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KEEP MOVING

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It just seems like not so long ago we were celebrating the beginning of a new year.  Now we are more than halfway through this no longer new year. Hopefully, you are still working on the goals you began in January or have successfully reached some of what you wanted to do. Kudos to you. Keep Moving. Maybe you have completely given up on some endeavors you started at the beginning of the year and are thinking about waiting until next year to begin again, or not even thinking about anything you started this year at this point anymore. Well, if this is you, take some time to reflect on the year and goals you started. Think about the reasons for your desires. For example, you may have begun exercising and eating better foods to become healthier. You may have started taking classes to get more education. You may have started writing a blog to help others. Whatever the goals and the reasons for achieving them, if you stopped, what stopped you? Was it fear of failing? Or perhaps you were falling short in your attempts. Or maybe someone said something directly to or indirectly to you that discouraged you.

Distractions and obstacles may have taken you off course. But that is no reason not to get back on track and continue moving. Pray and read the Bible to get direction from God. God’s word is the best source of help for you. If you made a vision board you have not looked at in a while, look at it to remind you of what you wanted to accomplish or work towards this year. In addition to praying and studying God’s word, I also listen to motivational speaking and uplifting music. Both help me to keep moving. Also, if you do not have someone who holds you accountable, find someone who can mentor or help hold you responsible. Many people, including myself, need the extra push you get from someone who holds you accountable. And something else I find that helps me is encouraging and supporting others in their endeavors. I find encouraging and supporting others helps me and reminds me to stay focused on my own goals.

And if you can start working towards any of the goals you started at the beginning of this year and stopped, do it now. Do not waste time waiting until the new year begins. Act like it is a new year now and decide to start again now! Then Keep Moving. Continue, do not quit. Do not stop dreaming and setting goals until your dreams and goals become a reality. You can do it. Just keep on trying. Rely on God’s strength, which is some BIG strength – stronger than any other strength. Do not let the spirit of defeat overtake you. God’s word tells you how victorious you are! 

I will tell you I had many goals for 2021 that I started working on reaching. Some of them I have been maintaining. There were other projects I started and became lax with doing what I needed to do. But I have started working towards them again. 2021 is not over. On your mark, you’re set; now reach for your goals! Let us keep moving and finish strong together. 

His Word Says:

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5, 6

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

And the LORD answered me: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end-it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:2,3

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

My Heart Prays:

Father, we thank you for this year and how far we have come. We are grateful for life and for you blessing us throughout the year. We praise you for the visions and dreams you have given us. We have goals that we want to achieve as we follow your directions and remain in your will. We praise you for the opportunities you have given us to start our goals. We ask you to provide us with the courage and strength to continue throughout the year. We ask you for guidance to complete what we have set out to do. Although we may deal with distractions and situations in life, please help us not to give up. Please remind us to lean on you for strength Father. We praise you because we know we will finish this year strong, and we have victory because of you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Who’s Right and Who’s Wrong

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They say, “Opposites attract.” Or not. Maybe only in “Loveland” because opposites are opposing forces that contradict each other. For example, if I say yes, you say no. You stand up; I sit down.  I turn left; you turn right.  You stop; I go. As long as we continue to oppose and are being contrary to one another, we will never become unified.  And currently, this is the world we live in, a world where challenging and fighting one another because of individual beliefs is at an all-time high. We are in a state of  “Opposites attack.” 

When the coronavirus was new at the beginning of the pandemic, it seemed as though people became closer and found ways to bind with each other, although unable to be together physically. Family, friends, and neighbors checked on one another to ensure they were okay and had food and other necessities (including the most wanted product of the pandemic – toilet paper). People gathered on zoom and conference calls for daily prayer. People joined the same way for Bible study and worship service since they could no longer assemble at churches. I joined prayer groups and participated in various Bible studies with strangers (people I had never met before). However, we were unified, having the same goal, to get through this pandemic with the help of God. And really, I felt that as believers, we were more unified than ever before.

Today, almost two years later, I still participate in some of those prayer and study groups with my sisters and brothers. (We’re no longer strangers, although we still have not met and may never meet in person). But now, I sometimes wonder what their beliefs are. And not their belief in God. But I wonder about those other beliefs that are causing so much division in the world. So, what is happening? Why am I having these feelings about these people after almost two years of being together?

