"God is with you and He is for you."

As the clock turns to the New Year, I pray that you know you are not alone. God is with you and He is for you. He has good things in store for you. He can heal your heart, give you second chances, and calm your storms. He can change any situation, break any stronghold, and bless you in amazing ways...but it all begins as you draw near to Him. Surrender your heart to Him, Invite Him close, rely on HIs strength, and thank Him for His protection, provision, and His plan for your life.

God wants to remind you

God wants to remind you that just because the activity of the calendar doesn't point to Jesus, it doesn't' mean His is not near. He still deserves your attention. He still deserves your love. He still deserves your devotion...He is not just the baby in a manger, He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and He has provided a way (the only way) that you can get to the Father.

"Recession is also a time of great opportunity."

Time and time again success has its roots in failure, because failure knocks you down from top of the hill so you can then climb a mountain. Yes it's unsettling, yes it's scary. But this can be your greatest opportunity in life, - if you choose it. The recession has cleared the space of clutter, - think what have you always wanted to do but brushed aside from the top of your hill? Now is the time...

"God is there in the midst of the chaos."

When everything in life turns upside down, remember that you are in the hands of the Creator. Look to God, and you'll always know which way is up.

"The world is as good as you see it is."

If you focus on the bad, you will see a 'bad' world. If you focus on the good, you will see goodness. Choose your focus carefully.

Stay Focused‬

Sometimes we get our eyes on people instead of on God, always comparing and complaining. That does nothing for them and it does nothing for you. However, if you "fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecto of your faith" you will have courage and strength and those who are watching you will see a committed/submitted person and that will be used by God to draw them closer.

"In order to move forward you must open yourself to new experiences."

There is no failing, only results. Be courageous and push yourself to new heights. Besides, what is going to happen if you make a bad decision? - You will learn from it. The more results you make, the faster you will reach your destination.

"Illness is often a sign that there are needs you are not taking care of."

Sometimes your body gets sick so that you are forced to slow down and become aware of the messages of your heart and the desires of your spirit. Only when you step outside from the daily treadmill, can you attune to these more subtle inner callings. Don’t wait to get sick before listening to these important inner messages.

"It's good to express your feelings."

Don't hold your feelings in, suppressed they will just poison your well being. Have the courage to express them, in intelligent ways of course.

"Fear won't get you where you want to go."

It's not easy to head off into uncharted waters, but every journey starts with a first step. Fear will keep you from taking that first step, from untying the boat from the dock. Fear will also keep you from making new discoveries. Don't let fear keep you tied up, set sail and see what God has planned for you.

"All those little things that annoy you, are God's way of watching out for you."

You never know when an untied shoelace saves you from an onrushing car. On September 11th, one man was saved because he had to get donuts for his team; another because he developed a blister on his foot from wearing new shoes.