The profoundly simply truths (for me) of 2014...

I'm sitting here half thinking and half trying to rest my mind (and body) for Watch Night Service and I just keep turning over the things that seem to have been the most profound for me this year.  It's simple in that I am blessed beyond measure and have many things upon which to reflect.  However, it gets complicated because of how simple the lessons have been.  I mean...I want to be deep and profound, right?  Surely on the last day of the year 2014 I can muster up some words of distinction and offer an exegesis of epic "last day of the year" proportions.  Well, it occurs to me that the beauty in the year for me has been in its simple messages of grace, favor, acceptance, understanding, wisdom and love.  So, in list form, I offer this:

10. I am good enough and more than enough  (to be in a top 20 television news market; have a platform from which to speak to women about faith, family, the arts, self worth and purpose);raise a daughter and be a wife and do them well; to have true friends who love me and accept me and support me in spite of me).  I'm inspired by the greatness of the people in my life....even acquaintances....It's all around me and it's in me.  I'm more than enough.

9.   I  have what I need to reach my destiny and fulfill my purpose; it's in me because of whose I am.

8.   I am beautiful in my present weight with my present flaws 

7.   The grade on the paper or the measuring stick may be necessary but they don't dictate or validate the job I do, how well I do it,  or the amount of myself I give each day.  I determine that regardless of the measuring stick.  I show up and give the best I have...no matter what.

6.   The older I get, the harder it is to make new friends, the more important it becomes to keep the old ones...and the more I realize that it's ok and I'll be ok if the list dwindles for one reason or another.

5.   Each year I'm reminded of the truth of my mother's saying....Every Closed Eye Ain't Sleep, and Every Good Bye Ain't Gone; the wisdom of a woman who knew that things are not always as they seem or as we believe them to be....(NOW THINK ON THAT FOR A MINUTE :O)

4.  When Grace tells me she loves me....I should (and do) say it back ...with our added endearment of "with all of me until eternity...with all my heart". 

3. It's hard being a good wife (and mother) and even harder to be a Godly wife.  But I refer to number 10 because my husband believes it, too, and encourages me by saying "I'm perfect for him".  Mostly, though, I try to keep my eye on God.

2.  Faith and family (and friends who are family) really are the most important.  

1. God loves me unconditionally and because of that love, I will fulfill the purpose which he has placed in me.  I matter to God ,and I am Who He Says I Am. 


May His blessings be upon you as you enter the New Year and each day thereafter.

EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!

  

It's about God's love for us and our love for one another...

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2:11

Happy Holidays...Jesus is the reason for the season...Merry ChristmaHanukkwanzaa...It all comes back to love; God's love for us and our love for one another.
I had a Jewish Rabbi on Thursday's noon news last week to talk about Hanukkah and what it means to the Jewish faith.  I shared with him that my 4 year old drew a picture of a Menorah in class and that afternoon, when I picked her up, she asked me if we celebrated Hanukkah.  I told her no; that people of the Jewish faith did and that their beliefs were different from ours.  I ended that conversation by saying, "but God created us all and even though we have different beliefs, we should still love our Jewish friends. " It's about love.
I've been teaching the Purpose Driven Life as a Sunday School class at my church, New Dimensions Ministries.  The first thing Rick Warren points out, in the book, is the fact that "it's not about me".  The premise is that in order to find our purpose and live a life of purpose, we have to truly get that it's not about us; it's about God.  Realizing what we were created to do and be and finding our purpose depends on us believing and living as if it's not about us.  The second thing that we're to get is that God loves us. 
I bring that up because the idea that "it's not about us" gets lost so easily during this holiday season of gift buying/giving, party hosting/attending, vacations, family gatherings; new year planning, etc.  We forget that it's about God and the birth of his son Jesus.  The rest is nice and fun and special, and at this point, difficult to get away from.  But, what I want Grace to know about Christmas is that we celebrate the birth of Jesus because God loved us enough to give us a Savior.
She has a speech for our Christmas eve service this Wednesday, and it's so appropriate for this moment:

We're bringing Christmas lights
To shine both far and near
To take away the darness
And bring happiness and cheer

I believe that light is Jesus.  I believe it shines in us.  I believe we are called to spread that light to those walking in darkness.
It's not about us; it's about God and the love he has for us!

EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!

