I have been thinking backwards for the past few days...recapping the past year. I will have to say it was one of the best for us. Thanking God for His many blessings to Michael and I and our family.
Let me share something near and dear to my heart. Here's how I start out each new year. I purpose to spend time looking to God as I go back through my journal for the year. I love to recapture His activity in what I pray for. My faith is always increased as I witness His faithfulness to His Word.
This year I had a burden for our family to draw closer to God, to know Him in a very personal way, and to love Him and desire to serve Him. I asked God to lead me in prayer for each one. In His tender mercy and grace He began to stir my heart and give me Scripture to lay hold of by faith...and believe Him.
We have had many challenges, but, we are seeing God move in hearts and lives are changing to His glory. Michael and I have spent more valuable time with family this year and to say the least it has been to our joy. Our Grandchildren are growing up so fast I can hardly believe we have two graduated and attending college. 10 more to go") We want to be a strong influence in their lives and be a witness to faith in Christ. It is really what we live for.
My desire is to live the life that can pray down heaven, God's kingdom come and His will be done. So, that means He is first daily and His Word is final authority always for all things. I journal most days and that helps me stay in close contact with His heart as well as His wisdom for my life. At the end of each year it is amazing to go back through and see just what He has been up to....teaching me, leading me, answering prayers, providing my needs and loving me even when I'm unlovable. (Selah)
I have been looking at Matthew 6:19-21 and I am taking it as His lead for this new year. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven in 2011. This will keep me looking to Him for promptings as to where my treasure is. For that is where my heart will be")
May the new year bring you closer encounters with the One Who loves you best, that your life will be forever changed to glorify Him.
"Trust your past to God's mercy, trust your present to God's love and your future to God's providence."
Augustine of Hippo
Happy New Year!!
Simply His,
Alta
