Resolutions anybody?

 I don't usually make resolutions. That word just seems to lend itself to being broken. :) But I usually take time to reflect on what God has done in the past, and think about what I need to work on in the coming year. I guess you might say I make goals. But I always want to make sure these are prayed over, and done in Christ's strength, knowing that I can do nothing without it.

 One thing I want to do better about this year is giving myself ample time for preparation. I feel like I need to take more time to prepare for things, so I'm not rushing around, last minute, looking for that item that is hiding from me, then, running out the door, and rushing to make it wherever I'm going on time. :)  It's cool if that happens once in a blue moon, but since it seems to be a regular occurrence, then I have issues. :) So, with the Lord's help, my big goal for this year is to remedy that problem. I am going to try and do what I need to do in order to be ready to depart earlier, and not have to stress about making it somewhere on time. I hate being late, and am rarely tardy, but I stress myself out making sure I'm not. :) I just need to start laying out my clothes the night before, or whatever it takes, so I'm not running around like a crazy person in the morning. :)

 Anyone have any goals or resolutions for the new year to share? Also, feel free to share any tips on preparing ahead of time so as not to stress out! I hope everyone has a blessed year filled with God's presence and grace everyday!

 

Looking Back

 I have been in denial about the new year coming, and now here we are, three days into it already. 2012! It seems unreal that 2011 is gone and put behind us. I have been reflecting on the past year's events, and find that I have a lot to thank the Lord for.

 In some ways, the past year has been a hard one. I've had many lessons to learn, and I still haven't learned them all. :) But, as I reflect, I find that the Lord has been so gracious to me! He has walked with me through all the hard times, and has continued to guide me through each twist and turn. I'm so grateful that He cares about me enough to teach me the hard lessons.

 I have a testimony of God's protection over me in 2011.  In June, my mom and I were in a bad car accident. Thankfully, The Lord protected us, and we are both OK. I know that He was watching over us that day, and if you had seen my totaled car, you would know it too! It's a miracle that we weren't critically injured!

 I guess the thing I see most, as I look back over the year, is God's Amazing Grace! He give so much grace to us. Oh the thought that Jesus loves me! It is still astounding that the Lord continues to care for me, despite my many failures. He has been so faithful to me in 2011, and I know He will continue to be in 2012! So, I don't fear what may come my way this next year, because I know that my Lord is with me, and He will guide me through!

 This is one of my favorite songs, sung by The Collingsworth Family, and it's a great song for the new year!

 "In this age of uncertainty, questions come to my mind. What is waiting ahead for me, and the rest of mankind?
Fear not tomorrow! God is already there. He's charting each course you take, He sees each hidden snare. He's waiting to guide you through each burden and care. Fear not tomorrow, God is already there!
Are you troubled o'er things to come, is your future unsure? Are dreading the coming dawn, a long day to endure?
Fear not tomorrow! God is already there. He's charting the course you take, He sees each hidden snare. He's waiting to guide you through each burden and care. Fear not tomorrow, God is already there.
Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.
Fear not tomorrow, GOD IS ALREADY THERE!"