LOOK UP... LOOK DOWN... LOOK BACK... LOOK FORWARD...

At the brink of this new year I was mentally recalling the past one with my unfinished to-do lists, my unaccomplished goals, and my unfulfilled dreams.  Starting to feel somewhat despondent, I turned my mind's dial to "positive" and began to refocus on the things I DID accomplish, the to-do items I DID, and the dreams that are beginning to peek over the horizon.  Realizing I will never enter a new year with a completely new slate, I believe God allows us to get a fresh start as we toss the old calendar and unfold a brand new blank one.  

I will:

***LOOK UP.  LOOK DOWN.  LOOK BACK.  LOOK FORWARD***

LOOK UP:  First and foremost, I must look UP; turn my heart and mind upward to the Father.  He will guide me with His eye and will help me in everything if I place my trust solely in Him, seeking His face and His wisdom. "Unto you I lift up my eyes, oh you who dwell in the Heavens."  Psalm 123:1 

LOOK DOWN: I will look deep down into my heart and ask forgiveness from God and others so that I can walk in peace this year.  I will petition the Holy Spirit to wash and cleanse me and FILL me.  Every desire of my heart will center around becoming more like Jesus and being His ambassador on this earth. "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in Triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." II Corinthians 2:14

LOOK BACK:  Yes, it's OK to look back, but I will not dwell in the past and beat myself up for failures and mistakes.  Instead I will glance back to notice the accomplishments even though small, and the successes even though not monumental.  Feeling like I've succeeded in ANYthing will give me the fortitude to keep persevering and try to accomplish bigger and better things.  I will also notice the not-so-good things because they have all worked together for my good for His glory.  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28.  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippans 4:13

LOOK FORWARD:   I will keep dreaming.  I will keep reaching.  I will keep a vision in front of me, and set goals.  Even if they are baby steps, I will take steps toward my goals. I don't make resolutions I know I can't keep.  I don't set high expectations that are out of my reach, but I do set some attainable progressive goals.  Writing them in my prayer journal keeps them before me each day so that I keep focused on what is important.  And being a student of His Word, I am constantly assured of my future:  "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

So... I put the past behind me and press on toward the future that God has for me!  I start this new year with determination and renewed stamina and a heart full of praise.  I know that God has blessed me abundantly and I claim even more of His blessings for the new year - for myself, my family, and my friends! 

2018!