Ringing in the New Year

found via pinterest.

Exactly one week ago today, January 1st marked the beginning of a new year. 2012 has arrived with all the promises of hope and uncertainty.

During those few precious hours before midnight, we had the chance to relive memories of days that have past, and then watch with eager anticipation as the future appeared before us. Unsure of what lies up ahead, New Year’s has always been a little bittersweet for me, because inside I know there’s no going back. But the coming tomorrow filled with joy and possibility, helps to reassure me of good things in store.

It’s been a tradition for some time now to make a list of New Year’s resolutions. Up until about 3 years ago, I used to laugh at the idea of starting the year out with a list of “empty promises.” But then I came to realize that resolutions are more than just a half-hearted pledge. To be resolute is to be marked by a firm determination, to be bold, and steady.¹ It’s our way of beginning again with a clean slate; a chance to look uncertainty in the face and set out to put our plans, goals, and dreams into motion.

What are some of your resolutions? Do you make resolutions, or do you have some other way you like to start off the year? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

In this year, it is my hope to spend more time doing some of the things I love. As time marches on, I’m beginning to understand more of the saying that, “Life is short.” And with this knowledge, I want to spend less time filling my mind with doubt, worry, and wondering what might have been. Because, I believe we’re meant to embrace the time we’ve been given. After all, who can add a day to their life? ²

Here’s my list of resolutions for 2012:

MIND |                                     SOUL |

          Read more great literature                          Read through the Bible in one year

          Spend more time on my writing                    Faithfully record in my journal

                                                                       Learn to play the piano

BODY |                                     SPIRIT |

          Exercise to increase my strength                 Write letters

          Eat healthier, well balanced meals                Re-explore my artistic side

.   .   .  .  .

The future may appear to be uncertain, but I serve a God who holds time in His hands.

“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

1. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resolute

2. Luke 12:22-34 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2012&version=NIV

Soul | Why are we thankful?

found via pinterest. courtesy of tumblr.

Today, my family gathered together to enjoy the bountiful meal my mother had prepared for us. It’s Thanksgiving, and there’s no better time to be with the ones you love, eating lots of really good food. But, sometimes in the midst of all the cooking and activity of preparing for this holiday, I find myself forgetting what exactly we are celebrating. Oh, of course I know it’s a reminder to be thankful for the good things in our life, but what’s the deeper reason behind our thankfulness?

Looking back, the first Thanksgiving was held by the Pilgrims as an expression of gratitude for God’s faithful provision of food and shelter. They had endured a harsh struggle, and were now blessed with a plentiful harvest. President Lincoln would ensure that we kept this tradition by proclaiming a yearly observance which forever marked it on our calendars. When you think about it, the year 1863 – in the middle of the Civil War – seems like a surprising time for our nation to pause and give thanks. The cruel presence of war had touched every household…but the hope of our nation was to restore unity. By offering thanks for what we’d been given, our nation was reminded of how truly blessed it was.

So this is the conclusion I’ve come to. It’s pretty incredible to consider being grateful when you’re in the middle of hardship. But, that is exactly how this holiday started. More than just turkey and stuffing, or small blessings we’ve been counting, it’s a profound reminder of how the Lord has provided a means to sustain us in the midst of our need. No matter how life looks at the moment, on this day we can pause and give thanks, knowing that God in His goodness is caring for us. That is why we can give thanks at all times, in every circumstance we find ourselves facing.

As I gather around the table with the four people I love most in this world, I want to be reminded of the Lord’s provision in my life. When I need Him most, He is always faithful to sustain me. And for this, I am truly thankful.

. . . . . . . .

I hope you all enjoyed a very blessed Thanksgiving!

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise!
Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the Lord is good;
His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”

(Psalm 100:4-5)