I closed this Bible for the last time today~tomorrow I break out the new one. It’s kind of a bittersweet feeling. Kind of like walking away from a trusted best friend. But it’s also time. The pages of this Bible are full of 2020…full of Covid and politics and turmoil- because 2020 was definitely a year of Covid and politics and turmoil. Throughout the pages of this worn friend are constant and repeated cries for mercy. Mercy on this nation and on this people. There are repeated and constant cries for intervention, divine intervention. My heart is heavy (and has been heavy all year) for this country…but my heart is light and open looking into 2021…just as the pages of my new Bible are open, ready to speak to me and guide me.
I love starting a new year with a list of new goals. If I’m being totally honest, I seldom achieve all the things I make up my mind that I want to achieve. But I try. So my “new” list of goals often includes items from previous lists. Like prayer….I’m pretty certain that I add “Develop a consistent prayer life” to my goal list every year…but it never ends up looking like I want it to look. Don’t get me wrong- I pray often. I’m relatively consistent in sending up “arrow” prayers (quick shots of prayer about a specific need), especially on my drive to school. But a more sustained prayer life? Yeah, definitely lacking. So 2021 starts with “Develop a consistent prayer life” as my number 1 goal. Lord, help me.
Lord, this is my prayer as I start the new year with a fresh set of spiritual goals and a clean copy of Your word. Reveal Yourself to me through the pages of Your word. Show me Your heart. Show me Your character. Show me Your love. Let me find You on every page. Walk with me through the pages. Open my eyes to see. Open my ears to hear. Open my mind to comprehend. And Lord, change me…in all the small ways and all the big ways that I need to change. Cause me to grow in You as I seek You. Draw near to me as I draw near to You. Increase my vision. Concerning my goals, Lord, I pray that they would reflect Your goals for me. Help me specifically to be disciplined in prayer and in seeking You through the intimacy of conversation. Show me what You want my prayer life to look like. And then, Lord, help me to be obedient to the leading of Your Holy Spirit. Through it all, Lord, help me to use my time and my talents in such a way as to bring You glory. Cause me to become the woman of God that You’ve called me to be. Lord, I’m available. Use me.
Kelly,
I have just read all of your blog post, your about me, and your mission. I am so excited for you. What an amazing way to share your faith. I admire you greatly for living your life as a Christian. I try, but fall short. Keep following your dreams, your writing, and message is beautiful, and inspiring. I will be checking back regularly to read your new post. Your blog name really hit home with me. “Do not fear…” Here’s to a year that already has the cherry on top.
Awww thank you so much Dawn! It’s a scary thing for me to put myself out there like this….and trust me, I fall short more often than I should! But fortunately God did not call perfect people to serve Him. He called people like you and like me. And through it all, He causes us to become more like Him. So here’s to a year already crowned with goodness! BTW: I’m pretty sure nothing is more “good” than grand babies! And your’s is adorable!
Thanks for sharing yourself so authentically. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts and prayers❤️
Thank you Celeste!