Today I stand on the threshold of a new year … a new beginning! With a thankful heart I am relieved that I have survived 2011 with my life, health and yet still happiness.
I do reflect over 2011 and am thankful for so many successes. Two happy daughters. Milestones conquered. Health. New friendships. Deep relationships. Messages from heaven. My family whole. Employment in a high unemployment economy. That our needs are met every day and that we long for nothing. This list can go much longer.
As a categorizing girl even my lists cannot be labeled as it was a good year or it was a bad year. It was a year in my life with blessings still showered on me in the midst of a few giants.
It is natural to be excited about a fresh start, a brand new year, new dreams and unmarked possibilities. Even 2012 will have giants to endure.
The Bible is beyond comprehension with its parables that span thousands of years. Always with prayer I seek strength and today my heart was reminded by my Magical Highlighter as I read Joel Osteen daily devotional:
Have you ever seen a palm tree in the midst of a great storm? That tree may be bent so far over that it’s almost touching the ground, but when the wind finally stops, that palm tree bounces right back up. What’s interesting is that while that palm tree is hunched over under the pressure of the storm, it is actually growing stronger?
The reason God said we’d flourish like a palm tree is because He knew there would be difficult times. He knew things would come against us to try to steal our joy and victory. God said, “You’re going to be like a palm tree because when the storms of life blow, you are going to come right back up stronger than before.” Nothing can hold you back! No weapon formed against you will prosper.
As you reflect on the events over the last year, remember, the storms you have encountered have only made you stronger. You are wiser, you are more alive, and you are headed for victory. You’re brightest days are right out in front of you! – JOEL OSTEEN
The very same God that brought me safely through the last 41 years of my life will be there in 2012, too. New year, I embrace you. New dreams, I welcome you. Unmarked possibilities, I receive you. New giants, I endure you but I introduce you to my God.
A life well lived is built one day at a time.
