Relax It's 2017!

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2

Wow I don't know about you but I love fresh starts! What a better opportunity for a fresh start than at the beginning of a brand new calendar year. "Making a list and checking it twice" does not just refer to the Santa stories, but to the list each of us can make about what they hope to accomplish in 2017.

A clean slate, a fresh break, a recharge in life, new beginnings. I love it! What have you struggled with over the past year? For me it is trying to do those things I write about. LOL. My own therapy and opportunity to 'get it together' and charge on. 

Get your tablet, an actual piece of paper, or a journal and start writing down those things you want to do in 2017. Dream big. Don't sell yourself short. When you make this list hopefully something on it includes spiritual goals. On these spiritual goals make it more specific than just saying "getting closer to God" but how you intend to do this. It is good to have things to look forward to and know that Jesus will guide you and see you through on your journey.

PRAYER: Thanks for yet another year on planet Earth. I am excited for what is in store and want to make sure you use me in your kingdom purposes. In Jesus' name. Amen.

No Worries

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Here we are in a brand new year. The old is behind us impossible to replay. The past is gone. The resolutions have been made and maybe already broken. One good thing maybe to try to do in 2015 is to make up your mind to not worry. I have heard people say "but I am just a worrier" but still that is not an excuse. 

Worry robs us of peace that God wants us to have. He wants you to trust Him. Just because your child gets on a plane and occasionally a plane may crash does not mean you need to start worrying his or her plane will plummet to earth. When the Ebola scare took hold last summer and early fall that did not mean everyone was going to contract it, so stay in a protective bubble. When I chose to tandem skydive last fall I could not sit around worrying I would die because the chute would fail. In other words rely on God and cast cares on Him then forget about it. Don't constantly sit by your phone expecting it to ring with bad news. Go about your life and relax for a change and try prayer. 

Oh but there are many who pray and still can not seem to get beyond this worrying. To achieve peace within you have to let go of the controls. Ask God to help you if you suffer from constant fretting, then go have a good day.

PRAYER: Lord I want to have peace and I want you to have my cares. I know worrying won't change a situation but praying will. Give me strength to trust you and cast my cares once and for all. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below to begin your new year with a song of praise:

http://youtu.be/PWXcRVZWTb8