Are you ready for 2013?

 

Another year is coming to a close. I have to say that I’m not sad about that. This year has been filled with major hills and valleys. I’m so thankful though that even in the midst of the worst times this year; I never stopped speaking to God. Even when I was mad at Him because I didn’t understand what was happening.  He wasn’t giving me what I wanted when I wanted it. My spiritual growth this year has been quite exceptional. I had a lot of trials and tribulations and wanted to give up countless times. I’ve cried way more than my share of tears. Frustration, discouragement and not being patient held me back quite a bit. God has put many promises in me, some of them a few years ago, and some this year. Well the promises weren’t coming to fruition when I expected them too. So I would get upset and get completely discouraged. What I had to learn and I did the hard way, is that God’s promises are yes and amen, but also that His timing is perfect timing. If God puts a promise in you- He will not go back on His word. Numbers 23:19(NLT) says God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

The problem I had believed that the promises could actually come to pass. Did I trust God enough? The answer was no. I believed in Him and me, but I was having a problem fully trusting Him because it wasn’t happening when I wanted and how I wanted. I let myself believe that God wasn’t listening. Fast forward to now. I look back over the year and in every situation, where I doubted or questioned Hi, once I fully let go and trusted Him- he delivered. It wasn’t always what I wanted, but it was always what was best for me. Because I never quit talking to Him, the Holy Spirit led me and I’ve accomplished things that I didn’t think I could, and things are moving forward. 2013 is going to be an epic and exciting year and I can’t wait! I can’t thank God enough for not giving me everything the minute I asked. I wouldn’t be as strong as I am now. 

It's Christmas Time!!

The holidays are here once again! This is my favorite time of the year (and not just because my birthday is coming) J I love everything that the holidays are supposed to be. The family time, cooking, shopping, baking, even the decorating!  The past few years have been difficult for me at this time of year, being single and not always having the spirit. I did things for my kids and with my friends, but it wasn’t the same as when I was married. I think about the holidays when I was growing up and I have such great memories! I grew up in upstate NY and to say it was cold is an understatement! We had snowdrifts up to my waist. But as a kid of course I didn’t care about the cold. In fact I loved it!(unless I had to shovel…lol) My brother and I would stay outside as long as possible, making snow angels, attempting to build a snow forte, snow ball fights, and sledding. Frozen feet, and hands, didn’t make a bit of difference as long as we were having fun. It was so great! My mom and grandma would make all this awesome food from scratch and spent days in the kitchen getting ready. My mom would save bread forever for her homemade stuffing and I used to think she was so weird!! 

My parents also loved to decorate! Now I don’t mean Clarke Griswold decorating, but there were a lot of lights! As another season comes, I will try to make amazing memories for my children. I hope that when they grow up, they know that Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are not just about getting gifts, black Friday shopping, and eating until we can’t move. I want them to know that it’s about giving as well. She would also volunteer at shelters and food kitchens. I didn’t appreciate her sacrifice then, but I do now, and I try to instill it in my kids as well. Jesus Christ came to serve. Mark 10:45(NKJV) says  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Giving thanks to God every single day for all that we have and all that we’ve been through is very important to me. Giving our time, talent, and treasure is not just a statement. It’s a reality for us. Giving to people less fortunate than us is something that you can’t put a price on. Let’s all remember that serving is not just about once a year, but all year long.  

Charletta Adams is a life coach and public speaker. Her blog is regularly on www.thegodlife.net  and www.charlettaadams.blogspot.com