HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

How wonderful it is that we have made it to another year.  However this year, I recognize that I will not be alone in my resolutions.  I know for a fact that I will be carried through this year as the Lord guides me and directs my every move, word, and breath.  I no longer have to depend on my own will power to eat healthier, to become motivated to exercise, or to be a better person.  I know that through prayer, meditation on the Word, time with God, adoration, worshiping, and praises, the Lord will provide what I need, when I need it according to His perfect will.  There is no stress in pushing to an unrealistic image of myself, or to become the super mom I always wanted to be, rather the peace of knowing that I will live my life for Jesus and to fulfill why I am here for; to worship Him, love, pray, and spread His Gospel.  Besides, I never met one single person who has stuck to their "New Year Resolution," 

have you?  The worst part is the feeling of disappointment when those pesky resolutions

are broken.  We are not meant to make resolutions that do not honor the Lord, especially those selfish ones.  Once upon a time, I used to do this year after year, and I finally realized the reason why I could not stick to any of my resolutions was because they were not Christ centered...they were "I" centered. I want to drop xx pounds, I want to be skinny, I want to get a raise, I want to make more money, I want to be noticed by xx.  Not that it is bad to want to be slimmer for health reasons, or wanting to be able to provide for the family with a raise, but what is not good are the reasons behind our resolutions. Do we want to be able to wear that two piece tiny bikini during the summer? Do we want to claw our way up the corporate ladder even if it means sacrificing time with the family? Do we want to be noticed for the wrong reasons (though I am not sure I can think of one single good reason to want to be noticed)? I have learned that behind every resolution, I have to ask, "Lord, is what I am doing honoring You? Is this something You approve of? Look into my heart and convict me, Holy Spirit, expose any unholy motive for my resolutions and make them pure."  When we live a Christ centered life, everything else falls into place.       

I have been a Christian since 2005, but I did not become an active Christian until just  recently.  In between, I recommitted my life to Christ several times, wondering if He would take me back time after time.  It turns out that He DID!  And the good promise is that we have an opportunity every single day, any hour, any minute, to go to the Lord of all, our Mighty Father who loves us deeply and who has a plan for us, Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." And do not get discouraged, as I often did in the past, because God will transform us from the inside out, Phillipians 1:6 "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.." Be patient, and like everything else we invest time in, together we will learn more and more who God is, His Sovereign Son, Jesus Christ, and the Power of the Holy Spirit. 

Resolution Time

Resolutions are a fun tradition, sometimes, but it is not a tradition that will make or brake you. Don't stress out for not making resolutions on time, because our Christian goal is to become more intimate with Jesus every single day of our lives, not just January 1st. Resolutions do not define who you will become the following year, nor will they be an indicator of what you will never become if you break them.  My resolutions this year will be resolutions that I know I can be successful in and if you would like to join me, here they are:

This year, I will resolve to grow deeper in the Word, in hopes that:
   a. The Holy Spirit moves in me and shows me the Truth and convicts me of my wrong doings and in everything glorify Jesus Christ.
   b. I want to be more intimate in my relationship with Jesus Christ, and which through Him God be magnified.
   c. Love and fear God with all my might, body, soul, heart, and everything else within me.

Give Your Heart Or Recommit

If you would like to start 2014 with the best resolution, gift, and promise of all times, or if you would like to recommit your life, the following is a simple prayer that can be said anywhere, anytime:

Sinners Prayer. 

Dear God,

God, I come to You as a sinner. I acknowledge that I need You and I cannot do it on my own. I repent of all of my sins and I ask for Your mercy and forgiveness.  I thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my salvation.  I confess with my mouth, that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of my life.  

Jesus, please come live in my heart; it is yours from now and forever, and by your promise, I am saved. Jesus, transform my heart, that I will put You first in every aspect of my life.  It belongs to You.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your loving mercy and for eternal life.

I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

This Months Verse 

Since this is a new year and we are resolving to commit our lives to Jesus, this next verse, one of my favorites (I have so many!), Jesus pretty much sums it up:

John 14:6 "...I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

I'm linking up with Holley Gerth's  Coffee for Your Heart  link-up series on Wednesdays, or go to holleygerth.com  please join us! Click  HERE  or go to www.holleygerth.com for more encouraging words!

Comments are welcomed, and if you have a more personal question for me, please email me at vacationmommy@gmail.com

Love and blessings, Bea