Have you already jumped headfirst into the New Year? Not so fast. There’s merit in taking time to pause and consider the lessons from the previous year.
I know many will tell you that it’s more important to forge ahead. No, I haven’t forgotten Lot’s wife but I also know that there are nuggets of wisdom waiting for those who are willing to reflect and contemplate.
David’s song of thanks reminds me that there is beauty in giving God the thanks and praise He deserves. And that’s exactly what I want to do, lest I forget his mercies in my zeal to jump into 2017.
So, humor me for a moment while I look back on 2016 before jumping headlong into the New Year.
Tweet ThisIs ENOUGH really enough?
This past year I claimed the word ENOUGH as my One-Word for 2016. Honestly, when I hear the word ‘enough’ now, I just want to let out a big sigh.
I entered 2016Â with a lot of anticipation mixed with a bit of trepidation. I mean, with a word like ENOUGH, one’s not quite sure what to expect. And with good reason.
For me, 2016 brought several highs both personally and professionally. But it also brought some deep, sad, losses. Our traffic accident in October left me questioning if God is enough, and the loss of my brother in November still has me reeling. But at the end of the day (and the end of the year), I remain steadfast in knowing that God is more than enough for me.
As far as blogging is concerned, I’m grateful to have had this space to share with you my highs and lows and to be able to encourage and inspire you along the way.
Below I’m sharing some of the posts that resonated with you, as well as the most popular downloads throughout the year.
Top Viewed Posts of 2016
1: 5 Ways to Make Him Significant Again
It took a scary incident to remind me to value my husband. In this post I shared some marriage advice and 5 ways to make your husband feel significant again. Plus you get 15 extra tips to help you speak his love language!
2: Goal Setting for Christians – How to Spark Your New Year Goals
Christians often fail to realise the power of God at work. This goal-setting plan helps us avoid that trap using Biblical principles, proven techniques and Grace Goals (aff) – the revolutionary way to approach change.
3: Here’s What’s Wrong with Your Quiet Time (and How to Fix it)
Ever wondered why your quiet time isn’t moving you closer to God? Find how your learning style can enhance your time with the Lord using these seven tips. Includes Bible devotionals, Bible apps, and scripture resources.
4:Â How to Get Away and Get a Grip Now
Take time for a personal retreat to rejuvenate your spirit. These six tips and the free guide will give you retreat ideas and help you plan one without guilt.
5: Powerful Reasons to Worship (When You Want to Sleep In)
Ever felt like sleeping in instead of having your devotional time with the Lord? This scripture-based post offers five powerful reasons to get up and worship God.
6: The Art of You – 7 Signs You’ve Lost the Girl You Used to Be
Have you ever felt like your personal identity isn’t yours anymore? These seven signs clue you into what’s missing so that you can find a way to bring YOU back.
7:Â How to Not Fall for Facebook Frenzy
Is Facebook taking up lots of your time? Don’t get sucked in. These practical tips and Bible verses can help you put the Good Book above Facebook, any day.
8: Goal Planning Just Hit a New High – 2017 Goals Planner
More than just a one-year calendar, the Goals Planner is your personal manual for setting goals in a way that will prepare you for an amazing year. I took my years of experience as a professional planner, advice from goal-setting gurus and biblical principles to create this amazing resource. It includes goal setting tips, monthly planning pages with goals progress and review, accountability, motivational quotes and so much more.
9: Joy in the Morning – When Grief Tries to Steal Your Sparkle
Here’s hope for the hurting heart that’s dealing with grief: joy comes in the morning. Find strength in the Lord, for He stays close to the brokenhearted. Trust me, I know!
10: One Lie You Should Never Have to Pay For
It’s so easy to look at successful women and wonder how they do it all. We think that having it all is the key to success but that’s a lie. This must-read post tells you why.
Most Popular Free Resources of 2016
I love sharing resources with you that will help you shine for Christ. These five downloads turned out to be the most popular resources in 2016. Missed any? Grab them now by clicking on the titles or images.
While you’ll need to provide your email address to get them, you don’t have to worry about being added to multiple lists.
Add some sparkle to your day with these prayer and scripture cards. These Bible verses coupled with heart-felt prayers will lift your spirits.
2) You Were Made to Sparkle E-Book
You Were Made to Sparkle encourages women to live life to the full and sparkle for Christ. Regardless of what’s been weighing you down, these encouraging Bible verses, practical tips and time-tested truths, will dispel the myths that you’ve bought into for too long. Get ready to claim your crown because you were made to sparkle!
Grab these tips to help you speak your husband’s love language!
This free guide walks you through the what, why, when, where and how of taking a much-needed personal retreat.
A free guide to choosing what’s important to you, along with a 21-day prayer checklist to help you jump into your new beginning.
What about you?
Did you take a moment to reflect on the past year? Doing so just might remind you of God’s faithfulness and give you a sure foundation for moving forward.
