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7 Questions to Reflect + A FREE printable

The fireplace kept me warm as did our four-year-old dog Bentley who sat on my legs. My journal, my Bible, and a listening ear were what I brought to the living room that day. I held my aqua pen in hand ready to hear from God as I reflected on seven questions. It was eye-opening and encouraging as I looked back through my journal and saw the fingerprints of God. It was fun to see what themes were scattered throughout my year. These are the seven questions I used to reflect on 2023 and my answers to each question.

What are three words you would use to describe this year and why?

The three words to describe my year are steadfast, enough, and deeper. Steadfast was my word of the year. As I reflected on my year, I realized how much I had grown in becoming steadfast in God. This year held many challenges and I grew in turning to God instead of letting life overwhelm me. The word enough also describes my year. God often asked me “If it never gets better, am I enough for you?” Gut check! I long to be able to say “Yes, Lord you are enough!” with all of my heart but the reality is I struggle with believing this wholeheartedly. I am grateful God is so patient with me.

The last word that describes my year is deeper. I read through the Bible chronologically with The Bible Recap this year. It was so refreshing and rewarding to dig deeper into God’s Word. This year, I began to write a Bible Study as well. My time going deeper into the commentaries has been life-giving and encouraging.

What new things did you discover about yourself?

I love puzzles!! I knew this about myself but this year I realized how much I love putting together puzzles. It’s been a fun challenge figuring out how all the pieces go together. One family favorite this year was Reader’s Paradise. White Mountain Puzzles are hands down our favorite brand of puzzles.

One more thing that I discovered was that a weekly rest is absolutely necessary for me. As an introvert, this quiet time is needed to better love my family and others. Earlier this year, I read The Power of Purposeful Introverts: Why the World Needs You by Holley Gerth. I learned so much about being an introvert and it confirmed how important it is for me to take the time to rest.

During this last year, what characteristic of God did He use to encourage you the most?

God used the characteristic of wisdom to encourage me this year. Almost every journal entry I wrote this year included asking God for wisdom for the situation I was facing or wisdom to be a more loving Wife and Mother. God is so gracious to give us wisdom any time we ask. James 1:5 was a key verse for me this year.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

What Bible verse impacted you most this year and why?

The verse that impacted me the most this year was Isaiah 26:3. It challenged me to keep my mind on God especially when I started to feel overwhelmed. This Scripture verse reminded me to trust God even when I didn’t understand. God used Isaiah 26:3 to show me that I can have perfect peace because of Him.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3, NIV

What was your favorite moment spent with your family and/or friends?

This year was filled with lots of travel and fun. My girls and I headed to Georgia for my half-sister Leah’s Bat Mitzvah. It was an incredible time learning about the Jewish culture. The best part was connecting with family. I am so proud of my sister Leah. Jonathan and I went to Grand Haven, Michigan for our anniversary trip. I fell in love with the town and of course, enjoyed sitting on the beach. My friend Angela and I headed to Holland, Michigan to see the tulips. Oh my… the tulips were breathtaking! I highly recommend going to Holland if you haven’t already. In October, our family headed to Wisconsin Dells. It was a fun and refreshing time away.

What was the most important lesson you learned this year?

There were so many lessons I learned this year. The one that stands out to me the most is my need to trust God even when what He asked me to do makes no sense. Earlier this year, I read in Joshua 3 about the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. God told Joshua ahead of time that the priests would take the Ark of the Covenant to the edge of the Jordan River. As soon as they set foot in the Jordan River God would cut off the water and it would stand in a heap. The priests had to take a big step of faith, literally. God is calling me and you to do the same. We need to take God at His word and trust that He will come through just as He has time and time again.

What is one thing you would do differently and why?

One thing I would do differently is take more time to read non-fiction books. I love reading these books because they help me to grow and become more like Jesus. Another thing I would do differently is stop feeling guilty for taking the time to rest each week. I know that I need it and it’s okay to take that time even if others don’t agree with me.

Reflect on 2023

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post. I enjoyed reflecting on this past year. Before you jump into the new year, please take some time to reflect on 2023. Below you will find a FREE printable of these seven questions for you to use. Take as much or as little time to fill this printable out. When you take time to reflect on your year, it is a way to slow down and remember all that happened this year. The good and the bad and how it shaped you into the person you are today. As you look back, you are also able to see the ways God has been working in your life.

Click HERE or on the image to download. I would love to hear about your time of reflection. Please comment below about how using this printable impacted you. Thank you!

*Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. This means that I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support of this site.

Anastasia

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