It was fun to think of where around the globe it was turning 2013 at different hours throughout the day. Even while I write this, it's still not 2013 where I am, and when it's completed and the first readers see it, the count-down will still be going in other parts of the world.
We look ahead, and the usual thing to do, of course, is to set goals for success and self-improvement. I don't like to make New Year's Resolutions, because of a fear of failure, I think. However, I do admit that I consider what habits I plan to change. We all know, though, (don't we?) that a person is more likely to accomplish the goals, when they are written down. Maybe that should be my New Year's Resolution for 2013: write down the goals!
However, not only is it good to look ahead. It is also good to look back and see how we've grown.
This week, I have seen and heard several wonderful bits of advice for how to ring in the New Year. As my 100th post in this Mick's up Life, what better way to celebrate than to be an encouragement for anyone wishing to make the most of the upcoming 365 days?!
Here are the tidbits I collected from some very wise sources:
- List out what God has done for you over the past year. Thank those who have been influential in your life. Forgive. ("How to End the Year" by Doug Phillips of Vision Forum Ministries)
- Put on the right "clothing," as listed in Colossians 3:12-14: "... clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience... forgive... And over all these virtues put on love...." ("My New Wardrobe For 2013" by Rev. William Dillon II)
- Praise God for the history of His marvelous deeds. ("He Has Done Great Things" by Michaele Lavigne in Reflecting God: Devotions for Holy Living)
- Keep focused on the big picture! Don't let little stresses take your eyes off the real goal and what is truly important overall. As Romans 15:13 says: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ("The Big Picture" by Joni Eareckson Tada)
"Reflect upon your present blessings,
of which every man has many -
not on your past misfortunes,
of which all men have some."
(Charles Dickens)
Take some time right now to reflect, praise, and move forward!
Happy New Year!
"The God who made everything is making everything new."
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
the new creation has come:
The old has gone,
the new is here!"
~
I just added another to the bullet points this morning, after hearing more wonderful insight! Enjoy!
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