So, why all the hype about the New Year?

A new year doesn't mean a whole lot in terms of change. It doesn't mean that miraculously we will be waking up tomorrow a new, different person then the night before. It doesn't mean that at midnight we morph into that awesome mom, dad, wife, husband, friend. So, why all the hype about the New Year?

My take on the New Year is this: It is a reminder! It doesn't mean we all don't try to do better all year. We are all convicted of different things through our year. Whether we react wrongly with our child or forgot to do something for a friend, didn't have dinner planned more than once, or forgot to read our Bible. Each time we tell ourselves that we want to do better tomorrow. We apologize, ask for forgiveness and try!

When we celebrate Valentine's Day, Memorial Day, Independence, Easter and Christmas, it doesn't mean that we don't care the rest of the year, but these days or periods are a reminder for ourselves, for our family, community and world. Reminders to intentionally love our spouse, our veterans, our Savior.

So, don't make resolutions or promises. I have nothing against these things, but I do know that we are a people who do this many, many times in the year. Be intentional! In everything you do, do it with intentionality! This New Year, remember that you are that mom, that wife, that dad, husband, or that friend! The fact that you want to do better makes you that person! It is God convicting us, pruning us! When we fail, let us remind ourselves that this change will not come from us alone! This true heart change comes from God!

What I'm doing this New Year is reflecting on the wonderful, joyous moments like adopting our son, welcoming in the many children (especially our D and R we currently have), seeing other adoptions finalized, seeing my sister have a life changing moment, homeschooling, witnessing God working through so many, the countless love letters from my children, my friends.

I'm reflecting on the hurting moments like saying goodbye to many children, saying goodbye to a dog who went to bring happiness to a new family, the family who lost loved ones, who is battling cancer, the struggles of foster parenting and homeschooling, the nights spent crying with a child battling her past (and future fears). The great thing is seeing God in EVERY single one of these hurting moments!

This new year, I will fail many times, I will promise myself that I will try harder and I will fail again. Through it all, I know that God is loving on me and making me stronger. I know that God is molding me to not be the person I want to be, but the daughter He NEEDS me to be! Only God knows what this year holds for each of us, I just pray that I continually keep my eyes, ears, and heart set on Him.

Pray with me! Father God, I am so very grateful for Your love for Your children. I am so thankful, Lord, for the hard times and the good. I am grateful that You have chosen us to be adopted into Your family. I am thankful for the hard times this past year and I rejoice in You for the future heart aches. Only You bring peace! Father God, I pray for each person reading and praying this prayer with me! I am thankful for them. I pray they keep their eyes, ears, and hearts set on You. I pray they feel Your arms wrapped around them through every struggle and they feel Your happiness through every joy! I pray those who do not know You, hear You through one of Your children. I lift them up before You, God. I pray for our orphans, both local and those across the oceans. I pray for those who are entering a new year with struggles, without loved ones, and I pray they see You through it all. May each of us feel Your presence this year. In Jesus name, Amen.


From our home to yours, Blessings to each of you in this New Year!!!

Hello 2014! :)