A Journey Comes to an End

I sit here reflecting over 2011 with so many mixed emotions. In some ways this year has gone so fast; in others, it has seemed almost unending. God has blessed us tremendously and He has been by our side through many ups and downs, twists and turns. I would be lying if I said that we haven't had some times when we felt all alone and times we felt we couldn't continue; however, through His love, support, and guidance, as well as the encouragement and support of family and friends, we have conquered this last year, and we rise up victorious.

Through some of my reading and studying, I'm reminded of some lessons learned and promises made to us by God. Five exceedingly great and precious promises are as follows:

1. God is ALWAYS with Me. (I will NOTfear!)
2. God is ALWAYS in Control. (I will NOT doubt!)
3. God is ALWAYS Good. (I will NOT despair!)
4. God is ALWAYS Watching. (I will NOT falter!)
5. God is ALWAYS Victorious (I will NOT fail!)

Lord, Jesus Christ, come and live Your life through me. Let my life be a semonstration of the living presence of Christ. Forgive me for trying to live my life in my own strength. Help me as I embrace these promises by faith. Thank You, God, that You are with me in this as I seek to live for You and to honor You and to bring You glory. Thank You that You are ALWAYS with me.

In James MacDonald's book Always True, he says, "Today I believe; tomorrow (or at some point in the future) I receive. The distance between today and tomorrow is called walking by faith. The hard part is in the waiting between the promise and the answer; and even harder, when the waiting comes with more hardship or even setbacks. While we wait, God gives us His promises to hold on to."

MacDonald goes on to say, God's promises are not just great; they're exceedingly great--greater than anything else:

• God's promises are greater than human wisdom.
• God's promises are greater than white-knuckled obedience.
• God's promises are greater than wallowing in self-pity.

God's exceedingly great and precious promises are your best possession:

• There's nothing remotely like them.
• They will lead you through the darkest night.
• They will carry you through the longest day.
• They will accompany you through the deepest valley.

I close this year with a heavy heart for those who I know need God's touch on their lives whether physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, financially, etc. I also close this year feeling very blessed and undeserving of the blessings that God has bestowed on me and my family. It feels good to close the book on 2011, and I anticipate the amazing things that God is going to do in 2012. Now to finish off this year with two of my favorite people, Ronny and Ashley. I thank God daily for the two blessings in my life with my Godly husband and Godly daughter. They have been my strength this last year. Good night and Good bye to 2011!