A NEW YEAR AND NEW POSSIBILITIES!

 

Thank you for visiting and reading my first post for 2014. It is my prayer that you, your family and loved ones will experience unexpected blessings from God, who blesses us all with new mercies each day (Lamentations 3:22-23). I count it a blessing for us see another year and have an opportunity to fulfill personal dreams and goals.
 
I apologize for being remiss about having a post ready for the 1st; but I just realized this morning during my prayer time that I hadn't done a thing and needed to write a new blog to share with you.

Each new year brings the need for some to make resolutions. Did you make any for the new year--like most people; or have you finally realized that resolutions end up being short lived? Because, they're not the best way to make positive changes, I consider them good intentions (that don't get very far); so I stopped making resolutions many years ago. What I thought about this morning in lieu of making resolutions was the option of making 'definitive choices' for personal improvement. One definition of definitive is:

Fully differentiated or developed; serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation.

Having a final solution for indecision is always a good thing. Resolution is the act of determining; but many are not able to determine (for sure) if they will follow through with their desire to make the necessary changes in their lives.

Here are a few things you can consider and initiate to prepare you for the new possibilities in 2014:

• List your goals for each month, six months or the entire year. This can be helpful and serve as a guideline for your activities or essential obligations. With some structure, you can be focused instead of being all over the place in an attempt to accomplish your goals. It's the same as having a map to help you from getting lost and going out of the way to your destination.
• With every year, it is needful (and helpful) to do a personal assessment of every area of your life: spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially. Although, it's healthy to forget the past, we must assess our past choices, mistakes and mishaps to help us tweak our future decision-making. 
• A new year is a good time to consider associations: personal and professional. Some associations are necessary (in the workplace, family, business) and others are optional. Are there associations that you need to terminate this year? Knowing, who needs to go on this year's journey with you is important and can make a difference between relational success and failure. Always respect the Law of Association, because one will become like the company he keeps.

"If you lay down with dogs: you will get up with fleas." Colloquial quote

“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” ~ Proverbs 13:20_NLT 

Being human, there are some things we can't do, because they exceed our human abilities.

"And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." ~ Luke 18:27

What do you do, when there is something outside of your human ability? I don't know about you; but when I have challenges too great for me, I go to my heavenly Father in prayer. Prayer is something many people consider as a last resort effort, when things go bad or in the event of an emergency; but it is not and shouldn't be considered a 'quick fix.' 

"PRAYER is a holy occupation;" and the way believers in Jesus Christ communicate and fellowship with God their heavenly Father. Prayer requires practice to be perfected; and God's Word to be free of vain repetitions. Prayers prayed according to God's will requires His Word or His Holy Spirit, who always makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:27). Prayers can be long or short; but they must be specific to the need. God knows our thoughts and also hears the meditation of our very hearts (Psalm 5:1-2).

Scripture says that we should pray without ceasing; but it doesn't mean we have to try to pray for 24 hours per day. To pray without ceasing is maintaining an attitude of pray. The one, who is in continual fellowship with God--will always be ready to pray at any time and for any petition.

This year, I encourage you not to worry about anything; but to pray about everything (Philippians 4:6-7). If you were to share a problem with a friend, it would be a relief knowing that you didn't have to carry the concern alone. Friends are good for some things; but their human ability and power is limited just as yours. It's good to have a relationship with a loving, Omnipotent God just as you do with your closest friend; because He calls those, who love and obey His commands--friend (James 2:23).

We've all heard the quote: "Doing the same things and expecting different results is insanity." Some people might find it funny, but it is really good advice to consider. Consider the things you need to do, when setting your goals and planning your calendar for the year. If some of the things you did last year didn't fly or caused you frustration or failure; this is a sure indication that you need not repeat those things for this year. What's not broke can be kept for future use; and what's not working should be discarded.

Don't be a pack rat of unproductive habits and negative expectations. It you truly expect the best this year; you will take the steps necessary to create positive results. Get excited about taking on new challenges and spread your wings in confidence as you take flight to accomplish them in excellence. Be bold, courageous and rise to each new challenge that comes your way in the days, weeks and months ahead. May God continue to make His face shine upon you and grant you new possibilities this year that are beyond your wildest dreams (Ephesians 3:20-21).

 SHALOM TO ALL!