Thankful Thursday - December 31

Thankful Thursday is meeting this week at Women Taking a Stand. The question is posed, "What do you see when you look back over this past year?"

My first reaction to that is, "Wow! That's a loaded question." Then, I calm down and begin to look over the last year and objectively give it a once over. Here's what I come up with:

• Extended family issues
• Financial struggles
• Health issues with my husband, children, and branching out to the other family members
• Disillusionment and disappointment with our government and other leaders, trickling down to select church leaders
• Personal heartache

 The question for me now is, "What are you going to do about changing all of that?"


You know what? I am going to do nothing to change it. The reason is, I can do nothing on my own. Everything I do that is good is through Christ, my Strength and my Rock.


With the Lord's help, and God willing that I should live here on earth for another year, I am confident that we will see some, if not all, of the extended family issues resolved. Financial struggles will lessen as we continue to apply Biblical principles in that area;the health issues will also lessen as we trust in the Lord and remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. As such, we will be mindful to exercise and eat good, healthful foods rather than the junk out there that screams, "Eat me!"


As I go through another year of reading the Bible in its entirety (I'll be beginning my 7th year doing so tomorrow), I will once again be reminded that our leaders are imperfect people and that the only One I can trust completely is God. To put complete trust and faith in government or religious leaders is insane because they can, and will, continue to disappoint me. God, on the other  hand, is perfect and will NEVER let me down. As I continue to trust Him with my life, personal heartache is easier to bear.


I am thankful for this past year because He has taught me so much. I'm looking forward to what He'll teach me this coming year. May I be much more receptive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.


Here's praying all of you, my friends and family, have a blessed New Year. Please, start it off right by resolving to live it with the Lord leading the way and carrying you through it.


If you would like to read the Bible through in a year, there are lots of plans to give you assistance in scheduling passages. I use Our Daily Bread's plan.