Friday, January 2, 2009

A New Year???

Anyone who personally knows me knows this about me:

I AM NOT A NEW YEAR CELEBRATION PERSON!! NEVER HAVE BEEN!!

Due to circumstances of past events in my life, I always looked at the end of the year as "Well, I got through that one!" The beginning of a new year brought thoughts such as: "Here we go!! Another year--change the number and that's all that is going to be different. If I make it through this year, it more than likely will be the same as last year. Same circumstances, same situations, just a new number at the end of the date. I got through last year, and somehow I'm going to get through this year!"

Sound depressing? Sound self-defeating before the year even began? Yes, it surely does!!

I'm glad to report that my attitude has been changed in this New Year Dilemma (which is what I used to call it).

Instead of dreading a new year, I am now looking forward to it. I'm looking forward--that is the key word here--FORWARD--not back at all the circumstances and situations that have occurred in the past.

Yes, I will look and learn from these situations--remember what God has taught me through each and every trial.

And I am looking forward to using what God has taught me to help and enrich the lives of others because that is what He wants me to do!!

So, I do wish a Happy and Blessed New Year to each and everyone of you!! Remember to look forward and focus on what is ahead of us. The greatest gift awaits all of us--we just have to receive and accept this gift.

This is the gift that has changed my entire outlook on my life, my day to day comings and goings, my hope, faith and trust for however many days and years may follow. I have placed my hope in Jesus and not myself. Having this hope within me, I can soar like an eagle--whatever the circumstances!!

What are you facing today? Where are you going to put your hope? It is a choice we each have to make, and I choose Jesus.

Please stop by The Power of Your Love for an update on The Weekly Memory Verse and also a chronological Bible reading that is being hosted by Marsha.

Beth

10 comments:

Denise said...

Amen, I also choose Jesus.

Debbie Petras said...

I'm so glad to be getting to know you through your blog. And I'm so glad that the Lord has changed your heart ...to one of hope in Him. That's really the only reason we can be hopeful; because of Him. I pray that this would be a blessed year for you and your family. Take one day at a time and praise Him. Happy New Year!

Kelly said...

Happy New Year Beth. There is no fear for those in Christ Jesus, and if God is for us, who can be against us?

Hope 2009 is your best yet!

HisFireFly said...

I used to feel much like you as New Year's eve rolled around. I'd watch people hugging and kissing at midnight and think "what's the big deal? A number changed onthe clock and calendar but life will still be the same garbage"
Then I met jesus, and ever since every new day is a blessing and an adventure, even in dark times, I know He will carry us and remain in control.
I look forward to each new year, each new day with great expecation.
Blessings all over you in 2009!

magnoliasntea said...

Happy New Year!!
May your needles fly and your blessings pile high. :)
(Bein’ of Irish blood, just can’t help the prose sometimes.)

Edie said...

Yay for you Beth! I love this post. I have been there myself and I understand those feelings but through Christ we do overcome. Remember Isaiah 41:10 and Fear Not.

"The enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; but I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Oh Lord, show Beth how much you mean it when you say you want to give her an abundent life. Begin now to take her into that life and leave the chains of bondage in the past. Bind the enemy with cords that cannot be broken, and silence his mouth that he cannot speak so that he cannot attack her any longer. In the Powerful Name of Jesus I pray. - Amen

Happy New Year my new friend.

Kay Martin said...

Whether people have felt like you with other years approaching many need to read this post as 2009 begins.

Your beautiful heart for Jesus blesses me every time I drop by here. When we get it: that He is everything we are fine with whatever comes our way.

God bless you with His best now and forever. I thank God for you in my life.

Kay Martin

Aunt Kathy said...

Me too, my hope is in Jesus. My future is in Jesus

Marsha said...

Press on... in the name of Jesus go forth. I've had to constantly remind myself of that truth over the years.

Thanks for announcing the reading program.

pinkangel said...

Beth I stumbled on your blog a few days ago thru the members database on a KAL and saw that you are from my old stompin' grounds. I graduated from Cumberland Valley HS in 1963...wow 40 years ago.

I started reading your blog and I am so glad I did. This post is so uplifting to me, because I didn't think much of a new year of everything the same. Jesus does transform a life. I needed a reminder of that. I am now eagerly anticipating the direction my Lord is taking me in 2009.

I will be stopping by often. Thank you for you sharing your heart.
Hugs
Diane FL (formerly-from Mech PA)