Friday, January 1, 2010

A Fresh Start


January 1, 2010. A brand new year. A new beginning. A fresh start. Although I may not have reached all of my goals for 2009, I’m encouraged by a line spoken by Miss Stacey from the movie, Anne of Green Gables, “Every day is fresh with no mistakes!” How true.

An unexpected snowfall a couple days ago left the landscape blanketed in unspotted white. A glorious reminder of the prophet Isaiah’s words, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). As this new year unfolds, I’m thankful for a merciful God who is the God of the second chance. And the third. And the fourth. As a child of the King, I am a new creature, “…old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17b; KJV). How freeing to know that His forgiveness wipes my slate clean, keeping no record of past sins. Once again I am whiter than snow. Praise God for His grace!


How exciting to serve a God who renews my hope. “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23).

As I contemplate goals for each area of my life, my heart’s desire is to live in the will of God. My prayer echoes that of the Apostle Paul, that the eyes of my understanding would be enlightened, and that I may know what is the hope of his calling (Ephesians 1:18). I know He has a plan for me, yet it remains His ‘hope’ that I’ll fulfill it. He won’t force me to fulfill the plan He has for me, I must diligently pursue it, one day at a time. Oh, that I will reach the goals that He has for me!


His word calls each one of us to, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). May this new year be filled with His presence and His definition of success: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8).


What goals have you set this year? Don’t give in to defeat if you fall short, remember that God is just waiting to help you up, dust you off, and set you back on His path. Seek God’s will in every area of your life for a truly prosperous and successful new year! God bless!

15 comments:

  1. Good, positive perspective for a new year. My goals for this year? I've set some detailed book-reading goals. Started two today: The Rise of Christian Europe and Purpose Driven Life. Now, to stay faithful to these intentions!

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  2. Happy New Year, Warren! I've also determined to do a lot of reading this year. My first selection is John Bunyan's, Pilgrim's Progress. Enjoy your reading and God bless!

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  3. Hi Maria,

    You visited one of my blogs while I was on blog break and I appreciated your visit. I came by to visit with you and to wish you a blessed New Year. I look forward to getting to know you in 2010.

    Blessings,
    Lisa

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  4. Lisa - Welcome and Happy New Year! I too, look forward to getting to know you this year. God's blessings to you as you follow Him!

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  5. Maria,
    Thanks for your comment at Eternity Cafe! I just love your blog. Beautiful writing and inspiration. Look forward to getting to know you in bloggyworld!
    Susan

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  6. Amen, what a good way to start off the new year! My goals include getting more writing out and published, revising and submitting some things I've done in the past, and perhaps starting a novel:) Blessings!
    Karen

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  7. Amen!
    "my heart’s desire is to live in the will of God"
    This too is my desire, and if I do this, all other goals will fall into place!

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  8. Susan - Welcome and thanks for stopping by! Thank you for the sweet comment. Blessings to you in the new year!

    Karen - Great goals! Published writing is also one of my goals - mainly a devotional series the Lord has laid on my heart. Looking forward to reading your work this year! God bless!

    Deborah - So true! God bless you abundantly as you continue to follow Him!!

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  9. I like your closing thought: "Don't give in to defeat if you fall short."

    Any progress made toward the goal takes me closer than I was before! And in falling short, we reach up to Him.

    I'm new here, but I really enjoyed your post. I'll come back!

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  10. Your words really spoke to me. I love how scripture does that... no matter what I need to hear, it's in there! Thanks for reinforcing it for me.

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  11. Maria, what a lovely post for me to read today! I am so comforted in knowing that God forgives me each time I ask it. For every time I mess up, He is there to lift me up. Thank you for your words. Happy New Year!

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  12. Maria, great post and it helps me put everything in perspective. In other words, there's only one thing that really matters. God and his kingdom. His will be done. If I'm supposed to sign with an agent and get a contract I will. I am ready for his will to be done, no matter what it is. Happy New Year Maria. :0) May all your wishes be in line with his will and come true for you.

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  13. Laura - Welcome! Thank you for the sweet comments! Please stop by often! Blessings to you!

    Lily - God's word is always right on time, isn't it?! You're a real blessing to me! Have a fantastic day!

    Heather - Thanks for your kind words! God's forgiveness is amazing! Praying for you in 2010 as you continue working on your WIP! You're a sweetheart! :)

    Robyn - You're so right: God and His kingdom are all that really matter! Praying for His will for your writing, agent, and contract. What a blessing you are!!

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  14. Hi Maria -

    Thanks for the beautiful thoughts.

    I'll be working on my third manuscript using the Snowflake method. Since I'm a SOTP writer, this is a huge departure from my normal modus operandi. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  15. Susan - Praying for you as you branch out into unfamiliar territory with your new manuscript! Reminds me of Heather Sunseri's post about risks! I love how God invites us outside of our comfort zones so we lean heavily on Him! God bless you! :)

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