here's to a new year!

Sooo...I definitely lied when I said I would try to write every week. Here I am, in the beginning of January and I haven't posted anything since October. Maybe writing more should be my New Year's resolution...? Forgive me. I have been at home for the past month, watching my sweet, sweet Christmas vacation days tick away before I begin my last semester of college. Whhhaaaaat???!!! Yea, it's happening. Hello REAL WORLD! So anywho, I have had lots of time to think about life and where I'll be in a year from now and how my life will be then.
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The other night I began reading a passage of scripture from one of my favorite books: Philippians. For some reason, Paul always has a way of making me smile and giving me hope through words he sent to the Philippians so long ago. I often wonder how I am supposed to find the right passage to read..ya know, one of those that really gets to the heart of you...and God always has his way of leading me to the words that humble me and remind me just how awesome his promises are to us. While I was reading chapter 1, I came across verses 27-28:

"Be sure you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ...stand strong with one purpose that you work together as one for the faith of the Good News, and that you are not afraid of those who are against you."

These two verses resonated with me. Just the other day I read about Christians being persecuted and killed in the Middle East and Africa. Sometimes I wonder about the fear these Christians must face in their countries for standing up for what they believe in...because here in America, we really don't know fear for defending our faith. However, for those brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as for us, this verse is a good rock to stand on. Our purpose on Earth is to bring glory to God..to spread His word...to make known the greatness of Christ in our lives, giving Him all the honor and glory He deserves...and to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are one body, working together to further the Kingdom of God. Scripture tells us that following God will not be an easy ride, and this journey takes the path of the road less traveled. But somewhere out there, I guarantee that you and I will find someone else who is just as excited as us to take that glorious path. ...And that's what this verse is trying to help us see. Yes, we can band together and fight the darkness to bring about the Light of the Good News in this world, and that with the Lord on our side, the Devil cannot defeat us.
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There are times that we fall...everyone does...we can't help it, we're human. However we can live in such a way that others will see the greatness of Christ in our lives. They will be able to tell that there's something different about you...that smile on your face, or that spark in your eye will let them know that you've got something in your life, and it must be good. Because after all, GOD IS SOOOO GOOD!!! Hopefully they will ask you about it, and you, or I, can share the Good News. :) Yes, I just put a smiley, because the thought of sharing His word with other people puts a smile on my face every time I think about it.
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So what is my New Year's (New Year??) resolution? To get off of my high horse and to spend more time in the Word. Knowledge of the scripture gives me more ammunition to ward off the enemy. I want to live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ. I don't want to fear those who are against me and the Lord. I need to take more time to work together with the Body of Christ to further His Kingdom. Then, hopefully my light will shine in such a way that others ask me what my secret is, and I can share with them that I've found an unfailing friendship, hope, love, and faith in an AWESOME GOD, and that's something that cannot be destroyed. I pray that in a year I will have been blessed with many opportunities to further His Kingdom and that more so than ever, my lifesong sings to the Lord.