A New Year's Thought...what are your thoughts?

Cathy Irvin writes;

I recently saw this quote, "No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending" (Unknown). I really began to think about that statement. The conclusion was that we don't start over; but we begin again right where we are, making things better in our lives.

As a believer in Christ, it is not about saying I will do this and I won't do that and then dropping the idea or falling short. It is more about asking the Lord to help us each day, to fall deeper and deeper in love with Him. This way our focus will be set on the things of heaven and not on all this earthly stuff.
If I were to make a New Year resolution, it would be to have a deeper commitment, a deeper love, and a deeper worship for the Lord. In the beginning of this past year, He spoke to me in that still small voice in prayer and said, "I am more than enough. I am more than enough in every area of your life." He also said to tell others the same thing. 

This year I am determined to make Him my all and all. He wants our undivided attention in spite of the distractions and temptations that lie waiting around the corner. He has to be our main focus.
How we will end this year will be determined by how we started it. Did we want to get more "INTIMATE" with the lover of our soul? I looked up the word intimacy and the meaning is to be close, familiar, very personal and private. 

Do you want a new ending this year? How do you want the ending of your life? If you're not a Christian, please know that this could be the best New Year of your life. Your life can be filled with hope and peace. To know what the ending will be is an extra bonus. Why should every year be the same as the one before with nothing really changing? After all, the New Year resolutions may or may not get accomplished. 

If you are a Christian and you feel stagnate in your relationship with the Lord, then now is the time to rekindle the love affair with Him. He calls us to Himself and says, "Come away my beloved." Can you hear Him? He is tugging at your heart. The real ending in our life will be when Jesus says well done my good and faithful servant. That statement will be for someone who took the time to get to know Him, love Him, and that obediently followed Him. 

Thank you, Cathy, for reminding us of new beginnings and that there is a positive to life as we choose it. God Bless, Don

A Prayer for 2013

"New Year's Prayer" is a Christian prayer by Jack Zavada. Written in poetry form, the prayer resounds with a re-dedication theme of daily surrender and obedience to the Lord.

New Year's Prayer

Lord, this year I want to change,
and I've said that in the past.
but now my prayer is different
'cause I understand at last.

I wanted my own way before,
I ignored your loving plans.
But now I'm putting everything
into your nail-scarred hands.

I promise to obey you
out of gratitude and love.
I won't be giving orders
to my Father up above.

I finally realize the truth
and so I've changed my prayer.
The safest place for me to be
is in your gentle care.

Please be my shepherd, Jesus,
that's all I ask of you.
In good times and in bad this year,
Take my hand and lead me through.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

--Jack Zavada 

This prayer resonates with me this year and look forward the to the great things God is going to do and give Him the thanks for them in advance! You know I love ya, Don

My Wish For You!

Looking forward to a great year ahead...you know I love ya, Don

Friday Funny - "Happy New Year"

It is Friday and New Year's Eve. These holidays are filled with get together and parties...so I thought the following might bring a chuckle:

As in many homes on New Year's Day, Janet and Nigel, a happily married couple, faced the annual conflict of which was more important: the football match on television, or the lunch itself.

Hoping to keep the peace Nigel ate lunch with the rest of the family, and even lingered for some pleasant after-lunch chat before retiring to the living room to turn on the television.

Some minutes later, Janet looked in to see how he was and graciously even bought a cold diet coke for Nigel. She smiled, kissed him on the cheek and asked what the score was. Nigel told her it was half time and that the score was still 0-0.

'See?' Janet said happily, 'You didn't miss a thing.'

It is hard to believe the first decade of the new millennium is over already. Praying 2011 is awesome in your life. Keeping our eyes on Him and He will never let us down. You know I love ya,
Don

Keep praying for Nicholas and us. His surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, January 4th. I will let you know as I know...

Happy New Year is a grateful New Year!

Teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:12

It is hard to believe that the first decade of this new millennium is already over. What a ten years it has been. I am thankful for the gains of children, new friendships, new ministries. I am also thankful for the new disappointments that have increased my reliance on a great a mighty God. I am reminded of what Lin Trantor wrote:

"I don't do any housework on New Year's Day," my aunt said, "because what you do on New Year's Day, you'll do all year." When I was young, I thought my aunt had the right idea. I didn't like housework, and so on January 1st I tried to do only the things I enjoyed.

Over the years, as I cared for my family and began to cultivate a more grateful attitude, I decided that doing some housework on New Year's Day would be a good way to begin the year. Washing dishes reminds me to be thankful for the food God has provided in the preceding year and to anticipate all that God will provide in the future. When I do the laundry, I remember to give thanks for warm clothes in the winter. Cleaning house helps me to be grateful for the shelter of a home and reminds me to give thanks for family and friends who are welcome visitors. With each of my New Year's Day chores, I find reason to give thanks.

When I pray on New Year's Day, expressing thanks for all that God provides, I hope the saying is true: What you do on New Year's Day, you'll do all year.

My grandmother was one of my losses in the last 10 years. I truly miss her and her ability to always give me a boost. She also would recite the saying of whatever you do on New Year's you will do all year long...the legacy lives on because my mother says it now.

In 2011, I want to be known as a servant, a follower of Christ, and one that is thankful for that which we have. With this mind set, I think it will be a good year, regardless of the joys or challenges.

Happy New Year to you and may the next year bring you all you desire and need. You know I love ya, Don

Happy New Year - What Really Matters?

This is a quote from Christopher J. Klicka (1961-2009) in one of his final interviews before he passed into the arms of Jesus after fighting M.S. for years.

He (God) enables you to fulfill what He's called you to do. He's called me to be a father of seven and a husband, and work for the homeschoolers and to share His gospel. Charles Spurgeon once said that there will be no crownbearers in heaven who weren't crossbearers on earth. I got the cross of MS. Some people are going to have the cross of cancer, some are going to have the cross of losing a loved one, or some marriages will break up, or struggles that bring hurt and growth...for there are little crosses we all must bear; damage to cars, finances aren't doing well, or we loose a job...It's not a question of whether you are going to suffer or not. It's just a matter of how you deal with it...God is sovereign and we still must glorify Him...heaven's going to be sweeter than anything this world offers. I know it's going to be sweeter. I can't wait.

These are good words to ponder on a new year. May each of us face life with such power and grace. It is God's gift to each of us. I declare the gift of power and grace in 2010.

You know I love ya - Don

Happy New Year

“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 'Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland'.” - Isaiah 43:16, 18-19.

I think this is a great verse to end the year on. It says a great deal about the past and a fantastic vision for the future.

Today, I am giving thanks for 2008 AND I am excited for 2009.

Happy New Year! You know you are loved - Don