Perspectives and experiences cause unity or division among people. Last year the pandemic was one of the worst times that most of us have ever experienced in our lifetime. It was a time of devastation and loss. We, as believers, knew God was the one we had to rely on for direction and strength to get through the pandemic. But although we believe in God, we are now divided like everyone else because of opinions about this coronavirus. Some people believe in wearing masks.  Others have the view that masks are unnecessary. Some people believe in the vaccine and that everyone should be vaccinated. Others have the belief that vaccines don’t make a difference and are dangerous for people. Some believe wearing masks and getting vaccines has taken away people’s rights, and eventually, all their freedom will be taken away. Some believe the coronavirus can be deadly. Others believe this coronavirus is like having a cold or the flu; the pandemic is a hoax with statistics fabricated by the government as a scare tactic. These are just a few of the different beliefs and opinions that are causing division among people. And who’s right? Who’s wrong? We don’t know. But although people have a right to what they believe, a spirit of division is overshadowing the atmosphere and causing people to have anger, bitterness, and even hatred towards those who see things differently. What is more disturbing is that opposing beliefs on the coronavirus have also caused division among Christians. Christians are now judging each other’s faith or lack thereof based on their views about the coronavirus.

So, what can we do about this? As Christians, we should not judge others because we feel they are wrong and don’t understand their behaviors. We must learn to talk to others and not become angry if they do not see our views. We must continue to love others despite their different opinions and actions. We should agree to disagree respectfully. We must continue to pray, study God’s word, and trust God for guidance and direction. 

As for the prayer and study groups that I am a part of – we do not discuss the coronavirus besides in prayer. (Hence, my curiosity for what their beliefs are.) And I believe that this is for the best. The division due to opposing opinions can become a distraction and remove the focus from what we must continue to be no matter what happens in the world – witnesses to unbelievers, showing God’s light in a world that continuously seems to be growing darker.

It has been almost two years since the pandemic began.  I hope the coronavirus will no longer be a subject of controversy and division in another two years. And perhaps then, we will discuss our past perspectives and experiences concerning the coronavirus pandemic in conversations that do not lead to heated debates. But we do not know the future. We only know that God is in control of our future. So, in the meantime, we must keep our focus on God. Doing this will restore unity among the believers that will hopefully spread throughout the world.

His Word Says:

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. Isaiah 26: 3

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. 2 Corinthians 13:11

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14

My Heart Prays:

Father, we thank you that we are your children, created in your image.  Let us not be separated and divided by politics, by opinions, by beliefs. But let us continue to seek you and allow your Holy Spirit to reign over our lives. We know that we are here on this earth to fulfill your purpose, no matter what is going on. Let us allow your spirit to help us make decisions that affect others. Let us be light in this dark world. Let us be love in a world of hatred. Let us find unity in division by focusing on you. Let us continue to lean on you Father as we go through this pandemic. In Jesus Name. Amen.  

What Type of Fruit is in Your Spirit

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Whenever I enter most supermarkets, I am mesmerized by the display of fruit, usually near the entrance of the store. There is a variety of fruits depending on the season of the year ranging from apples, bananas, cherries, grapes, oranges, pears, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, plums – to name a few. And although fruit is usually on my grocery list, there are times when I go to the store with no intention to purchase fruit, yet this section catches my attention, and I grab some fruit to take with me. Although I have heard different reasons why fruit (and vegetables) are displayed near the store’s entrance and am still not sure of the real reason, these produce sections do attract customers. This area is where I usually find the most congestion in the grocery store.                                                                                                                                   

Fruit is healthy to eat, and different fruit provides nutrients that are beneficial for our bodies. Fruit is also tasty and can be eaten without adding anything, no cooking, no baking, no microwaving. I can just eat fruit (a simple pleasure for me). Fruit is also spoken of in the Bible as attributes that every believer should have.  “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”  Galatians 5:22, 23.                                                                                                                                                               

My pastor often describes our lives on earth as a movie that the angels in heaven are watching. As Christians, our lives are always on display. When others see us, they should see a representation of Christ, whose Holy Spirit is in us. Our lives should mesmerize others and lead them to follow Christ. We must strive to live spiritually in a natural world. What makes this a challenge is that we are natural beings, and the spiritual is constantly fighting against the natural. With all the evil in this world that we are witnessing more and more, it is sometimes difficult to keep things in a spiritual perspective, let alone display the fruit of the spirit. But if we stay connected to God who is the living vine, the fruit of the spirit will manifest in our lives.

