2017...in the world according to La

I don't like to drink drip coffee, but I love how it smells.  When Travis's pot of coffee is on, it makes the house smell like warmth.  I also don't like football.  At all.  Loathe watching it.  Yet, when it's what I hear while falling asleep for a great afternoon nap...that is my favorite.

And this is how I spent my first day of 2018.  Ahhh.  Relaxation and rejuvenation.  Just what I needed.

This has been a busy year.  A great, fulfilling, year of service and discipleship.  That was my word for 2017 - Disciple.

I love getting words from God for the year.  Amazing things show up in my life when I do.  Pastor Glenn did a series on Discipleship and Deanne Schiller asked me to help her with Bible study - the number one way to be a disciple (follower of Jesus).  And there are 12 ladies in my current Academy class for Prison Fellowship at Denver Women's Correctional Facility.  12 disciples as one of them observed!  This was also the first year that Travis and I did a Bible study together.  We were in Singleton's small group and we did the Freedom study.  The first few nights of homework, when we were sitting on the couch, Bibles open, praying, studying, I cried!

Here are my multifarious lists, in no particular order:

Favorite Books:
The Undoing of Saint Silvanus by Beth Moore
Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
Faithful, Abundant, True by Kay Arthur, Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer
Lord, Teach Me to Pray by Kay Arthur
The Quest by Beth Moore
This Was a Man by Jeffrey Archer
The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans
Walking on Water by Richard Paul Evans

Favorite Songs:
Grace to Grace by Hillsong Worship
I Have This Hope by Tenth Avenue North
Do It Again by Elevation Worship
In Awe by Hollyn
Wonder by Hillsong United
Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
Lift Up Your Eyes by Danny Gokey
Lions by Skillet
Thunder by Imagine Dragons
Yours (Glory and Praise) by Elevation Worship

Favorite Bible Verses:
Ephesians 3:20-21
Matthew 6:5-17
Matthew 6:31-34
Acts 1:8
Acts 2:42-47
1 Corinthians 16:13
Galatians 6:9
Colossians 3:34-24
2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17
1 Peter 3:15
1 Peter 4:10

Favorite Movies:
The Greatest Showman
Victoria and Abdul
Pitch Perfect 3
Wonder
Beauty and the Beast
Wonder Woman
The Big Sick
Home Again
Table 19
Tulip Fever

Favorite TV Shows:
Kevin (Probably) Saves the World
This Is Us
The Ranch
Grace & Frankie
Fuller House
Anne with an E
Life In Pieces
The Crown
Riverdale

Cost of fuel: $2.16
Cost of diesel:  $2.65
Cost of one gallon of milk (we get Royal Crest Dairy delivery - that was new this year): $3.29

Current Events:

• Total Solar Eclipse on 8/21/17
• Lots of shootings (which has led to much discussion with the Mr. about gun control - it doesn't matter what kind and there can never be too many and commence his getting the concealed carry permit)
• Sexual Harassment in Hollywood - such scandal!
• I went off of social media due to serving at the prison and I don't watch the news...so that's all I can remember without a google search or phone call to Scott

I traveled to Las Vegas and Nashville for work, I went to San Antonio, and South Lake three times.  We went to Charlotte, North Caroline for Inside Elevation, a church leadership conference.  We vacationed in Montana - at our favorite bed and breakfast that my friend, Shawna owns.  So romantic.  I went to visit Scott and we went to Steamboat Springs (the number one destination of Colorado!)  We went to Spokane to visit all the Vans.  We are currently trying to figure out what we're going to do this year for our 20 year anniversary.  Alaskan cruise, Las Vegas, or the Museum of the Bible in DC are the top choices, so far.

This was also the year of medical crap.  I went to the dentist 7 times.  I had three procedures that required anesthesia.  I had more doctor appointments than I can count.  I was also diagnosed with cancer.  Not a life threatening kind, but it was still cancer.  Basal cell carcinoma on my nose.  I can also say I've had a nose job.  LOL  It started with influenza at Matt's house - all 6 of us in the house fell ill at the same time in February.  And I think it just went downhill from there.

I was very lucky for years...nothing except the annual exams, and I plan that to be the case for 2018.

Had some special visitors.  Lurisa Sackman came for an NKOTB concert.  Emrie Osborn came for the Memorial Day weekend (trip #2 ... hopefully it becomes an annual thing!) Mom came for fun and for my nose surgery.

I became the Dream Team Coordinator at Summit Church - it's huge.  I love it - lots of responsibility and reward.  I am also a Small Group Coach.  Travis is the Guest Services Hub Leader and helps with the student ministry, Elevate.  We're praying about whether or not we're going to lead a small group this spring.

All this I got through happily because of God. I think I've read a Bible verse everyday.  I'm reading through the Chronological Bible - it's a 2 year plan.  I enjoy the study.  I'm working on the more spiritual aspect.  The feeling, more than just the doing.

Had a lot of hard questions posed in the last few weeks:

What is your dream?
What is your vision for the future?
These from the book Audacious by Beth Moore

What is your greatest accomplishment of 2017?
This from the ice breaker at prison.

What is your story?  Does your story matter?
From Adam Dorband at church on Sunday 12/31/17

Sheesh.  I DON'T KNOW.

I said my greatest accomplishment in 2017 was obedience to God.  I did that a lot, but then again, I hesitated and didn't in many cases.

I used to have 5-year plans, and BIG dreams.  But I know those were just mine - not from God.  I know I can dream, God wants us to.  But I know they need to be in line with His will and plan for my life.

And then I read this today:  Love God, Live Like Jesus, Let The Spirit Lead.

Yep.  Sounds good to me.

Love, La