With all good intentions (story of my life), I tried as best I as I could to unplug between Christmas and New Year’s. I had to take care of a few little things for clients, but those I had planned on. For the most part, I didn’t accomplish anything else I had thought I might get to do — writing blog posts for here…writing blog posts for DIY Ministry…writing ebooks…and that was just Day 1

I knew I would be busy as soon as I said I was coming back. The client work was already piling up. Starting off the year behind. That was no different. And then to top it off I’ve been sick the past week. You would be proud of me though — I did take 2 full days “off work” to sleep and try to kick this virus’ booty.

Sharing all of this to say, I still don’t have my stuff together. I know deep in my heart that to fight the slow fade, I need to be spending more time with God. I need to read at least one scripture a day … and not the kind of read that just glosses over it like I’ve already read that one a million times. I do want to share scripture here but realistically I know I will not be able to do one a day like I had hoped. So I’m going to share one of my favorite scriptures with you and ask that you share one with me in the comments. Then if 6 of you leave scriptures in the comments, I’ll have one to read every day this week

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

Really I just need to concentrate on the first part “seek first the kingdom of God.”

Just step away from the keyboard lady…

Anyway, I’ll be back the first of the year with verses for each day. Duck, Doodle and I wish you and your family a very Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!

Before I continue, let me make something clear. The video depicts a husband having an affair and leaving his family. That is not why it would be my theme song. Duck and I are very happily married (15 years now). Showing how an affair can break up a family is just one illustration of the song they could have given. So let me explain why it would be my theme song.

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fade

For me, the slow fade happened after I accepted Jesus in my heart. I invited Him in to be a part of my life, every minute of every day. Then little by little (the slow fade), I started taking back a minute here or there. Thinking about what I wanted to do instead of what God would want me to do. Then little by little, I got mad with God over some things that happened and started taking back more minutes from Him.

Until one day shortly after I turned 30, I was in a bad place. The farthest from God I had ever been except when I lived without Jesus. I knew I had Jesus and no man could ever take that away, but I had spent so long believing little white lies that I was ready to leave this world and be with Jesus.

The journey to that place did not happen in one minute. One day. Or even one week. It was a slow fade. A choice made to sleep in late and not read my Bible. A choice to not go to church that Sunday and stay home to do laundry. A choice to think about how I could solve my own problems instead of talking with God about them. A choice to think God was punishing me for something I had done wrong.

That was 8 years ago. I started doing some things that helped me fight the slow fade and get back to the point where I was close to God again. I wish I could say that I’ve stayed there … close to God … but I haven’t. I have felt myself fading back and it’s extremely frustrating. I know what I need to do, yet I just don’t do it.

I decided to turn this blog into a place where I share with you some of my struggles and how I am fighting the slow fade. One of the biggest lies that the devil can feed us is that we are alone in what we’re thinking, what we’re feeling, and what we’re going through. The truth is we are never alone. I don’t want you to feel alone so if you can relate to my struggles, then we can pray for each other and help each other fight the slow fade.

One of the most important tools for fighting the slow fade is scripture.

For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. — Hebrews 4:12 (NKLV)

I have gotten away from reading my Bible. Starting January 1st, I will be posting a scripture here. I may comment on it. I may not. I don’t think my words are all that important, but I may want to share something about the scripture. So, if you would rather not have another email to deal with, please unsubscribe. You will not hurt my feelings — really. I don’t pay attention to the numbers anyway.

Now tell me something about you. Can you relate to the slow fade? What is one small thing you could do today to refocus on Jesus?

I hope you like it. It’s really me, and I haven’t been able to say that about any designs really! You’ll always find me in jeans, with a Coke, and my phone is probably not too far away I am always leaning on God and trying to remember in the busyness of life that I just need to be simply His.

Of course time got away from me and I didn’t write all that I had wanted to write. Tip: Don’t wait to write! Ever! If you have the thought, get it written down because I did not. And when I had the time to write, the thoughts, they left me! I’m sure I’ll be making slight adjustments here and there

My new tagline is “fighting the slow fade.” I’ll write more about what that means this week.

Come hang out with me! You can see the many places to do so in the right column over there. Of course, Pinterest and Google+ are new to me and I don’t know how much I’ll use them. I’m somewhat regular on Facebook and Twitter though. Hope to see you around!

Seems like my posting here has been non-existent. (Sorry Duck! I know that’s how you keep up with me!)

I have come up with a new design and I’m going to take this weekend to remodel around here. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and come back to see me next week to check out the new digs!

And if you happen to have a smart phone or iPad, I highly recommend you check out this free app to help count your blessings!