Write It Down

So it's the New Year, and that's what I'll write about, as many others have also.  I do think that there is significance in the calendar turning pages to a new year.  I do think God honors a new year.  I would go so far as to say that I think the new year was His idea first.  A new year is refreshing.  And not because it is chock-full of resolutions, but because it is a chance to wipe the slate clean and start anew...at least in some respects.  

I gave up New Year's Resolutions a few years ago.  What I have done instead, over the past few years, is choose a particular bible verse or passage as my focus for the year.  Usually the scripture is closely related to something that has been on my heart in approaching the new year.  Sometimes I feel it is directly given to me by God.  Either way, I love this focus so much more than the typical resolutions I have previously chosen.  I might also have some personal goals, family goals, or plans for the coming year.  That is all well and good.  Overall, choosing a biblical scripture or passage to make my primary focus for the new year has been particularly helpful to me.  

My heart has been moved on many specific levels and in much greater intensity toward prayer over the last year, in particular.  There are many different types of prayer and ways to approach prayer and I do not claim to be an expert on this, nor am I attempting to write a dissertation on prayer, so I won't delve very specifically.  I will only say that God impresses upon my heart more and more each day, how important prayer should be in my life and in my home.  I don't take it lightly--this privilege to commune with God-- and if I say I will pray for a friend or family member, I won't rest until I do.  That being said, one of my primary focuses for this new year is prayer.

Hand in hand with that is: trusting fully in God, letting peace reign in my heart and mind, and remaining in an active position of giving thanks.  Again, no expert.  Many days I fail miserably at all of these.  And most days, I fail in at least one of these areas.  But God never stops reminding me that this is what He wants of me.  So, the scripture that rests well in my heart for this new year is 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6,7 

I also believe it is important to write down the visions and goals God has for us and for our family.  There really is something significant that happens when we record vision in words.  It helps to look at what has been written and remind ourselves of a particular focus, on good days and bad.  

I received the best Christmas present several days after Christmas.  I have an ongoing list of things I would love to have for my home.  Some feel like dreams and others are completely possible, when the budget allows.  I have wanted a chalkboard forever!  We have this old, untrimmed door that serves as a pass way between our kitchen and what we call the "backroom" that leads to our laundry room.  This backroom was built very poorly, and surely won't remain as is; but for the time being, it's there....and I'm glad there is a door so I don't have to look at it.  I've wanted a chalkboard for that door, on which to write chores and encouraging notes, quotes, or scriptures.  I have not been able to find just the right one.  My husband had the kids with him at Lowe's and I asked him to look for a chalkboard.  Nope, he couldn't find one there but he did one better(although I'd never have imagined how much I love it):  he bought chalkboard paint!  I know, I know, it's been around for years.  I just never thought I'd like it.  I love it!  We painted the entire door.  And no, it's still not trimmed, and it still leads to a room I don't love, but this is a place my eye absolutely loves to wander!  And it is the perfect spot for my verse of 2015.  

So, Happy New Year.  And even if and when it is not so happy, don't neglect writing down what you feel is most important for the coming year.  And please don't neglect reading and reminding yourself of what God has for you and your family.  I believe He has good plans for us; the Bible tells us so!  May 2015 be a year of love, peace, hope, generosity, service, fulfillment, commitment, health, and joy!

I'm having Coffee For Your Heart with my friend Holley Gerth