Here’s to 2017

12 months have pasted.  That chapter is closed.  A new one begins.

For me, this new year will bring it all: change, hope, fear and joy.  Some of us are good with change.  You may adjust to it better than others.  There are some that struggle with it, but it is an adjustment for everyone.  2016 has brought a lot of changes.

Like everyone, I have had some amazing memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.  Some also have been devastating.   To be honest, I do wonder why God has us walk through difficult circumstances or why we see someone else having to face a terrible situation?   I wonder why good people make stupid mistakes that hurt those around them?  I wonder how did that happen or what it was to cause them to ruin their life?  Life is uncertain.  I know that adversity can be a gift.  We don’t have to be gripped by fear when facing the unknown.  I know that God uses those tough times to helps us lean in on our relationship with the Him.  This is the amazing part that gives me HOPE…our Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and none of it is wasted.  All the good, all the bad.  So looking back I am reminded how important it is not to be fearful and to see what God has done already.  We need to understand GRACE, show GRACE and teach about God’s GRACE.

I want to be healthier in 2017.  Spiritually, emotionally and physically.   I want to reflect back a year from now and see how far I have come.  Y’all our perspective is a reality to us.   Life is crummy, but it is filled with so much hope for the future and unmeasurable joy.  So with that, do not be fearful for what the future holds.   Trust that God has a great plan for this year.  Find the joy in the journey that He has you on.  It may not make sense now but He is at work in your life and mine.   This song reminds me of the hope that I have in Christ alone.

No Longer Slaves

Play this song and sing!

2017 may bring regret and sorrow.  It will also be filled with love, hope and joy.  We are all writing our story.  My challenge to you today (as well as myself) is write a good one.  Something where those closest to us can be encouraged and blessed by.  So with that, choose wisely, trust God and with great JOY –  point people to Jesus.