When you feel you lack any of the attributes of the fruit of the spirit, read the bible. There are at least 25 verses for each of these characteristics that you can study and apply to your life. Applying God’s word to our lives will cultivate the living fruit and attributes we endeavor to show others. So when we deal with evil, the world will see that we are living fruit. As Jesus did, we have to find it in our hearts to forgive, have compassion, and continually demonstrate love. Although the troubles of the world may be overwhelming, let us look to the Lord for joy. We should find ways to invoke peace and not stir up animosity. We must be kind, gentle and portray God’s goodness. When we feel like taking matters into our own hands, we have to be patient and use self-control while waiting on the Lord to deliver us from evil. God is looking for our faithfulness to Him in everything we do. We must continue to pray and seek God’s guidance to be a light in this dark world that seems to be getting darker and darker by the moment. We live in a world full of hate, misery, conflict, impatience, meanness, wickedness, faithlessness, anger, and self-indulgence. But our actions and reactions should display the beautiful fruit of God that is within our spirit. 

His Word Says:

The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. Luke 10:27

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3;12

 For the Spirit God gave us…gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

My Heart Prays:

Father, we thank you for your sovereignty. We thank you for reigning over us. We trust you and depend on you as you navigate our actions in this world that is getting darker and darker. We thank you for keeping us surrounded with your hedge of protection. Allow us not to react to evil in an ungodly way. Let people see your light shining when they see us.  Let them see the fruit of your Spirit on display in our lives. Help us to stay connected to you so that your fruit will cultivate and continue to grow in us and that it will draw others to you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

A World Without Color

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We live in a vibrant and colorful world, a world that I could not imagine living in without any colors. At an early age, we are taught to identify primary colors such as red, green, blue, yellow, orange, brown, purple, black, and white. Many children recognize colors before they learn the alphabet and numbers. The first books many children receive are coloring books. I can remember how happy I was as a child when I was given crayons and coloring books. Decades later, I see how delighted my grandchildren are also when they receive crayons and coloring books. From childhood, colors are incorporated into our lives. We choose specific colors as our favorites. We color coordinate our attire, our homes’ décor, and have color schemes for special occasions, such as birthday parties, graduations, weddings, etc. Colors play a significant role in traffic control for cities and areas that utilize traffic lights. Colors have meanings, are symbolic, and represent ideologies, nations, organizations, politics, sports, etc.

Color is also indicative of race or what separates races. And if only that was the end of the story. That would make sense to me. However, this feature is also a driver and determinant for prejudice, discrimination, racism, and hatred towards other human beings when it comes to color concerning race. How this outcome is reached based solely on color is logic that makes no sense to me. And never did. I will admit I am a parent that did not talk to my children when they were young about skin color and racism. We talked about good and bad. We talked about doing the best you can. We talked about goals and reaching for your dreams. But twenty to thirty years ago, I did not see the need to teach about racism… I had great hope and felt the world was changing for the better, so by the time they reached adulthood, racism would be a part of history, something they would probably not have to experience. And if they did experience racism, it would not impact their lives significantly. Oblivious, I did not foresee the ugliness of the future and how the color of anyone’s skin would still be the catalyst for so much evil.

Reflecting on events over the past eight years leading to the racial tensions and blatant and overt racism fully on display in 2020, I could not help but wonder if not discussing racism to children of color when they are young may be a disservice. By not intentionally teaching children of color about skin color and discrimination, does this set them up for dangers, pitfalls, snares, and traps they may fall prey to due to not being forewarned of how they may be treated because of the color of their skin?

After the events of 2020, people are now uniting to dialog about ways to change people’s thinking and mindset to help eradicate racism. Can we begin with learning to appreciate skin colors as we do colors in general? Can we get to know people for who they are beyond the color of the skin? Can we stop judging and assuming someone’s color automatically means that they are or will behave a certain way? 

As much as I admire colors and could not imagine living in a world without color, I would love to be in a world where skin color, a trait that people are born with that they have no control over, could simply just be appreciated. And if I could go back twenty or thirty years to talk to my children about the state of the world today, I honestly do not feel that talking about skin color and racism back then would have prepared them for what they are seeing and experiencing today as adults. So, now what do I talk about with my grandchildren?…We talk about good and bad. We talk about doing the best you can. We talk about goals and reaching for your dreams. And as dismal as the racial atmosphere may still seem to many, I still have great hope that when my grandchildren reach adulthood, racism will be a part of their history; and something they will not have to experience or be significantly impacted by.

