It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s .The holiday season is once again upon us. This time of year is my favorite. I always enjoyed the family time, the food, the gifts, and the celebrating. I grew up in upstate New York and I even loved the snow…. At least on Christmas Eve… J That however has changed a bit for me this year. Thanksgiving this year means more to me than family, food, and fun. When I prayed on Thanksgiving this year, I had SO MUCH to be thankful for. I’m thankful that I’m alive, that my children are here to celebrate with me, and that I have great friends and family. God blesses me EVERY single day. This past year has been a SEASON!! What a year! However, because of my faith, I have been able to survive all of it! My faith has been truly tested, but my God protects me and has kept me in the game fighting and winning! So in addition to my daily thanks, I’m giving extra special thanks for you Lord. Thank you that I have gotten so much closer to You than I have ever been. Thank You that I finally got the courage to make the decision to get baptized. Thank you that this year my children gave their lives to You and my oldest daughter also got baptized. Thank you Lord that I have so much to give and because of you, even with my past I’m able to let go and not be afraid to give myself. I’ve learned so much from my past mistakes, and You have not held them against me, but you use them to help me grow and become stronger. Your mercies are new today, tomorrow and always. Thank you!! I can never thank you enough for all You’ve done and that you continue to do in my life.
Christmas is such an amazing day! It’s the birthday of our savior! We should be rejoicing and celebrating this day with such love for him! I admit that until a couple of years ago, I was “commercialized” in my love of Christmas. I loved the shopping, the gifts, the tree, the decorating, and everything else that went with it. That has changed for me the past couple of years and for my children as well. I have attempted to show them about the importance of Christ in Christmas and that it’s not just about getting the newest and best game, or outfit. I want them to understand how important Jesus Christ is to us, and how giving back is more important than receiving. Not just at Christmas but all year long. I bring them with me to feed the homeless whenever I can. I also encourage them to give their time, clothes, and money to help those less fortunate than us. Whenever I volunteer at The Bridge Ministry or do Adopt -A Block, I give thanks that I’m able to help and that no matter what I’m going through – I’m blessed! I have a home, a job, a car, my health and food to feed my children and I’m loved. Thank you Jesus!
With the New Year once again upon us, I have reflected on this past year and I must say that this year I have stepped out of my comfort zone. A LOT -I had goals and dreams, and a plan. I did two 5k’s and started the plans for 4-5 businesses. I wanted to develop a closer relationship to God. I’m not done, but I’m closer than I was a year ago and I’m thankful that I did not give up and walk away. I wanted to, many, many days…. I wanted to give up on all of it and just walk away. When that happens, I think of Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” That is one of the many verses that continues to give me the strength and courage to continue fighting through all of my trials and tribulations. I’m still in the process of working on my goals, and I always will be. I’m not waiting until the New Year to begin working on the new goals I’ve set. I will never stop setting goals for myself.
Setting goals may seem hard or you don’t have time, but believe me. When you have goals that you write down daily, and you check off what you’ve accomplished the feeling will make you keep doing it. I get a sense of accomplishment every time I complete a task. You don’t have to start big. Write down small goals like doing the laundry, working out for even 15 min a day- it’s better than nothing. Bring your lunch to work if you have financial goals. Add a fruit to your diet if you wish to change your eating habits. Read a verse a day in the Bible. Stay around positive people who will encourage you and help inspire you. They will keep you motivated. Whatever you want to accomplish in your life, don’t ever give up! You can do it!
