Year in Review
We like to think we know where we will be a year from now, don't we? I had some ideas of where I wanted to go at the start of 2019, and looking back now I can say that I am grateful that "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps" Proverbs 16:9. I won't recap where I was when the year started (see "The Difference a Year Can Make" on our blog page), and I won't focus on what I had planned, but rather, on what God has done. So here it is, our wins of 2019 and our hopes and dreams, Lord willing, for 2020, laid out here for you all to see.
Wins
Let's start with wins, because after all, who doesn't want to start with wins? 2019 saw both Eva and I in school with Eva working towards completing her BSN and me completing my MBA. Though at times it was tough, being in school, raising 3 kids, and working (in her case full time), it was most definitely a win, because not only are we almost done with school but, the Lord used this time to teach us to truly depend on one another. In marriage we must constantly die to self, and in busier seasons of life, there is always more opportunity to do this and therefore, to reflect Christ to one another. I believe God used this opportunity in our marriage not just to grow us in knowledge, but also to grow us in love for one another.
Secondly, 2019 saw our youngest daughter start preschool. Gabby began school and we could not be more excited about the Christ-centered approach they have to learning there. Next year, we have decided to place her in a private elementary school, where this Christ-centered approach will continue. Our oldest girls entered 8th grade and 5th grade this year and though it started as a rocky start for one, they are both doing very well now. In addition, this past summer we took a mini-vacation to Pennsylvania, and got to go to Hershey Park, Sesame Place and attend Sight & Sound Theater for a production of Jesus. We also walked through half of the book of Acts this summer as a family. Stay tuned, because I will have a blog coming out on what I learned through that season of doing family devotionals.
Lastly, and this is probably the biggest professional win, we launched Truth -N- Life in September of 2019. Here's a snapshot of where we are, at the time of me writing this blog. We have over 70 subscribers on YouTube, with over 20 videos uploaded. Currently, there are seven blogs published, with this one being number eight, and our podcast is up on every major podcast platform. Our analytics are trending upward, with each month bringing more hits and views and we are really excited with how things are going. Growth is slow, but steady, which in my opinion is a definite win. We hit our fundraising goal for our launch, which was great, but we still need to close out some bills for our first quarter. In addition there was a decision made to incorporate as an LLC instead of a 501C3, the main reason for this is due to the desire to avoid government censorship. We want to be free to speak openly and plainly, and in order to do so we must remain a private corporation not morally accountable for what we say in any way to the state. There was also our first Truth -N- Life sponsored event back in November of 2019. This event was a success and we are excited about hosting two or three more in the coming year!
Hopes and Dreams for 2020
First, Eva and I hope to graduate this year, this will be a huge blessing and weight off both our backs, so please keep this in prayer. If things go well, we can both be going into the summer season as graduates!
Secondly, as for Truth -N- Life, we will continue to publish content the way we have in the past. A biweekly blog, with podcasts and videos being published on a somewhat weekly basis. Originally, the plan was to release videos every other week, but as the Lord provided me more speaking and preaching opportunities (with the availability to record), we have been releasing videos almost weekly! In addition, we hope that 2020 will see us roll out our merchandise line. We already have mugs and hats, you can see the photos on our FaceBook group page or Instagram, but we have not yet begun selling these products publically as the details for selling these items on a larger scale are still being worked out.
As for family goals, please pray that the Lord would bless us with another child. This is the desire of our hearts and we hope that the Lord would answer this prayer this year. We are also looking to buy a house, so while you are at it, pray for that too! Lastly, for me, Ryan, pray that the Lord would provide the opportunity this year for me to return to full time vocational Pastoral Ministry. I do believe this is still where the Lord has called me to serve His church, and that the time is just about upon me where I am ready to return to service in this capacity.
I think this about sums it up, here's looking back to celebrating all that God did in 2019, while eagerly anticipating all that He is going to do in 2020. God bless!