His Word Says:

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalms 139:14

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. John 7:24

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23, 24

My Heart Prays:

Father, we are grateful that you have created us and given us life. We thank you for the love you continually express to us. Although we may be of different skin colors and races, we know that we were all made in your image. You have a purpose for each of us in this world. You have made us to live for you and to glorify you. Help us to be true examples that reflect your image. Help us to make an impact in this world. Help us to see ourselves when we add to the problem and help us to change our actions. Allow us to love, support, and treat others with kindness regardless of differences in our skin color. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Take the Opportunity to Move Forward

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The time has come for a group of people to leave a place they dreaded being and have dreamed of exiting someday.  They are leaving a  place where they were held in bondage and captivity for many years, a place they hope to never return. When they are well on their journey, they reach a body of water which they have no means of traveling across. God performs a miracle and dries up this water and they continue their travels.  As they proceed,  they find out they are being followed. And to their shock, it is their oppressors coming after them! Finally, they make it to the other side of the water which remained dry the whole time they were passing through. God then performs another miracle and turns the land back into water and those who were chasing them drowned. God rescued! They escaped! Victory! The Israelites were finally away from Egypt moving forward to a land of opportunities.                                                                     

Sounds like a remarkable ending to the story… But this group of people, the Israelites, after that exodus, that great rescue and escape, did not move forward.  Mentally they still seem to be enslaved and in bondage.  As the story goes, after leaving Egypt, whenever they faced challenges, the Israelites would complain to their leader, Moses and inquire continually about returning to Egypt. And most of them never made it to the place they were trying to get to. They remained stuck in the desert for many years before getting to the Promised Land. Why did the Israelites get stuck in the desert and not move forward to the Promised Land? And why did they even think about returning to Egypt instead of moving forward?

As in the story of the Israelites who seemed to be stuck in their past, this is the same plot for many people today. Often people get stuck and remain at a stand still in life. Hurt and pain from past experiences hold people hostage. Misconceptions keep people confined. Uncertainties and fear of the future halts movement. Many people dream of making progress but never make the attempt to move forward, or worse, they regress.

History can never be erased, can never be remade, nor should it be diminished. But it should never be used as an obstacle to stop reaching towards the future. The Israelites were a resilient group of people who persevered through the hardships they experienced in Egypt and were able to escape.  They could have taken the lessons they were exposed to from their history to become better, wiser, and stronger. They had finally escaped from Egypt and were on their way to the Promised Land, but they became stuck in the desert. Living in the past will keep you wedged in, causing you to neglect the opportunities of your present, which is your bridge to the future. The Israelites faced challenges on their way to the Promised Land that caused them to lose focus and keep looking back. Challenges are inevitable and are part of life. However, we must rely on God’s strength to persevere through trials in life so that we can continue to move forward and not keep looking back.     

History has made you resilient. Allow the lesson of your history to make you greater, knowledgeable, and powerful. Move forward intentionally today to make a better tomorrow. Do not waste time or lose focus looking back.  Embrace the present. You can only remember the past and imagine the future. These are spaces in time that you can never actually be. The present is the only place where you will ever live or physically be. Seize the opportunities you are afforded to make the best of the present time. Look for opportunities to create change and allow God to direct your moves. Lean and depend on God to keep you from getting stuck in life. God has given you freedom to move so take the opportunity to move forward. And keep moving forward.

His Word Says:

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Proverbs 4:25

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Isaiah 43:18

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17                                                                                     

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. Philippians 3:13

My Heart Prays:

Father we thank you for the gift of freedom that you have given us. We thank you for freedom to move forward and to make a difference in this world. We thank you for the opportunities that you give us to change lives and make an impact on others. Help us to be examples of you and allow your Holy Spirit to shine from our hearts through our actions. Help us to continue to be watchful and look for opportunities to make the world a better place. We put our confidence in you. We rely on your strength to face our struggles and overcome the challenges we face so that we can continue to move forward. In Jesus Name. Amen.

What Do You Really Mean?

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Often, we hear quotes or expressions spoken by someone that captured the attention of many people and have been used continually thereafter.  A few of them are: 

All men are created equal.

Can we all get along?

Black lives matter.

Make America great again.

What would Jesus do?

Just looking at each of these phrases, they all seem to be clear and easy to understand.  Each statement or question is straight forward.  Each speaks for itself.  No explanation needed.  Or… not.  They appear to be clear to me according to my perceptions and my reality.  But if I ask another person what any of these expressions mean to them, their meaning may be entirely different from mine.  When you take each of these quotes, the meaning for each can change based on variables. For instance:   Who is speaking?  Who is being spoken to (audience)?  What is the reason the statement is being made? 

