2014-- it's finally here!!

It's 2014!! Happy New Year to all of you! So excited to begin another year, where anything is possible, and I know God is in control.

You know what? There's something that especially delights me about this new year. Well three things, in fact:

1. It's NEW.
2. It's a mystery
3. It's a reminder.

 Just knowing that 2014 is a brand new year "fresh, with no mistakes in it",  as Anne Shirley would say, makes everything I see more beautiful! Speaking of newness, here's an example: This morning when I was driving to work, an elation filled my whole being with wonder at the faces of strangers, the stubborn, pristine frost on my windshield, and the triumphant sunrise over the trees. Because God, in His grace, has given the world the gift of another year, I'm can't help being thankful...and also humbled.

This new year is a mystery-- it's unknown what events will take place. I admit,  I don't like the feeling of uncertainty, realizing "Hey, I'm not in control." We all feel a little afraid of the unknown. But you know what? God promises in His Word that not only will He never leave us in our uncertainty, He also is sovereign and in control of the future.

 "...behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." ( Matthew 28:20b)
“Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ( Isaiah 41:10)
"But he said, 'What is impossible with men is possible with God.'" (Luke 18:27)

 Lastly, we have a new year that brings us the reminder to "press ahead": meaning we should learn from the past, but not dwell on what we cannot change. Now is the time for remembering what is truly important, letting go, and beginning something new. Scripture tells us that indeed if we are in Christ, we are to look to Him, not holding tightly to the "if onlys" and "what could have beens" that we all carry. The reminder is this: HE is our prize.

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14)

 Yep, that's what I love about 2014! What are your thoughts about this new year? Any memorable experiences from 2013 that you would like to share with me, or resolutions? I'd really love to hear what you think! =)

God bless,
Leah A.

Psalm 139