I love the beginning of the year because it gives us time to reflect on the past year and set goals to better ourselves for the future. Not only professional goals but personal as well. As I’m writing this I’m reflecting on what I can improve on this year.

New Year’s resolutions are great but the fact is, many people don’t stick with them. With that in mind, I’m setting some goals but not necessarily calling them resolutions. This year I’m wanting to be more active throughout the week and eat more veggies. I also want to get prepared for our trip to Israel we are taking later this year by reading scriptures and books to gain insight on the significance of the sites we will visit. I also want to continue learning Spanish and playing the piano.

I am so thankful for this past year and look forward to what the new year brings. I encourage you to join me to reflect on 2017 and how the Lord has blessed you and brought you through this year. Not only to look back but to look forward to 2018 with a fresh pair of eyes and thoughts. And to come up with some realistic ways of improving yourself or enjoying things you have never before experienced.

The verse of the day on January 1st was “I am about to do something new.” from Isaiah 43:19. I believe this is a word for us for 2018. This is a new year for us to really focus in and do something we feel the Lord is calling us to and enjoy new things. Time is a precious gift that we shouldn’t take for granted. We only get so many hours, days, and years to really do something with our lives. Let us not waste it.

In this day and time it’s important to not get caught up only in ourselves but to look around and care for those less fortunate than us. Not only those less fortunate but to be kind to all that we see. So many times we are walking around with our heads down staring at our phones for whatever reason. I know I catch myself doing it sometimes. Even being aware that someone is behind you and holding the door open can help someone out. We must be present first and then be willing to take action to help others out.

Join me in also working on being an active christian instead of a passive one. So many christians approach the Bible and their morals with a passive attitude. They won’t take time to actually read the Bible let alone apply its teachings. They also aren’t actively helping their community or church. You wouldn’t even realize they are christians by their actions out in the world. That’s not how I want to be known. I want others to see Christ through me and I pray that is your desire too.

A Prayer For You

Lord thank You for getting me through this past year and for the new year that has begun. Please give me Your eyes and ears to see the world around me as You do. And give me the strength, courage, and wisdom to take action to help those in need. Give me a passion to know You more and to be led by You. In Jesus’ name, amen.