The oldest recorded of these quotes, “All men are created equal” is a statement from the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson in 1776.  In 1963, Reverend Martin Luther King also used this quote  in his famous “I Have a Dream” sermon.  When Thomas Jefferson penned this phrase, did this have the same meaning for Reverend King when he used the quote in his sermon?

In 1992, “Can we all get along?” became a famous quote when used by Rodney King, a man  shown on video as a victim of police brutality.  After violence and rioting broke out due to people protesting the police brutality and unfair treatment on his behalf, Rodney King posed the question, “Can we all get along?’ in hopes of ending the riots and violence.

“Black Lives Matter” is a statement that became popular as the BLM movement in 2013, when used after the killing of an unarmed African American teenager, Trayvon Martin. This movement became more popular unfortunately due to other unarmed killings of African Americans since then.  This expression has also caused much controversy.  I have witnessed firsthand people become enraged and conversations turn into heated arguments when someone makes this statement. Reactions, good or bad, are triggered by different perceptions in the minds of people according to their individual truth of the statement.

A phrase recently made popular is the political slogan, “Make America Great Again”.  Although this slogan was used in previous political campaigns for other republicans as well as democrats, it became most popular when used by the Trump campaign in 2016 before eventually turning into what is now known as the MAGA movement. And even though this statement has been used as a political slogan, it is another one that has caused great controversy. Same statement of expression used for different political campaigns, but we know clearly that the meaning is different based on variables and perceptions.

“What would Jesus do?” a slogan from the 1800s that resurfaced and became popular again in the 1990s, is the one that I have heard, read, seen, thought, and quoted the most. As a believer, this one is most meaningful to me.  This to me, should be the easiest one to understand. There should be no difference in the meaning no matter what. Just read the Bible, right?… But even with this expression, from what I have seen on social media and what Christians have been posting pre- election and post- election, sadly if they were to use this expression, “What would Jesus do?” I would have to ask, “What do you really mean?”

Social media is one of the greatest tools of communication that technology has afforded us with and during the pandemic people appear to have more time than ever to be on social media. Social media is a great way to communicate and stay connected with others. However, as believers what we post on social media should not make others question our Christianity.  The bickering on social media pre- and post- election among Christians who felt and still feel they are taking a stand for their beliefs have been just as bad if not worse than the posts of non-believers and their stances.  It seems that so many  have gotten caught up and overtaken by politics and what is going on in the world that for this season of time, they seem to have lost their way, allowing politics to rule them. Politics has become the focal point and number one in their lives. And anything or anyone that is put on a pedestal before the true God is your god. Christians have been showing a neglect for God through social media. Our posts on social media can be based on worldly beliefs but should also be reflective of God. We should not be adding to the chaos of this world through social media. We have the responsibility to represent Christ in all that we do, even on social media.

When we communicate with others, are they understanding our expressions?  

Can others clearly see and understand that we are servants of God?  

Can others clearly see and understand that we love God?  

Are others asking or wondering “What do you really mean?”

His Word says:

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. (Philippians 3:17)

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8,9)

My Heart prays: 

Father, we thank you for your unfailing love for us. We thank you for your grace and mercy. We thank you for your faithfulness to us when we forget to reciprocate. We know you are a sovereign God and although we have leaders on this earth, our allegiance is to you first. Forgive us when we get so caught up in the cares of this world that we neglect to witness and be an example showing the light of You. Forgive us when we stand up for right and yet we do it all wrong. Forgive us when we judge others without showing love and mercy as You show us.  Help us to be intentional in keeping You first in all that we do. Help us to be intentional in showing love for others as you love us. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Excitement of the New

