This past year has been one awesome and crazy year. 2011 was filled with many ups, downs, surprises, adventures and lessons. But through it all, God has and is and always will be holding me up and strengthening me. The biggest thing that I know I always need to remember is God's unfailing love for me and that He has a plan for my life far greater than I can imagine. And no matter what has happened this past year, each day is a new day and God can bring you through each and every day. His love endures all things and He is with us always!Making New Years resolutions are great, but we don't have to wait for a new year to begin them :) begin some change in your life today, right now even.
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
From this day on, one of the things I hope to improve on is gratitude. The second thing is discipline and the third is intentionality. God has blessed us all so much, each in different ways. More and more each day I realize how much more I should be giving thanks to Him. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) These verses can basically sum up everything I need to work on! I want to give thanks in all situations. When things are going well it's really easy to give thanks, but at the same time we can't stop giving thanks when things are going well because it's not of our doing but only God's. And I must not forget to give thanks even in the hard times, because those are times to learn and to seek God's will for my life. But you know what, when I'm trying to seek His will, I can just go to this verse...for it simply says "this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"!
The second and third things almost connect with one another in some aspects. The other day I was practicing some basketball with my youngest brother when a thought just struck me as if both our basketballs had whacked me upside the head. It's all about practice. And you may ask, "what is all about practice" and my response to you is "everything". I want to be a better basketball player, but that won't happen just after a night of practicing. Maybe someone wants to become a better artist, a better friend, a more skilled engineer, a better student. Well, it's gonna take practice. Just as I want to be better at basketball, I want to be more self-disciplined and intentional in my relationship with God, but it's going to take my effort and strength from Christ. I can't just read my bible and pray a lot one day, and be set with that. I need to be filled up daily and praying continually! By His word, I can be filled up daily, for men can't live on bread alone! And all scripture is God breathed and so very useful for all aspects of life!Also, brother and sisters, keep your each other accountable, because it's easy to not keep to a new resolution or goal.
Set some hopes and goals for yourself as well, and go practice! Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus! I'm very thankful for you, friends!
In Christ,
Heather
p.s. I'll probably be posting more than just these long thoughts, but also prayer requests, things I'm thankful for and inspiring quotes I find! God bless!
No comments:
Post a Comment