Happy Thanksgiving….

So….the morning started out with my own little Turkey Trot.  I didn't register for an official race, but I did get up and run 3 miles on the treadmill.  For the health, ability and desire to do that…I am thankful…

My sister, Rochell, called me 4 times this morning in a matter of 30 minutes.  She wanted to orchestrate a conference call with all of the siblings on the line.  We were able to connect all but one,and we did try him, but didn't get him.  We each took a turn, from the oldest to me, the youngest, telling what we were thankful for.  It was a blessing and a Thanksgiving Day highlight ...to be able to talk to all but one of my siblings at the same time and know that, through it all, we will forever be family.  They try to parent me and we fuss and fight but we love even more.  For them… I am thankful…

I was able to help my sister in law set the table and get organized for our Thanksgiving feast…and it was indeed a feast!!!  I was also able to see my husband be with his family, including his mom, brother and sister…to see him sit and talk with them and just enjoy their company was a blessed rarity.  Grace got to see her Granny Rose and Uncle Donald and Nanny Wanda and Auntie Rose and her big cousins Donald, Ashley, Aaron and Bryan….and they play with her like she's a big kid…and like they enjoy being kids again; cousin David was absent in body but with us in spirit as this was the first Thanksgiving since his transition; Galen was also missed as she is in a state of growth on her journey of life and had to make adult decisions and stay in NYC to honor her maturation and progression (good job Galen)...as I write, the Wessons are playing Pokeno…a family tradition. For extended family and the joy they bring to my immediate family…I am thankful.

I'm not going shopping tonight; or tomorrow probably.  Just not feeling like that's something I want to do…that could change…We'll go see a movie, which is another Wesson family tradition for the day after Thanksgiving.  No idea what I'll see or even what's playing, but the idea that certain things do and will happen as a result of expectation…and sheer "that's what we do"... is wonderful.  For tradition and fulfilled expectations…I am thankful.

I miss my parents.  I'm grateful for the way I was raised and for the love of family and holiday celebrations.  I know what it means to love, cherish and honor…to remember them and all of the Thanksgivings of old…to know that something in most of what I did today, is reflective of them and who I am because of them.  For the sake of old memories and the experiences to create new ones…I am thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving and Blessings!



EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!

I Don't Want You To Stop Holding My Hand...

Those were the words of my 4 year old as we embarked on the start of our Thanksgiving journey to Texas.  For me, it was a reminder that I can't be scared when she's scared.  I mean, sure I can and was even this morning on that very turbulent flight.  But when she needs reassuring, I choose to trust God. I'm a nervous flyer.  That aside, when my favorite girl holds my hand in the grip of life, I am the perpetual momma bear.  I was prepared to leap tall buildings, cross raging waters, or in this case…smile through a very turbulent flight…to protect and reassure my cub….my Grace... who was given to me because of God's grace.

In my flesh, I'm just like Grace. When my husband and I fly without her, he consoles me.  I am holding his hand with all my might just to be comforted.  In my spirit, I am like that with God….I don't want you to stop holding my hand.  He will never leave me nor forsake me.

To be comforted when we are most afraid is a wonderful feeling.  To trust that we need not fear…for He is with us…is life giving.

My 4 year old was afraid and understandably so.  I know the feeling all too well.  But in my experiences and as I grow in wisdom and grace, I've learned to trust and depend on Jesus.  I was reciting the 23 Psalm….yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me.  From the valley to the skies…I don't want you to stop holding my hand.

Thanks Grace!


EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE

The Small Wonders…Are a Big Thing, Indeed!

^"Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:16-17  NIV

If I couldn't say a word….I'd just wave my hand…
Amazingly grateful this morning!  It's not one of those instances where I rattle off a list of huge, earth shattering accomplishments or where I say I almost lost my life this week, but God kept me (although that probably did happen)…this is a real moment of being grateful for the small wonders.  Grace has played NON STOP with her cousins; I rested ALL DAY yesterday; Dale watched EVERY football game he wanted without interruption; my niece, Princess, tried a new recipe for dinner and it was YUM; my great niece, Mya, had a friend sleep over after they went to a mock slumber party at her dance company; Tank, my nephew by marriage, raked the leaves in his yard…
And on and on and on….
It's the joy of kids laughing or the amazement of using our limbs without fail even when we don't think about how many people can't do that.  It's the ability to be with family in a state of peace and harmony; which is something not to be taken lightly.  It really boils down to knowing…that God is a God of wonder, amazement, truth and….GRACE.
If I couldn't say a word…I'd just wave my hand…because the Lord has been good to me.

