Encouragement

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As I continue the “Sharing Our Stories” series, it seems only fitting to encourage you to journal your thoughts and feelings about the next year by sharing with you some of my own. These journal entries are from several years ago but they still speak for me. I hope that they capture something of what you may be experiencing at this time.

December 28, 1997
A new year is approaching – and I have a sense that who I am needs to change. I am not sleeping easily at night because of waking late and sleeping late. I read the prayers from an illuminated prayer book, written by women who speak to my heart and to my pain, my dreams and hopes.

It keeps me company as I lie by the Christmas tree in the night. It is so beautiful to see the lovely lights, Lord. They remind me that in the dark moments of life, your lights shine beautifully if I can look through the tears, hold off the anger and despair, and look at the beauty, joy and hope you offer.

Lord, I do not know what awaits me in the next year, but I pray for your peace and joy to come quietly into me as a sign of your presence deep with me forever….

January 1, 1998
A new year, my new year, my new self, Lord, I leave behind what I can and try to take what is good into this new year. O my Vine, please help me, Lord, to look to you as my source of strength, joy and hope. O let me have my heart and treasure in heaven, Lord, so that the things of earth will not have a hold. Lord, help me to understand what this new year can bring that is good and gracious – please open my heart to receive the blessings you seek to give – let me give my life and be open to your love so that you may love me into being…..

January 3, 1998
Thank you for this day, for the promise of light and glory. Oh Jesus, please strengthen me for all my tomorrows. Thank you for the quiet time here at home with my family…May your grace be sufficient…Teach me gratitude, praise and longing for you…

No matter what has happened in 2005, there is always God’s love and grace to get you through 2006. Never forget that this can be a better year if we seek to live it with a better attitude.

I pray that you will grow closer to the Lord this year, that your family will be more supportive, your friends more sensitive, your work more fulfilling, your finances more stable and your health much improved. Most of all, I pray that you will understand who God is calling you to be and what you were created to do, and that God’s power and presence inspires you to be a blessing to others. God bless your year and all your years to come.

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