A New Decade With God

Last month, I celebrated a start to a new decade in my life. I was looking back on the last decade and have been amazed at how much has happened since -- I have graduated college, moved to a different state, met the love of my life, got married, had a baby, moved back to Wisconsin, and bought a house. Let’s just say that all sounds really impressive and very inspiring but what people don’t always see is the journey to get there. It wasn’t always impressive, it wasn’t alway perfectly written out like above.

The past decade had its moments of confusion, doubt, depression, loneliness, questioning, fear, sadness, and much more. It is funny when looking back, the first things that come to my mind are the joys -- maybe it is the same for you. Maybe when looking back on something you are able to smile and laugh and find all the good memories and milestones that you had. However, you look at it -- I survived another decade and I am sure that this next one will have its own share of joys, milestones, and also heartbreaking moments. I don’t know what will happen, but what I do know is that no matter the decade, no matter the year, no matter the circumstance or situation -- God has been with me and will always be with me.

He promises it in His Word. He was there with me when I got my bachelor’s and he was there with me while I struggled with being away from family and friends. I don’t know what challenges that you are currently facing -- I don’t know what the next decade of life holds for you and me -- but I will always point to the one that does, God! I pray that this can be said of my next decade, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate,” Proverbs 31:25-31.

​I pray that I continue to share the One that gives me hope, the one that keeps me in His hands, and the one who guides my steps. I pray that for you too! How do you plan to spend the next decade? I pray that we are able to enjoy being together figuring it out and am so happy to be spending the starting of this next decade of life with you here at Shepherd of the Hills. 

In Christ,

Jessica Tibben
Director of Family Life Ministry