Three Times the New Year’s Encouragement
Today’s post–the last article for 2015–is a little different. Instead of one author, you are getting the thoughts of three. The three ladies who write for A Legacy of Faith all shared short end-of-the-year posts that we combined into one to encourage you as we end one year and start another.
“A Brand New Year” by Donna Faughn
A brand new year is before us – 2016. It feels like a clean slate and many are filling it with resolutions for the New Year in an attempt to make it a better year than 2015 has been for them. I quit making resolutions several years ago, because I realized they only made me feel worse when I failed to keep them.
This year, however, I thought of one thing I am hoping will make 2016 a much better year for me and for those around me.
I have been studying the book of Hosea lately and have been so saddened by the depth of the sin of the northern kingdom of Israel. Hosea points out three particular sins of which the Israelites were guilty: idolatry, ingratitude, and hypocrisy (Hosea 2:2-13).
It’s that second sin which really got me thinking about my own life. While I am very grateful to God for the way in which He has blessed my life – how often do I express that to Him? Can others tell that I am aware that all of my blessings have come from the hand of the benevolent God whom I serve?
2016 will be a better year for me and those around me when every day of my life is spent expressing thanks for a Father who loves me and provides for my every need.
“A Day of Reflection” by Amber Tatum
For many in our country, December 31 is a day of excitement and planning. A night of games and fun with family and friends. A night of yummy snacks and watching a fancy giant ball drop, ushering in a new year.
As is often the case, I see this day and night a bit differently. While other families often send out letters or cards at Christmas to update their friends, I like to take some time on New Year’s Eve to write our letter. This allows me to look back at the full year and remember the blessings God has given us.
So as you spend time together tonight, have fun! I will be remembering many of you on my list of blessings! From the Tatum house to yours … Happy New Year!
“A Fresh Start” by Leah Faughn
I like the beginning of a new year. It provides a fresh start, and a chance to make goals (or as most people call them, “resolutions”).
Here’s why: I feel like the type of person who always needs to improve in different areas of my life. So, while other people are making goals, it gives me motivation to make goals for my life, too. I don’t always reach those goals, but they give me some direction for the new year.
Some of my goals for 2016 are in the areas of (1) establishing more order in our home, (2) going deeper in my Bible study, and (3) a never-ending struggle to balance different areas of life: church, homeschool, home, etc.
Will I reach the summit of perfection in these areas in 2016? Who knows, but starting fresh as the year begins renews my energy to press forward. Maybe this will encourage you to press forward with your goals in 2016, as well.
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