Good Morning to all of you..Happy 2017. I don't know about y'all but I am so happy to see a new year..one where we have 365 days to make this year fabulous and to grow in our relationships with Christ. One where families will heal, kindness will be shared and God will open doors for us, as well as close..no slam..the ones that we are not supposed to walk through. I wish for all of you that 2017 will be one to find a life balance which involves getting what needs to be done and allows for spending time with those who are important to you..doing things that enrich your heart and soul.
I have spent the last part of 2016 in a real season of change..God has closed lots of doors that I thought I should be going through and has taught me some crazy hard lessons in patience and learning how to turn intense grief and sorrow..along with the stress and anxiety that comes along with those feelings over to Him..has it been easy?? Absolutely not, but through learning how to do this and faithfully starting each day in prayer with Him, I now have a feeling of peace and know that no matter where paths may lead..that they will be protected and covered with His grace.
Not all in 2016 was on the "not so great side"..we have had many blessings in our lives and have had plans come through as we had wished for. God has helped me to build a wonderful "tribe" through my new church home of amazing..strong Christians who have been game changers in my life. He has allowed us to have successes with school, fitness goals, location changes and new job roles and promotions: The first week of 2017 sees us with children who have learned some hard lessons, but are healthy and maturing day by day to become fine young men..all of our critters are still with us..although Max the Wonderdog gave us a scare the other day..I thought my wet nosed therapist was on his way over the rainbow bridge but God said..Not just yet! And..a husband who will begin attending church with me!! God is so good and moves in our lives..even when we do not know that He is doing so..leading us through trials and tribulations, successes and life changing events and remaining ever gracious..waiting for us with open arms.
I have set some lofty goals for myself this year..I know not everyone believes in setting New Years Resolutions and I am a firm believer in whatever works for each of us..me personally, I love opening a new journal..writing down what I want to accomplish and get busy..but I also like Mondays and find that in the world of electronic everything I still love a good bookstore!! The first on my list is to continue to build a closer relationship with Christ..there is the old saying that if you change the inside the outside will take care of itself..and for me taking care of the inside is to honor and worship Him always..leaning into God's word and listening for what He is saying..
Of course there are fitness goals and educational goals..and career related goals also..but those will fall into place with hard work and staying motivated..today I am just so grateful that we have a God who is gracious and answers prayers..
Happy 2017..tomorrow starts back with fitness and nutrition..and perhaps some creativity..enjoy the day, stay positive and share your smile with a stranger..you never know what someone is going through and your smile really can make a difference!!
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
-1 Thessalonians 5:15-18