Expect More Than You Could Ever Think Or Imagine!

How has God been real in your life this weekend?
What are you believing God for?


Dear God, Thank you that you are who you say your are and your promises are already fulfilled.  Thank you for the blessing of family and friends and health and strength and energy and ability.
Your Grace and Mercy are beyond my comprehension.  Thank you that you love me no matter what.  May I fully experience that love by serving you and loving others.  
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

His Grace Is AMAZING!

I look around the sanctuary and there are up lifted hands, shouts of joy and tears of restoration.  It's real!  I see people at the alter on their hands and knees with high hopes.  They believe the promises of God!  I believe the promises of God.

What a Sunday worship experience!!!  I am always amazed at the presence of the Holy Spirit.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I've experienced God's presence through the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.  But, there is something about each experience that leaves me in AWE.
When people move to the center aisle to be healed; when people acknowledge that they can't go it alone…that vice is too strong, that need is too great…

It's ME saying…God, you are my refuge…a very present help.  God, you are my strength when I am weak….I worship you and adore you and I love you, Lord!  My soul cries out and my spirit is fed.  YAY GOD!

I thank God for the Shift…

What are you believing God for?  What do you need?  Do you believe the promises of God for your life?

Expect more than you could ever think or imagine…

Sister United In (love, purpose, unity...Christ)

I had the best time today at the Chicken Soup Seminars XIII.  It's an annual event hosted by Lady Gloria Abbott.  The women at New Dimensions Ministries and beyond came together to fellowship, worship and grow.  The theme was "Girls With Swords" from the book by the same name.  We heard from God!  The speakers were dynamic and the spirit was present.  At one point, I sat with a church member I see EVERY Sunday.  By the time she was finished with her testimony, we were both in tears.  You just never know what people have experienced...or more importantly, what God has brought them through.  There is this belief, and it has been true in some instances, that women--especially black women-- can't get along.  Well, today baby...the devil was a liar!  We rejoiced in who we were created to be; what our struggles have been ; and how to be SHE-ROS  and move forward in our purpose.  AMAZING! I am grateful to have been there!  YAY GOD!  Girls with Swords ROCK! 
#lovemyNDM
What is God saying to you in this season?  Are you listening? 

Expect More Than You Could Think Or Imagine

Living the Life I Want...and Praying It's the Life God Has For Me

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
 
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.

Without fail, when I'm off work and get to wake up at a "not as early as usual but still pretty early" time, I start to think about how I can make that a part of my everyday life and still do the things I want to do (read...the things God has for me to do).  If I want to sleep in and be home when it's time for Grace to go to school, but I also want to spread joy with my smile and knowledge of what's going on in the world at large and encourage women with a message of living a purpose filled life and be a leader among women in my community, then I have to figure out the proverbial ideal of having it all.  Can we have it all?  I've heard it said that, yes, you can have it all....just not at the same time.  Well a lot of good that does me, right:o) 
I think the biggest challenge to having it all is really being truthful about what it is I want.  That's a start.  Then, I believe I have to decide what I'm willing to give up.  I know, giving up something sounds like a contradiction to having everything I want, but it's not.  There are things I want ( and pray God wants for me) and there are things that would be nice to have included in my life if I could make space for them.  We all have our non-negotiables.  For me, that list includes the "Dear God, please have these things for me because I really want them to be in my life" items, while the rest could wind up on the "Thank you for that God; I wasn't expecting or even hoping for it, but I'm grateful" list.  I'm getting pretty clear about my lists and the items on them.  I know who I am and whose I am.  I know what's important to me, and I'm getting clearer on what I was created to do (read...purpose). And, I trust God with it all. (PERIOD)
I have to believe that it's only a matter of time before it's all figured out, packaged and handed to me in a neatly wrapped gift box.  RIGHT!  Until then, I'll enjoy the day and make sure my alarm is set for my "very early" wake up time tomorrow. 

EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE

It's about Faith...not feelings

I stared at the blank page for a moment waiting for the words...
I'm excited that it's the weekend; per the usual, I need to refuel, refresh and renew.  I've been off my praise and worship this week (last week too, if I'm honest).  Easter came... and in all my praise for Jesus' resurrection, I stopped going to the church for mid-day prayer.  I stopped making it a point to journal a few times a week.  I stopped juicing for breakfast and sometimes lunch (explains why my clothes aren't fitting quite right)...I stopped...I stopped...I stopped.  I was headed to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on Thursday evening to speak at a banquet for the Paraprofessionals at the university.  I put Pandora on my Donnie McClurkin station to get pumped up for the work at hand at the time.  Isreal and New Breed's "Alpha and Omega" came on right as I was turning into the university.  You are Alpha and Omega...I worship you oh Lord, YOU are worthy to be praised. I raised my hands to God and said "the devil is a liar.  he will not take my praise."  I have been a bit out of sorts...I feel like there is a a mountain; a thing that needs to be worked out in me.  I think that's a constant feeling as I live "in" the world, but struggle not to be "off" it.  But, what I know for sure is that I am not led by feelings.  I am led by faith.  I believe that regardless of what is going on at any given time, I am a child of God and I am loved.  I am a child of God, and I am loved.
Praise be to God.

Expect More Than You Could Ever Think Or Imagine

I Am Thine, O Lord

Calvary, Calvary
Calvary, Calvary
Calvary, Calvary
Surely he died on Calvary

The alters were stripped on Maundy Thursday as Jesus prayed “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Luke 22:39).  Then came Friday...
Good Friday...Death on the Cross...For me...It is finished...I am now justified...JUST AS IF I'D NEVER SINNED.  THANK YOU JESUS...

And today, we wait.  The eggs will get colored, hidden and found, the remaining speeches will be practiced and recited, hams will be ordered and picked up and baskets will be made.  It's a day of reflection.

My most painful experience to date was childbirth and yet, I remember it and don't remember it.  Out of that pain came the best and most love I've ever felt.  I was able to bring life into this world.  I don't doubt that it's like that for Jesus.  In that pain he felt on the cross that day, he was able to give us...ME...life.  He redeemed a world.  He paid the price for me because I AM HIS.

Lord, today, may I be reminded of the sacrifice you made for me.  May I continue to love you and others as you first loved me.

I belong to you and am grateful for what you did for me.  THANK YOU JESUS.

May I bear my cross with the same intent and conviction as you, fully knowing that I am but a person who has been saved.

The "Busy" Doesn't Stop...Finding a Mary Moment in A Marth World

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  Luke 10: 39-40

This week has been BUSY.  I don't say that with pride.  I do say it with the realization that some days are just more hectic than others, and even in that, we all have to find the spirit of Mary in a Martha world.  
I have been volunteering with Junior Achievement this week to teach one of their classes on Entrepreneurship and Leadership.  It's a 5 session class for 45 minutes per session.  I've been at Prince Street Elementary in Ms. Kemp's 4th grade class.  It's been fun and enlightening and rewarding and hard and challenging and....did I say enlightening.  The kids today are different but the same.  They want to know that they are loved and they want someone to care for them and help them with the things they can't do themselves.  It was an experience, and I look forward to doing it again.

Also this week, I've been going to our noon day prayer/devotional hour at church.  Granted, with my work schedule, I've been getting there in time for the devotion at 12:45 and then having my own prayer/preparation time after that. 

Upon leaving the church and school, I've been going to the YMCA because of my "big bones" :o).  I so wish i wasn't plagued with them, but I am and will forever have to entertain exercising for a healthier life.  OK..." woe is me" moment is done :o)  My point is that going to work out is and has to be a consistent part of my day/life until such time that they find a skinny pill that works.  #please God help scientists find a skinny pill that works :o)

Of course by the time I leave the Y, it's time to go get my favorite girl, Grace, from school.  We get home, do homework, practice violin if she and daddy haven't practiced that morning, cook dinner, eat, take baths and get ready for the reset button to activate.  It's life happening all around me.  

⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Sometimes it doesn't stop.  The world is not waiting for Nita to catch up or get on or be "in a good place" for it to happen.   We have to create Mary moments; maybe it's at the stop light or your lunch break (if you take it, because many of us work right through it) or maybe it's a quick 5-10 minute break while Grace is in the tub.  It may be a simple "thank you Jesus for this day and all it's involved.  I'm grateful to be able to get through it without breaking down and falling apart."  

