Normally when the clock strikes twelve, hailing the end of a year, and the beginning of another one, I reflect on the year past, and more often than not my eyes are filled with tears about what I didn’t achieve. Last night I didn’t. Because I’d received a promise from God. A friend shared this verse on Facebook and it took root in my heart:
Isaiah 43:18-19
New International Version (NIV)
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.”
I was quite tired. If I’d had my way, I would have been in bed just before eleven, but Elizabeth forced me to push through. I spent the night at her place, simply visiting with her, her brother and her parents. It was probably the quietest new year I’ve experienced in a decade. This morning we had a proper New Year’s breakfast 😉
My step-sister is here, spending the night, en-route to visit my other step-sister who stays further up the coast. While I sit typing away, she and my mom are chatting up a storm in the lounge. Dad is very happy to have her here. He has gone to great effort, with smoked angel fish and snoek and oysters.
I quickly had to pop out on an errand and the radio in the car was off and all I could think about was just how blessed I am. I have amazing parents, family and friends. I am moving in two weeks into the perfect place. My sideline businesses are both doing well. This is definitely a reflection of what lies ahead.
Anyhow, I am not really a resolution person, but I saw this photo shared by Herbalife, it got me thinking…
So, here goes…
This year I will:
1. Be a better listener. After all, I have two ears and one mouth. And if I must speak, to speak accurately. And to speak life:
Proverbs 18:21
New International Version (NIV)
21 T”he tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
2. Make time every day to be quiet in God’s presence. Caryn, a colleague bought me this book for Christmas:
by Retah McPherson. She has the most amazing story to tell. If you’ve got time, read their story here.
Feeling inspired by this, I bought this book (the Afrikaans translation) for Steve for Christmas and the English one for myself…
Steve told me that the author is a down to earth man, that really serves God, and that he ministers in a way that any person can understand. I had heard about Angus Buchan before, but it wasn’t until I’d seen the movie, Faith like Potatoes that I really took an interest in his ministry.
3. Stay healthy – not only because it is good for me, but so that I can inspire others to be healthy too.
4. Read, and blog more. After all, reading and writing are both passions of mine, and I should be pursuing them…
5. Make a daily choice to choose life, because it is a choice:
Deuteronomy 30:19
New International Version (NIV)
19 “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live”
6. Make the most of every opportunity that comes my way and to help people where I can.
7. To laugh more… 😀
I’m sure I could add more to the list, but for now I think that is enough…
Looking ahead, I am hopeful and happy, because of the promise above, and also because I know God has a plan for me! And it is a good plan…
Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)
11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
So…here’s to 2014 – bring it on! I am EXCITED and SO READY!
Reflections of a Misfit 