazy 28 years! Also, as our church plant blossoms into an independent, thriving entity, my part in it is changing, too. In the early years, our family (with help from others) managed much of the goings-on in the church, from preaching to music to kids’ ministry to women’s ministry to community outreach. Our original core group of twelve members was always ready to pitch in, but as you can imagine, it was a busy time for us. In the last six years, we are now one hundred people of all age groups with many gifts, talents and passions–including a children’s pastor, worship leader, youth pastor, and women’s ministry leader–God has blessed so abundantly, we cannot contain our gratitude, awe and joy. As you see, with these new ministry leaders, we are able to have a hand in some of these ministries, but our load is substantially lighter!

It is plain that 2022 has some changes in store for me. I’ve mentioned before, a word for the year is not something I’ve always intentionally done. (see here, here, and here). And, being completely transparent, I have felt at odds, unmotivated and rather lost at times during the last couple of years. I have determined, with the Lord’s strength, to remedy that with renewed focus and energy, holding on to His promises and not my feelings. A few of the lovely ladies around me were excited to share the word God had given them for the upcoming year. As I pondered this, I asked God what word would be right for me. “Purpose” stood out initially…then I did the Dayspring quiz and “fulfilled” appeared as my word. I love how (at least in my mind) the two mesh.

Let’s look at the meanings of these two words, according to Merriam Webster:

PURPOSE [noun]
1: the reason why something is done or used : the aim or intention of something
2: the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something
3: the aim or goal of a person : what a person is trying to do, become, etc.

PURPOSE [verb]
purposed; purposing
transitive verb: to propose as an aim to oneself

merriam-webster.com

FULFILLED
1: feeling/providing happiness and satisfaction
2: feeling that one’s abilities and talents are being fully used

merriam-webster.com

Here I am approaching a new season of life. My calling, my purpose as a homeschooling momma is fulfilled; in fact, it won’t be long before my nest is empty. My calling and purpose in church planting is shifting. This, however, does not mean God is finished with me. Thank the Lord, I am not defined by these roles of home-schooling momma and church-planting wife, but in Him. My purpose, my fulfillment comes from Him, through Him, and in Him.

2 Timothy says this:

He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

God has called me to do something, or many things, as it were; He planned these tasks for me before I was born. He didn’t look at my credentials. Instead, He chose these tasks according to His own grace and purpose. I know, then, that to whatever I am called, He will give me His grace and strength to accomplish it. It is up to me to report for duty, to be obedient, to do “the next thing” He has for me.

This year He may take me down paths that are meant to stretch me. He may have a season of rest for me. Perhaps it will be a time of nurturing a small business or spearheading new ministries in our local church or independently. Perhaps, I will join the workforce and spend more time in the community. I don’t know for sure. Of this, I am sure: I can fill my bullet journal with detailed plans for my life, but they are, metaphorically speaking, in pencil. Each day I must be prepared to lay aside my plans for His…after all, His plans have been in the works for a very long time! In this, I will find my purpose, and in my God-given purpose, I will find fulfillment because true fulfillment comes only from God. I am not anxious about such things, rather I’m excited to see what God has in store as I prayerfully seek Him in this season.

I love these verses of Blessed by Vertical Worship:

To seek You is to find You
To know You is to want You
I want nothing more than You
To see You is to love You
And I can’t believe I get to
I want nothing more than You

and

Take this world and give me Jesus
Take this life and give me Yours
In every season You are the blessing
Jesus You are my reward

Music by Vertical Worship performing “Blessed (Official Video)”
(C) 2021 Provident Label Group LLC, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

This is my fulfilled life: knowing Him, seeing Him, loving Him.

I don’t know about you, but “I can’t believe I get to”!

In every season, Jesus is my blessing.

Friends, never forget that you have been created with purpose! You are not a cosmic accident, but a person cherished and lovingly fashioned by the Great Creator in His very image. Come to Him and find your purpose and your fulfillment!

Blessed by Vertical Worship

Blessed is the poor in spirit
Blessed is the one in need
For every thirst and every hunger
You are everything

Blessed are the worn and weary
Blessed are the ones who grieve
In every moment unexpected
You are everything

To seek You is to find You
To know You is to want You
And I want nothing more than You
To see You is to love You
And I can’t believe I get to
I want nothing more than You

Blessed is the mercy giver
Blessed is the way of peace
I will trust Your heart and hand
You are everything

Take this world and give me Jesus
Take this life and give me Yours
In every season You are the blessing
Jesus You are my reward

Music by Vertical Worship performing “Blessed (Official Video)”.
(C) 2021 Provident Label Group LLC, a division of Sony Music Entertainment