Isn’t the New Year exciting and discouraging at the same time? Or am I the only one who looks forward to fresh new changes, but also regrets the things not previously accomplished? This duality has me realizing how self-centered I can really be and how focused I can be on those things that really aren’t worth wasting time on. God is teaching me that His mission on this earth will be accomplished. Period. My part is to abandon what is useless and to turn my heart toward Him, searching how I may be part of His mission. There I will be in His will. There I will accomplish all He wants me to accomplish, and it won’t be measured from January to December. It will be lifelong and fruitful. He’s centering me on a familiar, but always new verse:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:8

I don’t doubt the power of resolutions in motivating us to be better people. (Read the great Puritan, Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions to prove this point!) When those resolutions are Spirit-led and we are meditating on Him, then we will resolve to be people after God’s own heart. It’s not always easy and have I failed miserably! I’m so grateful I serve a God of grace and mercy, who continues to guide me toward Him!

I love you all and look forward to starting a new year in women’s ministry with you all. I am excited about several women who have stepped forward to be on our leadership team, to be teachers and to just generally help! Praise God for answering this specific prayer! We will be meeting shortly and some specific dates will be nailed down, as we pray for direction in fruitfulness to His kingdom and not idle events of futility. Pray with us!

Please let me know if you feel called to help in Women’s Ministry and where God is leading you. We always have room for more!

For your own planning:

February 8th, 6pm: Secret Sister Revealing Party