I really, really LOVE the holiday season...all of it...the decor, the parties, the gift-giving, the shopping, the baking, families making time for one another...
BUT, I also like January. The time for new beginnings...for purifying and cleaning...out with the old and in with the new!
As I mentioned before, in January, our family fasts for 21 days with our church family and we make a conscious effort to slow life way down! It is especially a good time to do so since December has us running full speed.
I have found in this time of rest and refocus though, that my creative juices start flowing, and I feel this overwhelming need to bring everything into order!
I have already rearranged four rooms, started working out again, gotten my neck straightened out at the chiropractor, organized school stuff, read through a book series, started both Bible study groups back up, been teaching 2-5 year olds this month, got oldest child ready for braces next week, and nearly finished fund-raising for my mission trip. I know it doesn't seem like I've slowed down, but truly I have!
And...doesn't it feel GREAT to be productive!
Small goals.
That is a key to progress. Don't go overboard. Make a list of all you want to accomplish and then set small, reasonable, attainable goals.
Don't get stuck in condemnation from the past! God says His mercy is new EACH day. What a wonderful gift to us.
Repent of the old that has weighed you down and then believe He has taken it and forgotten it! As far as the east is from the west, God will remove our nasty transgressions from us! There is no condemnation for those who are IN Christ Jesus.
There is another key: get in Jesus and stay in Him...in His will, His loving care, and His protection!
Psalm 91 (New Living Translation)
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
REST IN THE LORD AND BEGIN AGAIN TO LIVE THE BEST LIFE POSSIBLE!
REMEMBER: IT IS INSANITY TO KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS DONE EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS!
