As we start 2015, we have been reflecting on what all God has taught us and/or reminded us of in 2014. These are in no particular order, and we are definitely leaving some out. So many of these could be expanded on and be a blog post/posts itself. If we shared all of them, we would have a 5 volume set of encyclopedias. <smile>
Excitement continues to build as we see others want to grow in Christ with us. Oh my goodness…I am smiling even bigger as I type this one. The first time someone admits they are a sinner…YIPPEE!!!! The time one accepts God as his/her Savior…WOO HOO!!!! What about when someone prays out loud for the first time…leads Sunday School for the first time…participates in a study for the first time…leads a study for the first time… Shares their testimony for the first time… AHHHHH!!!!! HAPPY DANCE TIME! Those who want to hold one another accountable… Those who want to keep worshipping and digging into scripture together… CAN’T HELP BUT SMILE and GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY!!!!!
Joy and peace comes from Him. There will always be those who thrive on negativity and constantly complain. We have the choice to become a part of that or to refuse to fall in that hole. Pray for these people and don’t let others try to steal joy nor peace from us.
God’s timing isn’t always in sync with “our timing.” How often do we try to rule the roost? Or how often do we want something NOW, but God has something much better to come?
Be in scripture daily. How do we know what God’s will is for us if we don’t know what His word says? We pray that we become more and more like Christ every day.
Be yourself. So often, people want you to be someone else. Hmmm… Never understood this, but we do know that those who are supposed to be in your life will love YOU for who God has made YOU to be. Boy would this world be a boring place if we were all the same.
We all have different talents and gifts. God gives us all a variety and mixture of gifts and talents for us to share them with others. We aren’t all going to be good at everything!
Friends and family are your biggest encouragers, supporters, and prayer warriors. We appreciate those who love us, encourage us, appreciate us for who we are, hold us accountable, provide constructive criticism in a loving manner with godly ‘how to move forward’ responses, and pray with and alongside us.
Smile. You never know when a smile could make someone else’s day (or maybe even turn a rough day of your own around).
There are times to teach and times to be taught. It’s important to know when to lead and when to step aside and let someone else lead.
Count your blessings daily. When it’s a “good day,” sometimes, it’s easy to forget to count our blessings. Or…if it’s a “bad day,” it’s sometimes hard to think about “our daily blessings.” We have found that regardless of the situation, thankfulness for what we have and those we have in our lives overflows.
Pray. Praying is an awesome way to communicate with Our Father! He hears every prayer! He answers every prayer! (He may not answer in the way we had wanted or hoped for, but He knows best. He may not answer right away (or so you think), but He does answer on HIS timing.)
Share with others what God’s been up to in your life. Most “secrets” aren’t necessary or called for. How often do “secrets” start rumors? Or how often do they turn into something you never meant for them to be? Share what God’s up to. You never know how sharing could help someone else who is going through a similar situation.
Marriage is a gift. A gift from the Lord. However, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Marriage is supposed to be an example of the relationship with God and His bridegroom. Pray with your spouse. Love them. Worship together. Don’t take one another for granted. Read scripture together.
Dogs are God’s greatest messengers. Puppy kisses make all things better. What a great example of unconditional love! Duke has changed our life but in the best ways ever!!!! He will always be “our first child.”
Lift one another UP. A braided cord is hard to be broken.
Don’t take one another or time for granted. We are all guilty of this at one time or another. Cherish those you love and take in every minute you have with them.
We don’t always understand what’s going on, but we confidently know God is in control. Trust Him!
God’s creation leaves us amazed. Sunsets. Flowers blooming. Sun shining. We are also reminded of so much of God’s creation that shines underwater. Scuba diving shows us so much that many won’t ever see.
Always speak the truth, trust scripture, be bold. Be different. God calls us to be holy.
Keep on keeping on. We are to serve Him all our days.
HAPPY 2015!!!!!!! We pray that your year is full of numerous blessings!!!!!!! Take time to thank God for each and every one of them! Much love!!!!!
