There are three things in my life that mean the world to me. And as 2013 comes running in the door, its time to buckle down and think about it. Family, friends and God are the three things that mean the absolute world to me. And throughout the next year I want to work to make stronger connections, build relationships and worship, pray and talk to the Lord Jesus more often.
You don't choose your family.
They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.
Family are people in your life that you love to be with, can get enough of, laugh with, cry with. Time flies when you are with them and time away is not easy. I am blessed to have a wonderful family. My mom and dad have taught me all I know, from what not to put in the microwave to how to turn the water off on the toilet and so much more. Lessons learned in life began before I could even walk, but they were the ones that are there for my every celebration, break-up, frustration, and laugh.
My grandparents have been there for me since I was born. They have showed me the ways of life, including their own life experiences and memories. They are where my roots come from. No matter your age, your grandparents have a special connection to your heart.
From genealogy to forgotten cookies and 'pomme de terre' to Mario cart, my memories are many and growing.
Aunts and uncles are those people in my life that I can lean on when needing a shoulder. They know me as well as anyone and can tell anyone what I am like. They can tell stories about my parents and are the ones that blessed me with wonderful people, that I call my cousins.
Cousins are those that understand your family like you do. No one else understands. My cousins and I have many memories and can always find something to talk about or get into. We are the part of the family that is counted on to continue traditions and teach our children about our roots.
I am so blessed to have the family that I have. But I know that I need to be more connected with them. I pray for their safety daily and their walks each day.
Friends are the ones in your life that no everything about you,
but still stay by your side.
This image here reflects the best of my thought for this year.
I have had many friends over the years. Some were around for just a short while and some stayed longer. Once in high school, more relationships were made. Some that stuck like gorilla glue and others like Elmers glue. Friends are gift from God. There is a reason for everything and everyone person that has entered my life at some point or another. Having people in my life that respect, care and mirror my feelings for them is what is best. I love capturing memories with friends either by memory or by picture, they both are amazing. Friends come in all ages, sizes, genders, shapes and from all places. Blessed to be surrounded by those that mirror my relationship to them.
As for this year, I want to work harder or focusing on the good, praying for those that need a little extra love. Life is to short to not live every day like it is the last and be in connection with those that have a special place in my heart.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
The love that Jesus Christ has for me is unbelievable. I have grown up in a Lutheran home and have learned everything I know from the Bible through unday school, bible studies, questioning and listening. I wake up each Sunday morning, feeling the want to go to church and learn, worship and praise the Lord Jesus. For he never gives up on me, even when I have veered away in a slight other direction he is waiting to pull me back to him. Everything that I have have, everyone that I have is because of his gift to me. I love the Lord Jesus.
On Christmas eve, as we hear about the birth of Jesus, there is one song in our hymnal at church that just spells it all out for me....
I am so Glad Each Christmas Eve
I am so glad each Christmas Eve.
The night of Jesus' birth!
Then like the sun the Star shone forth,
and angels sang on Earth.
The little Child in Bethlehem
he was a king indeed!
For he came down from heaven above
To help a world in need.
He dwells again in heaven's realm.
The Son of God today.
And still he loves his little ones
And hears them when they pray!
And so I love each Christmas Eve!
And I love Jesus too
And that he loves me every day
I know so well is true
I am not setting a new years resolution, but rather a goal and a dream to reach toward. I can not fail at this because no matter how small the step I take is, I will be walking in the new and right direction.
Dear heavenly and loving Father, I love you so much. You have blessed me with wonderful gifts of people that I am so thankful for. There is nothing that I have done to deserve these precious gifts, but I am thankful for them. I would like to lift up prayers for my family, friends and my walk with you. I have friends all over and I lift of a special request for those that are dealing with struggle, sickness, turmoil and much more. I pray that my walk with you will continue to grow more and more each day and that I continue to love learning about you. Gracious father, you are amazing. I pray for all of nature and things living in the smallest forms. I love being a daughter of the Risen King. Thank you Lord Jesus, in your heavenly name I pray, Amen.
