It’s hard to believe we have been at HB Church for a little over a year. Sometimes I think it’s flown by and other times I feel as if I’ve lived a lifetime in the last year. I wanted to share with you some of the things God has taught me during all the changes I have faced over the last several months.

First, life is short.

I always knew this, but losing Mom in September was a real reminder that we are here for a season. James 4:14b NLT says, “For your life is like the morning fog—It’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”

Life is short no matter how many years we live. I may live twenty more years, two more years, two days or two hours but what matters most is how I choose to live the remaining time that I have left.

Here is what I am trying to do:

· Live for God Daily-For me, this means beginning my day in God’s word and spending time in prayer. Going through this last year I could not have made it without this.

· Take One Day at a Time-I learned this while Mom was sick to take one day at a time and to not worry about what the next day or even the next week held. This was crucial for me to be able to get through that season of my life and I continue to practice it now. Worrying about tomorrow does not help me at all and most of the time the things I worry about never come to fruition.

· Measure My Life Daily-Am I giving my best to God? Am I seeking Him, serving Him and loving Him to the best of my ability?

Second, change is inevitable.

As hard as it is, life is always changing. This past year, I have moved to a new community, bought a new home, began a new ministry at HBC, met new people, started a new job, lost my Mother to cancer, moved my Father in with us, sold my parents home, watched my daughter fall in love, get engaged and now plan a wedding.

Life is full of changes. But thankfully Jesus does not change. Hebrews 13:8 NIV says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

In a world that is changing constantly I am so thankful that I serve a God that does not change. He always loves, always forgives and always keeps His promises.

Third, not only is change inevitable but change, changes us.

I am not the same person I was when I came to HB Church last January. I have changed and I will never be the same.

But that isn’t always a bad thing. I read in a book that you can go through change or grow through change. I’m choosing to grow. I want to come out on the other side closer to Christ than I was a year ago. Philippians 3:10 NIV says, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death”. As painful as change can sometimes be, I want to cling to His word and know Him better. I want to look more like Christ everyday!

Praising Him Always,