A New Year, A Chance to Make a Difference
Dearest Friends,
As a brand New Year approaches, it gives us time to
pause, and not only remember beautiful moments and
times from the past, but hope for even better days
in the future.
I think reflection is a good thing, as long as we do not
allow it to rule our days. Sometimes people dwell in
the past too much, and miss much they could be enjoying
or investing in, in the present.
Some very creative ways for starting the new year,
are ways we can change the way we view ourselves,
our past, and others around us.
1. Remember the good you accomplished this year
and say a prayer of thanks you were able to do it.
2. Look for things you would like to change that might
not have gone well this year.
3. Make a list of things that need changing.
4. Set short term goals beside each of the things
on that list, that will help you accomplish little
by little the changes you need to make to
address things you must change.
5. Set long term goals, that will help you accomplish
things you really want to. Things you might only
have dreamed about, but know are possible.
Sit down and write what steps you can personally
take to accomplish them.
6. Don't be defeated by setbacks. Setbacks teach
us valuable lessons. They teach us to learn what
we did wrong, how we can change it and how to
keep going, and never give up. It should give
us determination.
7. Don't let the past be your guideline for the future.
Learn from the past, but grow from it too. Learn
how to progress and move on, and seek new goals
and new ideas. Be open to teaching, and learning
and advice from people you can trust to help inspire
you to do greater things with your life. Constructive
criticism is something that helps us all, but most of us are way too proud to receive it, and unfortunately
learn our lessons through hard knocks rather than mentoring.
8. Set aside time daily for your spiritual life. You must
find restorative time for your spirit. Each day people,
situations and problems drain our spirit. We must
refill our spirit and build it up so when the hard times
and rough situations hit.. we are built up and strong
in the Lord, and the power of His might, not just
trying to control it all ourselves.
9. Set goals for daily Bible reading. A chapter,
or two a day. Read slowly, underlining verses
you find meaningful and making notes around them
in your Bible. The word of God refreshes and
builds you from within and teaches you what God
wants from you and how to do it spiritually.
10. Set aside half a hour a day to pray for the needs
of others, your family and yourself. Even if you have
to do it in 10 minute increments. Take time to seek
God and find time for him to talk to you. You need
his guidance and reassurance more than ever!
11. Remember that setbacks and problems do not
rule what we do with our day. They only come to remind
us to forge ahead.
Life is what is happening around us while we are planning
for it.
There are things you can do, that you will never regret:
Kindness to others, it always comes back in special ways
to you. It blesses you and others.
Forgiveness to others, and to yourself. Forgiveness
heals our spirit and releases us from bondage. It
is personally freeing. Take time to mend broken
relationships, before those people are gone and
you are filled with regret for petty differences that
in the long run meant nothing but were only a matter
of pride and control on your part.
Loving fervently, even if you do not receive that
love back. Love others unconditionally, not
expecting it in return, but rejoicing when it comes.
This is the love from the heart of Christ, the more
He is in us, the more we should reflect this.
Counting your blessings rather than your sorrows,
teaches you to have a thankful heart rather
than a grumpy one, or one that is constantly feeling
sorry for itself. (A poor and useless pastime for sure!)
Spending time in Gods word
brings rewards and growth, never defeat. It restores
hope. This is never a regret, but a duty and a joy.
Worship and praise time for God. The act of praise
and worship literally changes the atmosphere around
you, demons flee, hope is restored, and it opens a channel
of communication with God. He dwells in the praises of
His people.. and it lifts you to a higher place in your
spiritual life because you are honoring Him, and putting
Him in first place, rather than your own desires and will.
Each year many people make New Year's resolutions
and forget them two days later. And they don't find
themselves much different at the end of that year than
they were the year before.
Time is passing my friend. We will not return this way
again. Do not put off till tomorrow what is within
your hands to do today. We are not guaranteed
tomorrow! That chance may never return within
your grasp to accomplish.
Print this article out. Take time for these
needful things. Life is a journey, and we must make
it a memorable, useful and joyful one, so that others
may see Jesus working in us, and long for that victory
and hope that Jesus gives to those who seek Him,
and find Him, when they seek Him with all their hearts.
love always
millie
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
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