I was called a "mighty woman of God" this week.  I smiled after I read the email and said..."yeah, I am a MIGHTY WOMAN OF GOD".  Sometimes we get off purpose and caught up and overwhelmed and because of that, we busy ourselves seeking the things that are not needed.  It's difficult to find Mary time in this Martha world, but the reality is that many of the things that we "busy" ourselves with are not needed.  Find the time to sit at the feet of Jesus even if that means forsaking some of the things of this world that pull us from pillar to post.  Jesus said it best..."Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."  Choose the better thing...even if that means saying no to something that is good.  The busy will always be there.  God has the better thing in mind for you!  YAY GOD!

Side note:  Went to a meeting this morning at church about a Kingdom trip to Kenya.  Thinking, praying and figuring it out.  Even being at this place with it is a God thing.  #YAYGOD!

Expect More Than You Could Ever Think Or Imagine

To Be Loved and Cared For....That Is A Beautiful Thing, Indeed!

If you've been paying attention, then you realize that I recently celebrated my birthday!  And if you know me, then you know I go all in for a couple of weeks at least.  At first thought, some may wonder why I get so excited about my birthday season.  Some even think it's a bit ridiculous for a grown woman to be as excited about her birthday as I, but I believe in celebrating me.  The "me" I am and am becoming; the "me" I was created to be is worth celebrating.  In general, I believe in finding the celebration in most days, but I am grateful and blessed to have been celebrated, loved and cared for in such grand fashion.  From the simple HBD wishes and the posting of pictures of me by friends, to the words of adulation...I was overwhelmed with love and adoration.  I am loved and I know it. For that...I say thank you!

 I was able to fellowship with friends over dinner on my actual birthday and receive the blessing of gifts and laughter.  As the weekend arrived, I was able to be with friends in New York City.  We walked the city streets site seeing, ate, laughed, took in a show,  ate and laughed some more, shopped, gawked at passers by, ate and laughed some more.  It was a gathering of my sister circle.  For surprise after surprise and celebratory moment after celebratory moment, I am grateful.  I have deemed it "Fab and Fun at 41"...I am :o) and it was!  Here's to another year of living on purpose and being in His will.  Happy Birthday to me!

My life is not my own...

Life without a 4 year old in the house is very different.  Aside from the obvious lack of noise via Disney or Nick Jr., musical instruments and the constant chatter and conversation of an inquisitive mind, there's a beautiful stillness that I'm able to experience this morning.  Grace is on spring break with her cousins, Dale is golfing, and I am being.  As I listen to William McDowell crooning a love song to God, I am humbly in total agreement and filled with adulation...

"I belong to you God....my life is not my own..."

I was afforded an outside jog this week on a warm and sunny day.  With another impending round of snow tomorrow, Tuesday was clearly an anomaly; a mirage of goodness and warmth; an unexpected blessing of wintery turnabout; a love note written in the sky with the comforting words "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.", signed...God!

I find myself in this place of fulfilling want.  At first thought, it may not make sense. How can one be fulfilled and left wanting in the same breath?  But, the idea of being content with wanting more of God...HIS presence in my life, HIS grace, goodness, favor and love...makes perfect sense in my imperfect mind.  

Phone calls from old friends and lunch dates with new ones, dinner dates with my husband, opportunities to speak life into young girls, as well as moments of silence and stillness with God have all been reminders this week of God's love for me.  I have given and received.  I am grateful.  

ENJOY...
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EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!

Dis (Comfort) Er

Sometimes you just have to sit with it for a while.  
I've been praying  for and about some things, and I don't mind waiting.  
I can be trusted God, but more than that... I trust YOU.

Fasting... Praying...Believing...

The level of comfort always changes, but the Comforter does not.

Expect more than you could ever think or imagine

Transformation...

I, admittedly, try to transform all the time...my permed hair to natural hair; my long weave to short weave.  Even as I write this, I want to transform my black hair to the perfect shade of honey brown.  I'm ALWAYS trying to transform my body.  I work out, eat clean, and have even thought about getting a colonic (maybe). I juice and get close to starving myself, and then I start over again.  I fall off and start over again, and fall off and start over again...and again.  My transformation is ongoing.  But it's outward and worldly and worthless.

