Nothing to do, nowhere to be; a simple little kind of free.

So many overwhelming situations have presented themselves to me recently. I find it interesting that in some contexts, I can write and write and never feel empty and yet in others I close up and just let the waves of each day crash over my thoughts.

I am so thankful for where I am now. I am in a perfect balance of peaceful and insightful. My stressors have melted into the sand.

While I know it will not be long until I am once again confronted with a million things to do and places to be and people to see, I am relishing in the existence of today.

It is as though my thoughts have flown like a bird takes to the sky. Open space above and beauty of creation below, they float aimlessly in the breeze.

There is nowhere that feels as restful than at His side.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.

Ever thine. Ever mine. Ever ours.

I find my peace in You alone.

None but You can quiet my heart and calm my pain.

You ease my struggles.

You silence my thoughts.

You lead me in spirit and song.

I am Yours forever and my heart will not stay silent.

Extract from me words of praise. Bring to the light my thanksgiving. I want to worship You in wholly surrender. I want to indulge in nothing but Your love.

Envelop me with Your presence.

When someone loves like I do, dreams can come true.

Mmm, how badly I want to have a sweet baby girl someday. I ran across the necklace today with the Italian words "Cara Mia."

My beloved.

What a sweet, innocent ring those words have together.

I am not one to plan my future but when I read those words together, my heart melted at the thought of having my own adorable Cara Mia. A beloved daughter to hold in my arms and nurture and protect.

I am not ready to even think about having children, much less partake in the act it takes to conceive one, but this melodious little name captured my heart.

Near to You, I am healing but it's taking so long.

It has been a long time since I have felt this way.

It is as if I am endlessly drowning in my own thoughts.

I just want rest and clarity and peace.

Please.

It is for freedom we are set free.

I feel a stirring in my soul. A calling. These step-by-step movements will not last much longer. Soon, He will be leading me somewhere unfamiliar and uncharted.

I will go, unafraid.

His promise is my only hope left. All else is fleeting.

To this adventure I will cling.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot.

The first thing I felt as I watched the ball drop this year was jealousy. I watched as couples embraced each other with nothing but bitterness in my heart.

Then I was sad. I am not a fan of feeling lonely.

Then I was mad at myself for being sad.

Then I got a phone call.

Stuart's friend passed away in a car accident tonight. I met him once, Stuart and I sat with him at a Braves game. I do not remember much about him, but knowing that someone who used to be and now is no longer baffles me.

I have a pit in my stomach. So many people are celebrating right now while his friends and family mourn.

This is not at all the fresh attitude I intended to start the year with.

But at the same time, there is something to be learned in all this, not that his life is meant to serve as a lesson, but perhaps this is my wake up call.

When Stuart and I hung up the phone, Kris Allen came on the television in the other room. He sang "Live Like We're Dying."

This is not another year to dwell in complacency. This is not another year to take in stride. This is not another year to want, to need, to desire, to covet, to anger, to withhold, to complain. This is a year to fulfill.

We are here to fulfill promises. Our purpose is to make an impact, not to be a person. Do not continue to fill your shoes with feet every morning. This is your year to slip on your shoes each day and make an impact. Show generosity, show love, show compassion, show vulnerability, show joy.

Be not who you once were, nor what you long to be, but who you are.

There is not enough time left for you to remain stagnant.

There are so many people who need food, people who need blankets, people who need friends, people who need people.

You can make a difference. Everyday.

We should work on that together, you and I, over the next 365 days.

Our new year's resolution; to fill this world each day with a little more love than we started it with.

Do not hesitate, beautiful, because what the world needs now is love, sweet love.