Ok, so you put off doing things until the first of the year. Well, here it is the first of the year.... and what are you going to do? Are you going to continue to procrastinate and put it off again? Isn't that what we do most times for things we DO want to do but don't want to do it NOW - and the things we do NOT want to do at all!
I'm starting a new book today because it is a 365 days Daily Devotional called I Hear His Whisper. This devotional is using scripture taken from The Passion Translation Bible. Yes, we have another Bible translation out there now - and you know what - I love it. I love how it takes the words and make them more understandable, more passionate. For example, today's words are from John 3:16. Most of you know that verse by heart so you may be able to see the difference right off. Look at this- John 3:16-17:
This is how much God loved the world -
he gave his one and only unique Son as a gift.
So now everyone who believes in him
will never perish but experience everlasting life.
God did not send his Son into the world
to judge and condemn the world,
but to be it's Savior and rescue it!
Sometimes it is good to read different versions of the Bible for it can speak to you in different ways. When I first read the Bible - truly read it - I read the NIV version. Then I read the NLT version. I am one book of the Bible away from reading the New King James version all the way through. I should have read a few more chapters a day and I would have gotten through it all last year. I have the book of Malachi left and will probably finish it tomorrow. I thought about finishing it today, but yesterday didn't realize how close I was - or I would have done it yesterday, starting over again today. But - no worries. I'll finish it tomorrow and will start reading the Bible over again the next day. I learn something new everything time I read my Bible, and when I read a different version, I understand more of what each verse means.
I gave each of my children a NKJV Bible a year ago... I wonder if any of them have even opened it this past year. But you know what - it's not my job to monitor them. I know hubby asks my nephew frequently if he is reading it.... pressure, pressure. But I don't. It's not my job to draw them to the Lord. I just provided a means for them to do so. I love the messages that are inserted within the chapters and hope that at some point in their lives that they may even read those. But it is their choice.
I did not make any 'new years resolutions' or 'new years goals' this year. I haven't for a few years, mainly because we haven't had any family gatherings in which we would do so, even for fun. My weight is always on them..... and I never do anything about it. So I choose not to even go there anymore.
But what do I want to achieve this new year? My prayer this morning - for me - is to fall deeper in love with Jesus this year. I want to be more conscious of His Presence with me; I want to be so close to Him that I hear Him whisper. There is nothing I want more.
Yes, I would also want my children to turn to Jesus and follow Him. But that is not my decision - that is theirs. I can pray for them (and do!) to do so, but I am not responsible for them. I am responsible for me. I can't get them into heaven, anymore than they can wish me in there.
We got to have the last group of grandchildren over to make Christmas mice yesterday. It was a quick hour, but nice. We stayed home and were in bed by 10PM, I think. With getting up at 4AM it doesn't take long for me to want to go to bed early. But this morning - although I awoke at 3:30AM, I turned over and went back to sleep and didn't get up until almost 6AM! And it felt good. I just feel I'm running behind schedule now because it is nearly 8AM.
My boss just text'd me that she is at Banner Desert Samaritan Hospital to work today. She volunteered to be a 'screener' for those coming in to be checked for COVID. The hospitals are now at 120% capacity and people are being turned away is the report we got yesterday. Now that the holidays are over, will see how the virus goes and then maybe hubby will be more comfortable with my volunteering at one our of our hospitals here. I realize I need to be careful - not only because of his fear, but because of his age - and my age. We aren't young anymore.
We aren't having the usual BBQ ribs today. Hubby stopped at the store after his breakfast with a friend and called me that Fry's had no ribs whatsoever. I told him no problem. We have ham still from Christmas, we have cabbage, and we have a can of black-eyed peas. I think I will make potato soup and ham, coleslaw, and black-eyed peas for our new years lunch. That has us covered. What are you having? Did I pass the tradition on to my children? Unfortunately, I think not. It's just a southern tale, but google it, you may find it interesting.
Sheeba is at my door wanting to see me so guess I need to get off here and let her in. Poor baby, the fireworks last night she didn't like at all! She cowered in her crate from the very first one she heard about 6PM.
I pray blessings upon you for 2021. I pray that God will look upon you and be gracious to you. I pray that you will find Jesus in your everyday life, will turn to Him, and will fall in love with Him. May you and your family find favor with the Lord in all things. All you have to do is ask Him. He may not give you exactly what you want when you want it, but He will always provide for you.
Happy New Year!
Blessings!
No comments:
Post a Comment