This is it. The last day of 2018. I know some of us are in disbelief by how quickly the year flew by. Some are glad it’s over. And some are in awe of all they experienced this year.

As we all get ready to welcome 2019, I want to share what my family and I do every New Year’s Eve. Before joining any extended family or friends for fellowship and celebration, the five of us sit down together. We each take turns sharing our reflections of the year, both the highs and the lows. For example, this year I am grateful we were able to go on an exciting road trip and see God’s majestic creations. There was sorrow when a dear family member passed away. There was heartache when layoff hit. And there was great peace knowing that God is our Provider.

When the reflections are done, we each share what the Lord is putting on our hearts for the new year. Maybe it is a specific word we received through prayer or from a sermon such as divine connections. Maybe it is a goal or two we desire to accomplish. For example, my oldest daughter has shared how she wants to write a song. My son has shared how he wants to be diligent at what he puts his hands to. My youngest daughter has shared how she wants to have a designated sister-sister time.

Then, we each pray, thanking the Lord for the year that is ending and praising the Lord for the new year that is around the corner. We ask the Lord for help and direction and then, commit ourselves as a family into His hands to be obedient to what He calls us to do.

I hope this encourages you to reflect on 2018:  “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles,” (1 Chronicles 16: 11-12). My prayer is that you anticipate 2019 knowing that God is with you, He loves you, and He cares for you: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
~Joyce

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