Happy New Year!

Happy 2017 to You! I love New Year's Day. Aside from being my dad's birthday, it's a day filled with so much promise. First, I'll take down the Christmas tree down and carefully put away the decorations leaving a few things out to chase away the winter gloom. I'll spend some time reflecting, and walk through the house changing calendars. A lot has happened this year - many happy times but some really sad ones, too. You're probably looking forward to a new year with new possibilities, too. It's like we're getting a fresh start with a clean slate, and who doesn't like that? However, sometimes we have difficulty moving forward when we see so many unsettled issues in the rear view mirror of our mind. Just like driving, you can't make progress when you're always looking back. Maybe it's time you let go of some of that baggage that's keeping you from living out your purpose. In the New Testament book, Philippians 3:13, 14, it says", But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus". In other words, he's saying that we have to keep our eyes focused on goal that is in front of us. However, "pressing on" and "straining" implies that it takes real work, and that's why we need His help to walk with us on the journey. What is it that you want to accomplish this year? Don't let fear or negative feelings hold you back. Maybe it's time to let God have that baggage that you've been carrying around for years. If you could have done something about it, you probably would have. We have no idea what 2017 holds for us. We, of course, hope for wonderful things to brighten our life, but we really don't know. Why not allow God take control, since He knows the beginning from the end? As long as we're walking through this life, we will never be alone, even when life throws us a curve. Ephesians 4:20 is one of my favorite verses. It says, "..God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory...". I want my life to count for something much bigger than me. A little scary? Yes, but beside God being able, He can also be trusted! Happy New Year!!