by grace

This verse is perfect for the new year isnt it? A NEW creation has come.... the OLD has gone! 

I tell you I cant be happier that this year (2011) is over. It has been a hard year one filled with pain, disapointment, and betrayal. A lot of bad in this past year in my life. But as always God definatly sprinkled in a lot of good as well. 

I bought a house = good

I bought it with my now Ex Finance = Bad and it is further away form work then I would like it to be = Bad

Work has a lot of ups and downs, we all found out that at the end of our "term" we will be losing our jobs = VERY BAD!!!!!

We may be able to keep our jobs but no one is for sure yet... = good?

I am under used at work, my background and experiance are trivialized. = bad

Did I mention no EX FIANCE? = BAD (actually good in the long run)

Meeting a womderful family and bible study group..... = GREAT!

The list can go on and on, it seems that this year did bring more sorrow and pain then good or maybe its just the way we look at things. I have to stop and think abotu what I have learned from all of these things. What has God shown me..... Was God really with me through all of this? my answer is yes he was with out a doubt!! Take for example the break up....... I could have gotten married to her........ That would have been worse then finding out about the betrayal and lies things would have been so much worse off! So yes HE was with me! He did watch out for me! And he is walking me through things! 

So yes these are just a few of the reasons I am glad to see the end of 2011. 

What am I looking forward to in 2012? A fresh new start. I have already started. and I am working my way to bigger and brighter things. I am looking forward to a year of following the word more courageously and more devoutly. Spending more time with God and seeking HIS will for my life and not my own. Looking at all the good in this wicked world we call home. 

The Mayans have said this year will be the end of the world. I dont beleve that the date they have chosen will be the end of days, But I am not afraid of it if it is. I do think we are living in the end times, so I will prepare and live accordingly. 

My resolution this year is simple. To become the man God wants me to be, to be the salt of my piece of the earth. And to live a life worthy of the calling and grace I have been given through Jesus. People often talk about the concept of pay it forward...... just like in that movie. What better way of paying ANYTHING forward then to share the good news of salvation? This year I pray to be able to pay forward the things Christ has given freely to me. 

 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (Revelation 21:5 NIV)