As we close 2016, many of us are reflecting on the past year and preparing for the resolutions of 2017. I love the unique approach that many have on an old tradition 4000 years in the making.
Inspired by a friend, my year end routine has taken on a different flavor that I would love to share with you. I know, I know everyone has a blog on reflection and resolution, so I’ll try to keep this short and maybe just maybe you will be encouraged with a little light of inspiration yourself.
Why do we make resolutions? Studies show that improvement follows when we declare our resolution out loud, write it down and/or share it with friends and family, in this we have a little accountability. Never mind that 88% of resolutions fail every year, we find it fun to at least try.
The only true failure is when you fail to try.
In A Word for 2016, I declared my resolution for 2016 through a word, “FAITH”. My goal: To listen to God speak into me, learn to face my struggles and trust that God is working through my challenge.
In Facing My Giants, I shared the realization that God was using giants to build my faith and through this He was teaching me obedience, how to face my fear and once again to trust that He is in control.
A year of education has gone by and the truth is I am still a work in progress. Every day is a challenge to let go, but I’m at least learning to LET IT GO as every day I am placing my challenge, my struggle and my trust at the feet of Jesus and asking Him to build my faith.
As a result of a year of faith building, I took on a new routine which I realize I LOVE! Once again, inspired by a friend, I took a jar and filled it with answered prayers, it is called my PRAISE JAR. Along with my girls, we have filled the jar every time God has answered a prayer this year and on the 31st I will go through each one and praise and thank Him again for all He has done.
God is so good my friends! How often we can get lost in the distractions and translations of the world, but when we learn to sit back, be still, listen for His still small voice and reflect on His goodness, we see the reflection of Psalm 23 in our own journey:
The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing
He makes me lie down in green pastures
He leads me beside quiet waters
He refreshes my soul
He guides me along the right paths for His names sake
Even though I walk through the darkest valley
I will fear no evil,
For You are with me
Your rod and Your staff
They comfort me
You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies
You anoint my head with oil
My cup overflows
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me
All the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever
Oh how very good He has been to us! The beauty of every answered prayer, every healed heart, every changed life found in this little jar, this daughter is so very thankful for a beautiful year spent with her Father.
So what have you learned in 2016? Have you resolved for change in 2017?
Stay tuned - my word for 2017 hot off the press is coming to a blog near you next week!
Father, thank You for all You have given in 2016! Thank You for helping me learn to let go and face my giants, for building my faith and teaching me to be still and listen for your voice. Thank You Lord for all You have taught and continue to teach me on this beautiful journey You have designed. Thank You for teaching me to serve you and to serve others. Father, we praise You for every answered prayer and we thank You that You too fill Your bowl with each one to bring You glory and praise. I pray that we all seek to find the beauty of Your Word and Your promises as we face the dawn of new year.
Father, we give you 2017 and ask that You bless the future of what is to come. All glory and praise we give to you Lord our Good Good Father. (Listen Here)
PS - Thank you for gifting me with the the flock of geese today!
I Love You
Your Blessed Daughter