Free

I am pretty sure Titus took this picture of me, and I love how carefree I look.

2014 was filled with loss and heartache in almost every area of my life. Some loss was good, even if it was painful, and other losses still leave an ache in my heart that I am not sure will go away.

My sister Kara likes to pick words at the beginning of each year - and "loss" would have been my word last year - it's how 2014 started...mourning the loss of a very dear friend.

But as I was reflecting on 2014, and on what 2015 might bring, something about this picture moved me...and it took me a while to realize why.

For 2015 I am claiming the word "free"...because sometimes it takes loss to learn what freedom is all about. And I want to go into 2015 with arms wide open, ready to give all of who I am to wherever God might lead me, and whatever He might throw my way.

Galatians 5:1 
Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again. 

Psalm 118:5 
In my distress I called to the Lord; he answered me and set me free.