It is difficult to believe that 2023 is here. Right? When I was a child any year beginning with 20 sounded so futuristic. Every year I had known started with 19. Now here we are getting close to a quarter of a century in the 2000s. Wow!
Are you satisfied with how you lived your life in 2022? If you are like me, your mind is whirling with ideas of things you want to do differently or change this year. What are your goals to change yourself? I’m not talking physically, but mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.
After taking inventory of last year, I want to be more positive and put grief to rest. Our family has had some jarring heartaches from the loss of beloved family members over the past few years. Instead of dwelling on what I’ve lost by those sweet people being gone, I’ve decided to focus on what they’ve gained instead. They were all Christians are gained a life of no more tears, or pain, and no more suffering. Now, their life is in Heaven. Praise God!
When I think about how much I am missing one of those precious family members, I will smile instead of cry. Knowing that my family is now together in perfect harmony with Jesus is what makes me extremely happy. My mind’s eye will see them healthy and joyful.
Another thing that I am consciously changing is to mend any fractured relationships. For whatever reason the relationship is not whole or flourishing, I am taking responsibility and plan to make it better. A Bible study that I am doing pinpoints six reasons that cause strife or challenges in relationships. They are: (1) a failure to forgive or apologize, (2) criticism, (3) gossip, (4) deception, (5) a lack of inclusion, and (6) a failure to accept differences. Anyone nodding their head? Raise your hand if you have done or been the recipient of any one of these six. Yep, me, too.
Scripture tells that the best place to begin is with ourselves. Before we criticize someone, we need to take a look at our actions first. Are we nitpicking something when in fact we have done the same thing to a greater extent?
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”(Matthew 7:2–5)
In order for me to accomplish making myself better I will need help. Help from family and friends is wonderful, but I need help from Jesus with Him, I can do all things. His guidance will keep me doing what I should and uphold my spirit. I will feel better all around just knowing that He is with me.
What about you? I would love to hear what you are working on to make you a better YOU in 2023. Do you need prayer support? I would be honored to include you in my daily prayers. Just send me a note.
It is my sincere prayer that you will achieve great things in 2023 with the help of Jesus, our Savior. May God bless you indeed!
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 