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Acquiring or experiencing something new causes excitement. Really, just the thought of
acquiring or experiencing “the new” something brings about the excitement. Before you acquire
“the new” while in the planning stages for obtaining whatever it is, there is anticipation. For
example, when you decide to purchase a new vehicle or a new house, during the process
beginning with your research, there is expectancy that generates excitement. From the
conceptualization to the actualization, excitement remains in your atmosphere.
What causes the thoughts or just thinking of “the new” to create high energy and an atmosphere
of excitement? New means different. New means change. The new vehicle or a new house is
different. It is a change from the old vehicle or the old house. And even more excitement comes
if you have never owned a vehicle or a house and this is a first-time purchase. This is the same
for starting a new job. Before you start the job, you experience eagerness and anticipation. And
likewise, when expecting a new baby. The excitement begins when the mother first finds out
about the pregnancy, long before the baby is here. People are excited to hear about the
expectancy. Then they are excited to attend the baby showers and gender reveal parties, which
are celebrations intentionally planned before the new baby’s arrival.
The beginning of a new year also brings about excitement and in anticipation for the new year,
celebrations are planned. Many also feel this is the time and opportunity to execute adjustments
and create changes in their lives to start the new year off. It is customary for many is to start
working on resolutions and towards goals when the new year commences. Many people make
resolutions to live a healthy lifestyle, so they start eating healthy and begin an exercise regimen.
Many Christians start the new year off with fasting. On social media I viewed various churches,
ministries, and groups partaking in and engaging others to join them for “beginning of the year”
fasts. There were also “beginning of the year” challenges floating on social media including the
“Proverbs 31/wisdom” challenge, “no negativity” challenge, “social media free” challenge and
more. Feelings of enthusiasm are stirred in the hearts and minds of many because it is a new
year, and this draws them to join in fasting and accepting different challenges. And all of this is
a great start… however the excitement of “the new” does not last forever.

The momentum of “the new” dissipates once we become accustomed to whatever “the new” is
that we have acquired. Excitement about the purchase of the new vehicle or the new house
disappears as time goes by when having the vehicle or the house is no longer different to us or a
change for us. Once we are settled in at the new job, we lose the excitement that we first had at
orientation. The new baby gets older and the excitement that we first felt with the anticipation of
the newborn coming has shifted to different feelings. Pretty soon too, the excitement of this new
year will be a memory. People will no longer greet others with “Happy New Year”. The
“beginning of the year” fasts will have concluded. The “beginning of the year” challenges will
be over. Some if not many will begin to neglect their healthy eating and exercise regimens and
forget about the resolutions and goals they started out with.

Although we will lose the excitement that came with beginning the new year, how do we keep
the momentum of the plans we started this year with? How can we accomplish those resolutions
and goals that we initiated? Can we be consistent with healthy eating and exercise throughout
the year and make it a part of our lifestyle?

Change your mindset. If you mess up with the healthy eating, you do not have to wait until
another new year to start eating healthy, just start again. If you fall off from being consistent in
exercising, just start again. Do not give up because you had an off day or week or even a month
with any of your goals. Just begin again – at any time in this year.

Continue with your own challenges. If you chose to partake in any beginning of the year
challenge, there was a purpose for you accepting the challenge. The challenge may have been
beneficial in helping to get rid of a bad habit. For example, if you joined the “no negativity”
challenge, you may have saw a need to stop engaging in conversations speaking negatively about
others by gossiping. If you chose the “social media free” challenge, maybe you felt social media
consumed too much of your time last year and this challenge helped you to find balance. If you
chose the Proverbs 31/wisdom challenge, maybe you saw the need to consistently read and study
God’s word daily. Whatever challenges you chose, if you found them to be beneficial for you,
why not keep them going or create some of your own. You know more than anyone else what
areas in your life you need to work on. Make your own personal challenges.

Find an accountability partner. Those new year resolutions and goals you made can be more
than simply great intentions. Commit yourself. Then find an accountability partner. This can be
a coach, friend, mentor, or a pastor. Find someone who will encourage you to continue to push
forward and if you must start again, to refocus and begin again. Your accountability partner
should be someone who will hold you accountable and help you to be responsible and follow
through with your actions.

How many new actions have you embarked upon with excitement at the beginning of this new
year? In a month or less, we will be settled into 2021 and it will no longer be the new year.
Although the excitement may be gone, I encourage you to hold on to the momentum by changing
your mindset, continuing with your own challenges, and finding an accountability partner so you
can work towards accomplishing what you set out to do for this year.

His Word says:
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my
heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. (Psalm 28:7)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
(Galatians 6:9)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
My Heart prays: Father we are grateful, and we give you praise you for this new year, 2021. This is a new year full of opportunities for us to become better people and to be living examples of you in this world. We are excited about the goals and plans we have made for this year. And we know that we must keep you first in order to receive guidance and direction from you. Help us to remain focused and on track with our endeavors. Help us to accomplish our goals for the year. Help us to continue to move forward in faith when the excitement of the new is over. If we get discouraged for any reasons, let us look to you Lord from where our help comes from; for we know that we can rely on you to give us strength. We trust you to be with us throughout this year and we will forever trust you. In Jesus name. Amen.