~Old and New Year~

2011 is over after passing by so quickly and a new year has begun. Wow, where did the time go?

Looking back over 2011, it was probably one of the most hard, or the hardest year I have ever had. 

Have you ever heard of your life being described as a snow globe? 

This year, my life was a snow globe. 

Before I knew it, the globe was shaken up and left all scattered around. All the pieces felt as if they were everywhere. 

Here is the thing....

God was there. 

He is here. 

Whether or not I emotionally 'felt' He was there, He was. He was there to strengthen, comfort, and guide me during the difficult time. He was my shoulder to cry on and someone to laugh with. He was there to pick up the pieces and begin anew. 

He can use hard situations to work in our lives, in ways He may not have been able to do before. God is able to give joy, peace, and hope during those rough times. I know, because that's what He did for me :)

~Philippians 4:7~

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

 No, it hasn't been a walk in the park, and no, it hasn't been easy. Yet, God can strengthen you during your difficult times, give you peace in those deep valleys in life.

God.is.good!

With the 2012 upon us, I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions, but this year I resolve to....

--Trust Him more

~Psalms 56:3~

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."

~Psalms 62:8~

"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." 

--Pray more

~Psalms 55:17~

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."

~I Thessalonians 5:17~

"Pray without ceasing."

--Lean on Him, more

~Proverbs 3:5~

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

~Psalms 119:28~

"My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word." 

I can so easily get side-tracked from what is truly important. This year I strive to trust that no matter what comes my way, good or bad, God has a plan. He wants to work in my life through it, to strengthen and purify me according to His good pleasure. 

~Philippians 2:13~

"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

So, no matter what we face this year, let's strive to trust God that He has a plan, far far better than what we can imagine!