Dear Faithful Reader,
 
I know that the blog has been strangely silent for many weeks. Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten the blog or forgotten you! Life has many seasons and some prove to be more all-consuming than others. But God’s faithfulness, goodness, and love remains the same, and the encouragement and life-giving spiritual food we need is always readily available in His Word. So I hope and pray that even though I haven’t been sending out my regular devotional thoughts and words of encouragement you are still being encouraged and blessed through time in God’s Word.

It’s time to celebrate!!!  Five years ago today, August 6, 2015, the first post on So I Fix My Eyes was published.  What started out as a simple blog sharing thoughts and reflections has grown into a multifaceted website with 480 posts!  People from all over the world have visited and many people have been blessed by the content shared over the years.  

Welcome to a new month!  August is here and with it an exciting announcement.  I recently wrapped up another Bible study series and finished the July worship set, and this week I have an exciting announcement. So I’m going to take a break from the usual posting schedule.  However, you will need to wait until Thursday for the big news.  But now you have a heads up so be sure to keep an eye on the blog or your inbox if you get the emails.  You won’t want to miss what’s coming up!
 
So with that bit of suspense, have a great week and keep focusing your gaze on the unseen and eternal.

​Have you ever wondered what makes a good Christian leader?  Or how God shapes and makes those men and women useful servants for His kingdom? 
 
I know I have.  Now that I’m serving in ministry and feel called to leadership in worship and discipleship, I have often pondered and contemplated how God chooses and prepares His servants.  Throughout Biblical and Church history there have been many amazing and mighty men and women of God.  A short list would include giants like Moses, David, Joseph, Mary, Paul, James, Peter, Billy Graham, John Wesley, and Hudson Taylor just to name a few.
 
But what set these people apart?  Why did God choose them?  And how did they grow into their roles of leadership?  What journey did God take them on to shape and mold them into the leaders of His choosing?

​The New Year has come and the novelty of it has worn off.  The holidays are over and the dust has settled from the season’s craziness.  Life is starting to return to its normal routine.  But my blog has been extremely silent. 
 
Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten you.  

​We’ve finished our Christmas series for the season and have rolled into yet another new year.  So now it’s time to start a new Bible study.  In 2017, we covered lots of ground traveling through the fields of Bethlehem in the story of Ruth, watching the unfolding drama of Hosea and Gomer’s love story, and learning from the mistakes and struggles of the Colossians.  Now as we start the new year of 2018, it’s time to jump back into an in-depth study of God’s Word.

Thanksgiving is over.  The Christmas tree is coming out of storage and the house is being transformed into a Christmas wonderland.  Lights are twinkling, Christmas music is playing, and the festive activities of the season are just beginning.  But as we get ready for Christmas and the days leading up to it, God has brought to my attention a central theme to the season:  Christmas is about worship.​

​It’s a wrap!  Over in the “Bible Study” section we’ve finally finished our adventure through the book of Hosea.  After five months and forty-four posts later, we’ve come out of our adventure with a greater appreciation for God’s holiness, His justice, and mostly His incredible love--how far He’s willing to go to pursue His wayward children.  At least that’s what I came away with and hope you did too!

​A new month, new week, and…new Bible study!  As we enter into this month of April, which holds the blessed remembrance of the greatest sacrifice ever given, the hope of spring and new life, and more sunshine, we’re going to start a new Bible study.  

Every year on this day, we spend time looking back over the previous 365(6) days and making resolutions for the coming year.  So as we start the year of our Lord 2017, let’s begin by analyzing what God has done in our lives last year and asking ourselves these questions.

Attention all girls!  I'm happy to introduce the new section of the website titled "Girls Corner".  

​Yes, you read that correctly.  This is a "girls only" corner.  No boys allowed.  Well, I can’t really control who views what, but for the male half of my audience, you’ve been warned!  In this corner, we’re going to dive into lots of girl talk set against the backdrop of some very feminine themes and designs (as you’ve probably already noticed by the picture).  It’s a place where we, girls, can talk—one young woman to another.  

I am happy to announce that the Book Reviews blog is now open and may be found underneath the Recommended Reads ​tab.   This blog will feature book reviews on books I've either listed or will add on to the Recommended Reads page.  If you would like to subscribe to email updates regarding new book review posts, please fill out the form on the Book Reviews page even if you've already subscribed to receive email notifications for this blog.  Thanks!

I hope and pray that this new section of the website is a blessing and encouragement to you, and will continue to build you up as you walk with your Savior!