New Year - Welcome to the Future!
A few years ago, a dear friend suggested I create a vision board. This simple yet powerful exercise made a remarkable difference in my planning, and I absolutely loved it. Since then, every January, I take some time to prayerfully write out my goals for the year.
Throughout the year, I periodically revisit my list. There's something truly encouraging about marking off completed tasks and refocusing on the ones that remain. By year's end, I usually find that I've accomplished everything on my list. There's something special about writing things down; seeing your goals helps bring the vision to life.
You can do the same! What has God shown you for this year? Take some time to reflect, pray, and write down your vision. You might be surprised at what you and God can achieve together.
Tips for Creating Your Vision Board:
- Reflect and Pray: Start by seeking God’s guidance for your goals.
- Gather Supplies: Find images, quotes, and scriptures that resonate with your vision.
- Assemble: Place everything on a board where you can see it regularly.
- Review Periodically: Keep your goals in front of you and revisit them throughout the year.
Directions for Your Gratitude Jar:
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Choose a Jar: Select any jar or container you like. It can be a mason jar, decorative jar, or any container that feels special to you.
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Decorate and Label: Make the jar your own by decorating it with stickers, ribbons, or anything you like. Label it "Gratitude Jar" or "Good Things Jar" to remind you of its purpose.
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Prepare Your Supplies: Have small slips of paper or sticky notes and a pen or pencil nearby for easy access.
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Daily or Weekly Reflections: Whenever something good happens—a happy moment, a kind gesture, or anything you're thankful for—write it down. Be specific to help you recall the memory vividly later.
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Place the Note in the Jar: Fold the paper and add it to the jar. Over time, the jar will fill with your collection of positive memories.
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Open the Jar on New Year’s Eve: At the end of the year, gather your loved ones or take a quiet moment to open the jar. Read through each note and reflect on the good things that happened. It's a heartwarming way to close the year with gratitude and positivity.
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Optional Sharing: Invite family members or friends to contribute their own notes to the jar throughout the year, creating a shared collection of positive moments to reflect on together.
This simple practice encourages you to focus on the good in your life, making it a meaningful tradition that brings joy and gratitude into your year.
A New Year with God
As we step into a new year, it's an opportunity to reflect on the past and look forward with hope and faith. Each new year is a gift from God, a chance to grow closer to Him and embrace the plans He has for our lives.
The Bible reminds us of God's constant presence and guidance. In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to bring forth new blessings and opportunities, even in the most challenging circumstances.
As we embrace the new year, let us seek God's direction in all we do. By aligning our plans with His will, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He is making a way for us. Let's commit to deeper prayer, faithful service, and unwavering trust in His promises. May this new year be a time of renewal, growth, and abundant blessings in our spiritual journey.
Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the gift of a new year. Help us to see Your hand in all things and trust in Your perfect plans for our lives. Guide us, strengthen us, and fill us with Your peace and joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.
With a heart full of gratitude,
Dr. Cherryl Clark,
Cherryl Clark Ministries