My pastor, Bishop Jesse Abbott, said "people look for riches and things, but I look for transformations.  Nothing excites me more."  Honestly, nothing is as exciting.  To have a heart that's broken or hardened or closed off or burdened or filled with guilt or shame or both...and much more, turn into a heart filled with love, joy, peace...

Transformation...

Create in me a clean heart, oh God!  Renew your right spirit in me...

True Worship?

I sat in service today with a heavy heart.  My 35 year old nephew, on my husband's side, died this week.  I found out Thursday, and between saving face for Grace and being strong for Dale, I don't think I really absorbed the loss until today.  I wept for David's life as I remembered it.  I wept for my brother in law, Donald, who now has to bury his eldest son on Monday.  I wept...

And still... I worship...

As my pastor spoke on the "The Prostitute In Me"...I really thought about the woman's alabaster box and how she washed Jesus' feet unabashedly with fervor and want.   I thought about....hair...she used her hair on his feet...JESUS... (my hair on your feet:o)....Okay...you are the Savior of the world...so...My hair is fair game :o)
The truth is ...it's not about my hair...It's about my guilt and shame and disobedience.  My indiscretions try to block my worship.  I'm not worthy.  That much is true.  But, it doesn't matter.  My unworthiness is why I should and do worship.  I can never repay the debt I owe, but my true worship is a symbol of acknowledgement and gratitude.

And so... I worship...

There are things I want to do...but what about the things I'm called to do?  I am Powered by Purpose.  That's the name I chose for my non profit because I believe that we are called to do specific things during our time here on this earth.  My day job is but a stepping stone to being in place for the purpose of my higher calling.  I look at the winter olympics and I can not imagine skiing in a skiathlon or figure skating for the gold.  I have never skiied before.  Yet, I see people walking (skiing, jumping, louging, skating) in their destiny.  I may not understand your purpose or calling.  It's not for the next person.  Trust God with your destiny..with your purpose...with your life.

And...worship...

Have you been in true worship with God lately?  do you worship with abandon and desire?

YAY GOD!

Expect more than you could ever think or imagine!

Vacations Over...(Time to get to work)

I know it's the 5th day of the New Year, but I've been in a vacation state of mind since day one.  Literally, I've been off work since January 1st, and IT'S BEEN WONDERFUL.  I've talked with friends and read posts on Facebook that suggest others are just getting back to work this week as well.  While I am talking about my job, I'm mostly talking about the things I've (we've) set out to do this year, day by day. 
I've spent time in reflection to summon my best self; I've read /am reading some books that talk about the great migration of my ancestors (The Warmth of Other Suns); developing an intimate relationship with God (How To Pray), and breaking out of the ordinary and moving into believing God for the extraordinary (Break Out).  I've written down some goals, which many believe is very important to the success of the goals.  I would say I'm ready...
But, as I learned many years ago taking kids to Young Life camp to learn about Jesus, the readiness of "the mountain top experience" can be difficult to achieve once you're off the mountain.  I often told kids that it was easy to sing songs about God and love God and experience God when everyone else around you was doing the same thing.  It's difficult, to say the least, to experience God in those same ways when you're "in the world" (at school being bullied or pressured to take drugs and have sex, on a job with co-workers you barely know or like, in a family that constantly berates and belittles you, or just in a place of insecurity with sharing your faith).  The real challenge is to do what you resolved to do the first of the year or maybe  even a year or two ago when it's inconvenient, seemingly unrewarding and just undeniably no fun...to do them to the best of your ability... consistently and joyfully.  For me, that means getting in my work outs and writing down what I'm eating (sparkpeople.com); working on my writing projects; continuing my community service; investing in my relationships and using it all to further God's kingdom. 
Let your light shine...that's what I tell Grace, my soon to be 4 year old, when she goes to school.  It's the same for me and you, and it takes real effort.  The New Year doesn't just bring about those resolutions.  It does, however, give us the chance, whether you make resolutions or not, to start anew on the journey of being our best selves.  And that's a moment by moment process no matter what day you start. 

What are the goals you want to accomplish this year?
Now scale that back and decide what you need to/can accomplish today...

 Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.



EXPECTING MORE THAN I COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!