Why I Didn’t Get in the Car on New Year’s Day

I’m not one for cliches, are you?

Of course we will wish each other a Happy New Year. It’s what we do. But I’m not one for evaluating the past and making promises for the future. Ones I can’t keep. Those resolutions never stick and who wants to set themselves up for failure?

However…

It is important to continually improve, grow, learn, dream…

Let’s trust God when He says He will do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine. Let’s be pleasantly surprised by grace instead of terribly disappointed by empty promises we make to ourselves.

Let’s be intentional about doing instead of saying what we’re going to do.

I found a local dance studio that offers adult Ballet classes. I signed up. I’ve been stretching and twirling in anticipation of rekindling a childhood dream. Getting back to dance. I love it. There’s great health benefits, but actually it’s the grace and beauty I’m drawn to. If you want to get healthy, try doing something you love instead of punishing yourself for eating all those Christmas cookies.

We can believe in the promise of immeasurably more, but let’s not stop there…

The verse in Ephesians goes on to say, “…according to His power at work within us.”

His power is at work within us. To God be the glory because it’s all through His power, yet He chooses to do a mighty work in and through us.

Us.

It’s beyond amazing and it’s absolutely true. So clear the doubt, there’s no room for it when His power is there. And there’s no room for it in 2017. Doubt, be gone.

Another popular activity when a new year rolls around is choosing a word.

If I were to choose a word for 2017 it would be discover.  It’s time to discover new things, but not only new things. It’s time to discover what’s been covered up.

Like today, I was craving something and I had no idea what. Then hubby puts a subliminal message in my head. It wasn’t all that subliminal actually, it went something like, “How about a chili dog and a chocolate milkshake?”  Then suddenly, I wanted it. Bad.

But I discovered something. If I stayed away from the car I wouldn’t drive to Frosty King to pick up the hot dog and milkshake that I’d wind up feeling bad about consuming later. You know what? I stayed away from the car. It wasn’t easy.

Sure, I could have gone as far as turning that ignition. I would have still had time to change my mind, but let’s be real. It more likely would have been the point of no return. I needed His power at work within me, because my own power would have resulted in a chili-dog heartburn right about now. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, but don’t let the word self fool you.

And don’t be swayed by temptation. The enemy is cunning and he can’t tempt you to turn the key in the ignition if you stay clear of the car all-together. I think you get what I’m saying.

My example of avoiding a chili-dog and milkshake was a first right step to better health. Is there a person, place, or thing God is drawing you away from in 2017 so you can draw closer to Him?

Seek Him and you will find Him and He will direct your steps when you surrender your feet. And your car keys.

I wish you a Happy New Year and I would love to hear what’s on your heart.

Take each new day one at a time and remember, you are loved with an everlasting LOVE.

May His all-sufficient grace envelop you in 2017 and always,

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