I find each New Year to be an exhilarating time ~ a time to begin anew; to look forward with anticipation and excitement to all that we have not yet achieved! For, if we believe that God created each one of us with unique gifts and plans to be used for His glory, we can look forward with optimism and hope to fulfilling every Godly goal, hope and dream.
Oh, but some may say ... not me. This past year was the worst (economy, health, state of mind, loss of loved one, circumstances, etc.). How can I begin to think ahead with excitement? I'm too sick, too poor, too broken!
Oh, my friend, yes choose life* to its fullest ~ look forward with promise! You may choose to look back at everything you lost or that which went wrong. Or ...I encourage you ~ consider putting aside disappointments, mistakes, conflict, brokenness which keeps you defeated, and keep your eyes fixed forward*, on all that God has promised you ~ beginning with His open arms of love and His healing power for your heart, body and emotions! Seek out those who have experienced the power of God to remind you how God can move mountains* in your life!
Even with my own exuberance, I faced a three day challenge of excruciating pain right at the gate of 2012! BUT, for God who is ever faithful: who never leaves our side; who loves us with tenderness; and comforts; bringing people to pray, love and reinforce knowledge of God's power to heal as we rest in Him. I give God all the glory for walking me through this time and encouraging me not to lose site of all the excitement and hopes I have for 2012! And so I come along side you ~ no matter what you face ~ to encourage you!
Remember what the Lord says:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
"... I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." Philippians 3:14 (The Message)
"Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you... Mark 11:22 (The Message)
Michelle Lord Samples
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach
www.fromtheheartlifecoach.com
* Resources:
"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!" Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."
Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust." Proverbs 3:25-26 (The Message)
"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd." Heb 11:1 (The Message)
"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." Philippians 3:13-14 (The Message)
"Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins." Mark 11:22-24 (The Message)