And if you’re ready to move ahead, stick around. Next week I’ll share with you my One Word for 2017. Don’t have a word for the year yet? Find some inspiration here.
Wishing you blessings,Â
Please spread the shine and share this with your friends using the share buttons below.Â
And if you’re looking for more encouraging and inspiring content, check out these amazing sites where I link up my weekly posts.
Photo credits: Death to Stock and Rekita Nicole Designs
Are you ready for a fresh start? Join me here!
It sounds like you had a really tough year, but you held on to your faith through it all. Thanks for linking up!
Thanks for being such a great host and stopping by, Kelly. You’re right my year was a tough one but God remained good throughout and for that, I’m extremely grateful.
Excellent stuff here! I love your blog layout and the words are gloriously sparkly with Christ! I hope you have a blessed evening. Signing off to cook dinner because my husband just walked in and our house is oh so crazy! Jenn
Thank you for such sweet words of encouragement, Jenn. I hope you were able to quickly get dinner on the table. 🙂 Boy, do I know that feeling.
Hugs and blessings!
Marva, I am all about reflection! Loved your post filled with so much good stuff – I’m bookmarking this page to come back.
Thanks for linking up with us at The Loft this week!
Hi Jerralea, I’m excited for you and the new season you’re in at The Loft. Thank you for your warm encouragement and for making a point to stop by. I appreciate you!
Wishing you God’s abundant blessings for the New Year.
Marva, what a wonderfully, practical post. I am so very sorry about the loss of your brother. How difficult that must be! I pray that God would continue to hold you closely as you walk through 2017. Bless you, Marva. Stopping in from The Loft.
Oh, Leah, how very nice of you to visit from The Loft. We’ll certainly miss you as hostess but I’m glad that we can still enjoy your presence in the community — and what a wonderful space it is that you’ve built.
Thank you for your kind words as I grapple with my brother’s loss. In the midst of it, I remember that God is still good. And boy, oh boy, am I looking forward to the NEW things he’ll do this year.
Hugs and blessings for you in this new season!
It really was quite a year filled with highs and lows, wasn’t it? One thing I loved about 2016 was that I got to know you, meet you in real life, partner with you in blogging, and be made a better person because of it. Thank you, sweet friend!
Hugs,
Lori
Wow, it feels like we’ve known each other forever, Lori. You’re still the only blogger I’ve met in real life and I have to tell you, you’ve really set the bar high! Meeting you was certainly one of the highlights of my year. And then to get to partner with you on the #GratefulHeart series was such a blessing.
Thank you for your friendship and encouragement, my friend.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your brother, Marva. I cannot imagine what you are going through. May the Lord give you abundant grace and pour His love over you, friend.
And what a wealth of goodness you have on your blog and in this post. Well done! Each of those blog posts sound amazing. I want to go back and read what I missed.
Thank you so much for your prayers, Betsy. I need them more than you know.
I’m glad you enjoyed this post as much I loved putting it together. It’s always fun to look back and see what God has done.
Blessings to you in 2017, my friend!
Such great reflections, Marva! I love David’s hymn of praise in 1 Chronicles 16. It is so good to look back at God’s faithfulness and truly give Him the glory for who He is–and he truly is more enough. I am so sorry for your deep loss in 2016. I pray the Lord gives you His omnipotent strength as you follow His leading and continue to make a powerful impact on so many lives!
Thank you so much, Christin. Your words are a blessing to me! I’ve been enjoying your beautiful blog and look forward to connecting with you more in 2017!
Thank you for sharing, and for the reminder of the importance of looking back as we journey ahead. Sometimes the memories are so painful, though, and yet are also a reminder of God’s faithfulness and constant care over us. I’ve been pondering that lately… Thanks also for the great resources!
Rita, I’m so glad you stopped by. What great timing with our similarly titled posts today.
Yes, sometimes it feels too painful to look back but we’re reminded that God is in all of it. The good and the bad and still He works it all out for our good. Isn’t that good news?
Cool post. I find myself looking back on the year towards end of the year.lol. your post and resources is inspiring.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your sparkle with us, Ailie. I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
Happy New Year!
Wow! Love this and I will be back. Often.
Oh that warms my heart, Joy. Thanks so much for your kind words and yes, I’d love to have you come back as often as you like. 🙂
This is a lot of good stuff, Marva!
What a great year you had last year!
I’m blessed by you and by your ministry~
Melanie
Thank you so much, Melanie. It really does help to look back and be reminded of God’s faithfulness. When I consider everything I’m humbled by God’s goodness and mercy.
Thank you for your faithful encouragement and inspiring example!
I love your year in review, Marva! And that’s my heart too . . . God is enough whatever my circumstances. He is faithful to His promises. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Praying abundant blessings for you and your family in 2017!
Thank you, Deb. Just know that if I had to recall some of my favourite people of 2016 you’d be right there on the list!
Love you, my friend!