Abundant Life in the New Year

NEW YEAR 2018

I have always loved the beginning of a new year, excited to put the old behind me and start anew.   I was expecting 2018 to be very busy, filled with graduation,  prom,  dorm room prep,  the end of high school and the start of a new life in college for Jadyn.   So many changes were on the way.   Now in front of me is a blank canvas.  I know the Lord is already there, and He will color it with beauty.  It looks empty, and a little bit scary right now. But I know HE is already in the midst of it all,  laying out plans for us to follow.   I am content right now to just wait on Him.  I want to see what He has for me.

For the past couple weeks He has put me in a place with vibrant colored flowers, waterfalls, mountains, oceans, hummingbirds and sunshine.   Sounds like paradise doesn’t it?   God knows what we need before we do!

I usually pick a word for the year.   I have decided on “Spirit-filled.”   Troy tells me that is 2 words (Oh well).   Maybe I need an extra word for this upcoming year.   I want my life to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit more than ever before, including my thoughts,  actions and entire being.   I know that is where abundant life is really found.   I believe the word for the year at Wheaton Academy is “Life”.  Last year it was “Hope” and Jadyn found that!   She has now found life eternal.  But we struggle to find abundant life while we wait for the eternal.  I know life will be nowhere close to abundant without the Spirit alive and active in me. (in any of us!!!) It is the only way to live above all the pain and heartache and stress of this life on earth.

“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.   I came that they may have life and have it in abundance.”    Jesus’ words in John 10:10

“You will make known to me the path of Life, in Your presence is fullness of joy.   In your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11