Thoughts for the New Year
The year 2011 is winding down and now is the time where many of us reflect on the past year, see all that has happened in our lives and glean forward to what the next year will bring. At the end of each year, I personally like to reflect on my walk with the Lord and where He has taken me. I praise Him for every valley and mountain. It is in the valley that makes our mountain top experiences that much sweeter. It is in the valley when we are molded and shaped the most. It is in the valley where we humble ourselves and draw closer to the Lord, utterly dependent on His mercy and grace. Life is easy on the mountaintop, but in the valley is where your true character shines and how you deal with pressures,trials, and cirumcstances in life. The trials are a time of testing. I like it when I pass the test the first or second time, versus having to go around the mountain again and again! Don’t you?!
As I ponder on the year and all the many blessings, I also continue to seek His face for His will to be done in my life in the coming new year. What are the Lord’s plans for me? I know they are for good and to give me a hope and a future, so I press on to know what this future of mine continues to look like. The Lord takes us in seasons and as you reflect back on your life, you can see the seasons of life that He has brought you in and through.
What are the Lord’s plans for you? Can you see Him walking along beside you, holding your hand in life, guiding and protecting you every step of the way? Are you holding His hand back and following in agreement, on His path, or are you resisting? As the year draws to a close, this is a great question to ask yourself. It is never too late to hold on tight to his hand, to re align your focus and live for Him.
When it comes to being a child of God, there are no regrets! God is a redeemer of time! He makes ALL things new! When God forgives you, your sins are forgiven, your slate is wiped clean! Your sins are as far removed as the east is from the west! Do not let anyone tell you differently! A new year is starting and everyday God’s mercies are new! It is not too late, you have not missed it! All you have to do is agree to hold on to Him and allow Him to lead and guide you as your Lord and Savior. He does a pretty good job! A much better job than we can do ourselves! Trust me, I know! 
If you have held tightly to the Lord’s hand all year, what blessings have come from clinging to His promises, His truth? How has he used circumstances in your life to draw you even closer to Him? How has he used you for His glory? God will not share His glory with another. He gets all the glory!
As I begin the New Year,
I must refocus, reset and re align my heart more and more to His. I must spend time in His presence seeking His will over my life and what it is He is calling me to do in the coming year. Some things will be known immediately, whereas others, I will not know till the time draws near. I do know I will begin the month of January with the following:
1. I will pick up where we left off and resume homeschooling my two sons.
2. I have joined up with some other online men and women to commit to praying for our spouses for the month of January. It is called “31 days to pray for your spouse challenge.” Please feel free to join us!
3. I will also start the new year reading a book called, “How to Have a HEART for your Kids” by Rachael Carman. This is also an online community support group, led by Amanda Pelser. You may join us as well. All you need to do is sign up, buy the book and begin reading come the new year!
4. I will continue to work on my temple and focus on how I am housing the living God. I want to continue to eat healthy and exercise regularly. I know we all slip from time to time, and that is ok! The new year is when we pledge these new goals and things we want to accomplish. For me, it is not about dieting or losing weight. It is about being HEALTHY! It is a LIFESTYLE for me! Something I live by. Of course, I am not “religious” about it, yet I do maintain this as a habitual habit and I can tell the difference when I do not eat healthy. I do not like feeling tired, worn down, sluggish, bloated, congested, have headaches, joints hurt, and the list goes on and on. I have figured out what my body likes and doesn’t like, and so I choose to have self-control and eat/drink accordingly. I want my body healthy: physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. The foods we eat, the thoughts we think, the words we speak, all matter and all affect our health, either positively or negatively.
Are you sick a lot? Do you get tired easily? Do you have pain in your body? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? If you are, I can help! Let’s get you on the road to recover, naturally. Our bodies are filled with toxins and it primarily has to do with what we put in and on our bodies. If you desire a change in your body, physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally, I am here to work with you and help you achieve the best you in the new year, 2012.
5. I will choose to set aside time to be a good keeper of the home. I will work on de-cluttering my house and getting more organized. I will carve out time where these projects get accomplished. I will have my children help me and continue to teach them skills in the home.
6. I will work on what I am very lacking in: SLEEP! I will force myself to go to bed at a decent hour! (someone hold me accountable, please!!!)
7. I will continue to focus on the Lord’s plan for me and my family. I will take up my cross and follow Him daily. I will continue to teach my children diligently. I will let the Lord guide my steps and order my path.
My thoughts for the new year is that I will continue to seek Him first in all that I do and I will please Him in every way. All I want is to be a reflection of Christ on the earth. All I want is to give Him all the honor, glory and praise that is due his name! I want his name to be lifted high! I want the world to know how much I love my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I want to know him and make him known throughout all the earth!
What are your thoughts, plans and actions for the New Year?
Do you have similar desires and goals? Do you have ones that I did not mention? Please share yours below. I want to hear! I love a challenge, so please tell me what you want to do in 2012. Thanks!
Happy New Year! Blessings upon blessings to you in 2012!
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