New Year’s Eve Encouragement

New Year’s Eve. The day we say goodbye to the year that was, and prepare to say hello to the year that will be. A time to reflect, and a time to look ahead. This year was like no other. (Granted, you could say that about every year but, yeah…2020.)

It’s safe to say many, if not most, will be eager to forget about this past year and move forward to whatever may be ahead in 2021. I understand, as this was a very difficult and challenging year in many ways, here. If it was a rough one for you, I am so sorry. Losses have been plentiful for so many – whether it has been loss of life, employment, activities, etc.

But, as we start to fix our gaze upon the seemingly “can’t be any worse” year ahead and the hope of a better 12 months to come and try to just sweep 2020 under the rug…I’m going to challenge you to do something.

Think about what you can take with you from this past year. As in, focus just for a few moments on what you’ve gained or learned or been blessed with in 2020. The list might be short, I get it. But, my guess is there’s something you can put on this list.

Something you’ve made it through this year has made you stronger. Something you learned about yourself can be used for good. Something you gave of yourself will be returned, with interest. Something you struggled with will be used to help others, through your experience with it. Your hardships will lead to healing and your story might just be the very thing used to bring breakthrough to someone else’s life, someday.

This isn’t being written to say everything’s alright or that we should all just be fine. Just wanted to encourage you today, because I still believe everything happens for a reason and I believe the tough times in our lives are ultimately used for a greater glory. And, in the end, it is well.

Happy New Year to you. May 2021 be the best year of your life.

Good Despite the Not so Good

2020 has been quite a year, hasn’t it? Lots of things to put in the negative column for many folks, and I’d be lying if I said this didn’t include me.

But, isn’t it interesting…good has still been there to be found, through even the most difficult year of pretty much everyone’s life on this Earth.

God is good. He has been there, even during times when it may not have seemed like it. I see it now, as I start to reflect on the events of this past year. It’s taken some time for me to get it into view, but He’s starting to reveal His goodness to me from this chapter of life more clearly. And yes, it’s still 2020.

I read this Bible verse the other night and it sums up what I’m talking about, here. Praise God for always being faithful, no matter what. He is always enough!

Lamentations 19:24
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.

The Constant Among the Changes

Even during this absolutely crazy year of 2020, with so many changes and so many struggles here on this Earth…one thing has not changed.

Psalms 102:27
You are always the same. You are God for all time.

I don’t know about you, but this gives me reason for having joy. He is with us, through it all. Yes!

Plenty to still be thankful for, today. Happy Thanksgiving, friends. Have a great day.