Fresh. New. Year.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Beginnings are always full of different emotions. They are fresh, but sometimes uncertain. Exciting, but sometimes reserved. Change is a constant in our lives and that will never change.

This past year has been an interesting one. I have felt just about every emotion possible (College will do that to an individual). I have fought. I have struggled. I have prayed. I have cried. I have wanted to give up. I have laughed. I have been overwhelmed. I have held on.  I have trusted. I have exercised faith. But one thing is for certain, the Lord never let me drown. He always kept me floating. He is so good like that.

I love to encourage people to dream big. I believe that God gives us dreams to achieve; yet, I believe that so many of us give up on our dreams and settle for the norm. Speaking of dreams, this year I am reaching one of my dreams. I am finally graduating college. I realize that a degree isn't that big of a deal in society today, but my degree means more than a piece of paper or a status label. Being a teacher has been one of my dreams in life, for more reasons than owning a teacher's edition textbook and a SmartBoard (although those are fancy!). I have a desire to make an impact on the lives of students by encouraging them to succeed and to believe in themselves. And seeing the finish line within reaching distance is a GREAT feeling.

There are lots of things to look forward to, and I have lots of goals that I am setting out for this year, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I believe that God knows the desires of my heart, and as long as I put one foot in front of the other towards Him, He will get me where I need to be. 

Whatever your goals are for this year, set after them. Make a plan. Don't give up. Believe in yourself. And know this: The Almighty believes in Y-O-U. He wants to see you succeed more than you do. He loves you. 

Beth Moore suggested this verse for the beginning of the year:

"You crown the year with Your goodness, 

And Your paths drip with abundance." 

Psalm 65:11

I love it. I'm thankful for the Father above who cares for me. His path drips, drips, drips with abundance. Get on the path. He never forsakes us. He never, ever, leaves us lacking. Abundance. 

And that, dear, is sweet bliss. Soak it up in 2011.