I am so very excited for a new year to begin! 2016 was a long and emotional year, and I am very ready to move on from it!
Yesterday, I saw this post by a friend on Facebook, and responded "My Sentiments Exactly":
"Dear 2016,
We've been through so much together. It's not you, it's me. I've got to be moving along now. I will always remember you."
The feelings of moving on, moving forward, in to a new year are overwhelming me with excitement! I cannot wait to see what God and 2017 have in store for me!
And, I hope and pray every day, that it is an 'upgrade' from 2016!
I decided to chose a Bible passage to start off 2017 with, and to make it my 'theme' of the coming year. In the very beginning of my search for the perfect passage, I came upon 'the one'.
Psalm 103:1-5
Praise the Lord, I tell myself,
With my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, I tell myself,
and never forget the good things He does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He ransoms me from death
and surrounds me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things
so that my Youth is renewed like the eagles's.
My interpretation, in relation to 2017 and myself, is a follows:
Never stop praising the Lord!
Notice and rejoice in all good things He does for and in me!
Remember, every day, the mercies of the Lord!
The Lord loves me more than words can express.
When I am tired, look to Him for strength and renewal.
Wow! That turned out to be a great theme for 2017!
Going in to the new year, 2017, I strongly encourage you to:
*Turn your complaints in to Praise.
*Magnify all good things in your life.
*Remember that you are forgiven.
*Look to the Lord to heal all your ills.
*Remember how much He loves you.
*Thank God daily for His mercies.
*Focus on all your blessings.
*Fly through adversity like a youthful Eagle, and don't let anything bring you down!
I just sat down to write a holiday blog post, and I am listening to Elvis Presley's "White Christmas". I caught myself changing to words to "Peace-Filled Christmas"...
I'm Dreaming of a Peace-Filled Christmas. I am.
Wow. The Lord just handed me my post topic! (I love it when that happens!)
Unfortunately, this year's Holiday post is not going to be of the same joyful-spirit that it usually is; but I certainly hope that my words can help others out there that are hurting this Holiday season.
You see, this year December is very different for me than any other December that I have lived.
I have lost someone and Christmas can be a difficult time to grieve.
My Christmas planning partner and shopping sharer from years past is not around to enjoy the season with this year. My 1st mate for attending Holiday concerts and wine tastings is not available to go with me this year and it has changed my holiday spirit dramatically.
The biggest Christmas wish that I make, over and over, year after year, above all else, is that every human being be surrounded with love, at some point during the Christmas season.
Baby Jesus was completely surrounded by love! I mean, he was immediately, unconditionally loved by his mother, who did not plan nor expect the pregnancy. He and his mother were surrounded with the love of Joseph, who accepted that he didn't have a hand in creating this baby, yet he loved Jesus just the same. Even strangers traveled to surround Jesus with love.
I guess, if I am to be completely honest, this holiday season, I am a little envious of the immediate and unconditional love that Baby Jesus was surrounded with. Of course the Savior of the World certainly was deserving, and the amazing miracle of Jesus birth is a story matched by none! But, don't we all need and deserve a little love?
So, I've come to the conclusion that the best way for me to make my Holiday Season brighter, is to share my love with others! I intend to brighten the season for others around me, and in turn spread the Love of Jesus and the Joy of Christmas to those I encounter.
Please join me in spreading the Love of this time of year to people around you! Fill a void for someone in need of holiday joy and make your journey to Christmas brighter too!
