A Time of Reflection and A Time to Look Forward

Ready or not, here comes the New Year!

2011

We often ask where the year went; it seems to have passed so quickly. At the end of 2010 we sit and think about what events occurred that blessed us and those that were difficult and challenging.We think about what we have accomplished and what we let slide. We make our New Year's resolutions with the greatest intent to keep them. It's very good time for such reflection.

I'm ready for the new year with my workout tape, my Dave Ramsey financial handcuffs, my journal and I signed up for Tuesday am bible study at church. Oh Lord, that I will be faithful to attend to these disciplines.

Two of my favorite verses are Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

You can figure out why I cling to that verse, eh? Oh, yes, I need that mercy daily!



Looking toward 2011 I am committed to living simply, to making each moment count for good by loving God and loving people. I am secure in the knowledge that He loves me and has a plan for my life in the new year.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Just want to share a disclaimer if you will...plans to prosper you is often taken to mean financially prosper and while He may do just that, please consider there are many other ways for the Lord to prosper our lives...

good health, a life of meaning and purpose, a lesson, a challenge, a heart for others and a content spirit.


Whatever He brings...let us rejoice and love one another.

--oOo--

Trust

In what do you put your trust?

Family
Friends
Career
Money
Health
Talent
Beauty
Government
Instinct

You can peruse this list and think about each one and come to realize that they all can or have failed you in one way or another.

People come and go, family members pass on or move on, careers end abruptly, money is lost, illness debilitates, beauty fades, governments fail, talents dim and instincts are often wrong.

There is One in whom you can trust.

Christ Jesus

Name above All Names

If you seek Him you will find him and He alone will satisfy. As your foundation of faith you are secure and your life in Christ will prepare you for any times of trouble. He is your help. He is the author and finisher of your faith and there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. You will have contentment and confidence as well as Joy from within in spite of circumstances. Your priorities will become those of love and service to others. He is trustworthy and His love for you will set you free.*

*It's all in the Bible :)

There will come a time Jesus said:

Romans 14:11 For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.

Be blessed beginning today to live a life in Christ.

He's waiting - He's calling

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

there's just something about that Name,

Master, Savior, Jesus

like the fragrance after the rain.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

Let all heaven and earth proclaim

Kings & Kingdoms shall all pass away

but there's something about that Name.