We have three days left in 2013. I can’t believe how quickly this year has gone by! I want to begin the New Year well. How will you begin the New Year?
Beth Moore tweeted this quote yesterday and it resonated with me.
There are some things I need to let go from 2013. I don’t want to drag some things from last year into the New Year and I want to repent, forgive and move on.
In time, I want to share some about our 2013 with you all but I’m not able to put it into words yet. It’s been a challenging year for our family but thankfully we have not only survived the year but I think we’ve all grown closer to God.
Difficulties are a part of this life. I want to make sure I don’t just go through them, I want to grow through them.
Philippians 3:12-14 from The Message says this, “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”
Let’s begin the New Year clinging to Him!
Have a blessed day!
****In case you missed it, I’m evaluating my blog and I need your help. I have a quick survey that I’d love for you to fill out. You can go here. Thank you!!
Each year, I take a few days at the end of the year and pray and ask God to reveal a word for the year for me to concentrate on. 2013’s word was “rest”. I spent time in His word learning more about what it means to just rest in Him. What a wonderful year it was as I learned to just rest in Him and see what He was up to….no worries, no fretting, but to just remember to just rest in Him. Yes, there were times I would worry, but then I would remember my ‘word’ for the year and concentrate on Him and what He was up to in the situation at hand. It has been a great blessing to just place my full trust in Him this year and watch as time and time again, He proved Himself to be trustworthy! Not sure what ‘word’ He has for me this year, but I am praying and seeking Him for the one He would want me to concentrate on in 2014. I have done this for the past five years and have learned a lot about hoe His Word speaks of these ‘words’ He has given me to reflect on in past years: trust, hope, patience, breath, and rest. Can’t wait for Him to reveal my ‘word’ for 2014!
I’m praying for new beginnings in 2014 too and praying that some of the trials of 2013 will quickly be resolved and not continue to try us in the coming year.
I agree 100% Cyndi! 2013 was a tough year for me and my family as well. But, it allowed me and my husband to remember that our Heavenly Father is in control, all we needed to do was trust that he knew better than us and we needed to have faith that whatever we would face we weren’t alone. That is such an awesome feeling. Once we completely gave in and prayed that HiS will was what we wanted and needed… It was amazing to see how he opened doors and provided in ways we only had hoped for. Sometimes I believe he puts us in those situations so we WILL draw closer to him. Walking beside him is the best place to be! Wishing you and your family the peace that only HE can provide. Hugs!
Amen sista!
Like you, I’m very glad to let 2013 go. It was a tough year for me but definitely a growing one. Also like you, my family emerged intact and closer to God. I have a friend of 10 years who won’t speak to me but I’ll try one more time before 2014. I wouldn’t have if I’d not read your post and Beth’s quote. Thank you, Cyndi. You’re an inspiration.
This is completely off topic of your post today, but do I remember correctly that you have two exchange students with you this year? I would enjoy reading a bit about their experiences.
Your blog has encouraged me and helped me as a try to draw closer to God. Thank you for your openness and honesty. I want to leave the disappointments and anger that have reared their ugliness many times in 2013 and begin fresh 2014!
For 2014 I will try to be more kind and gentle starting with myself and following through towards others. As I reflected about this past year I realized Ihave been in the habit of negative thoughts directed at myself,loved ones and strangers. Also I will give up soda!!!
Sometimes you just need to circle the wagons! God bless and keep your family! Great word for 2014!
good morning(barely made it 11:55)thank you for this reminder. I keep telling myself the little cliché I have read many times If He lead us TO it He will lead us THROUGH it.
Looking forward to a fresh slate. Even though it is just a turning of the calendar page it still feels good to look at as a clean fresh start.
Thank you and God bless you and your family.
Good morning Cyndi! Everything you said……AMEN {Hugs}