Hello Readers! - Updated Version
New Years Message
We have just celebrated the new year. There were parties, concerts, and fireworks displays broadcast worldwide. People were ringing in the new year with cheer and hopefulness for the future.
This is usually the time when people make plans to achieve things in life and challenge themselves to reach those goals. It is a ritual; like clearing out your closet and giving away old clothes, but not feeling bad about discarding the clothes because you have worn them out or you have found the fashion does not match your style anymore.
New Year resolutions are promising; yet, more delightful if achieved during the year. However, no one gives a hoot about failed New Year’s resolutions attempts. Whatever happened has happened. We simply move on...and we do so decidedly. I got into the habit of not making resolutions because the action served no purpose for me. I will either get something done or I won’t, naturally. To appease curious minds though, my New Years’ resolutions, if I had any, would be to build resolve, be resolving, and finally stay resolved.
On Reading Psalm 77 and Resolving to Remember the Good Times and God’s Promises
As I read Psalm 77 the other day, it reminded me of all the troubles I went through last year as well as at other times over the course of my life. Through painful memories and suffering, I do remember calling out to God and asking for help and not getting help- so I thought. I remember praying and asking to myself, “am I praying right?”
So, my question is this: How long does someone have to be treated badly, experience illness, etc., and have bad luck, when you know you have been doing everything in your power to do right according to the best of your ability and circumstance? This seems hard to answer, because what is life without pain and suffering?
When you continue to read Psalm 77, after the person talked about their life’s woes, you can see where the writer pauses and says he or she will start to remember all the good things that happened to him or her throughout their life that were provided by God. More importantly, the person decided they would remember God’s blessings. Near the end of my reading of the Psalm, I read the following verse:
Psalm 77:19 NIV
“Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.”
I instantly remembered my book, Moka and My Path to the Sea. The book has special meaning to me and my heart. It reminds me to be your best and do your best and be yourself. The book is simply about friendship, nature, and balance that we see in life. An editor once noted that there was nothing spectacular about the story of Moka and My Path to the Sea because there was not a climatic point or plot. However, I believe my message is the “plot”. The story does not have to be broken down. Moka and My Path to the Sea is a story. The editor, though, is entitled to her belief.
Also, life is life. It can be good, and it can and most likely does offer us woes (which are different from person to person). On the other hand, life- or your life’s story- does not have to be spectacular in order to live it. It’s probably important to notice the life and action around you. Delight in the fact that you went through certainties and uncertainties and have survived terrible times by following the strength of the message in your heart.
I lead Moka and Me to the sea. You can see their footprints in the sand. They are having so much fun at the beach. And, a rainbow appeared as they frolicked in the sea’s waters near the shore. They are sad when they have to go home. But, what if Moka and Me were magically transported through the sea? Where would they go? Would it be to the other side of the sea? Would it be to the other side of the rainbow? Would there be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Would they continue to have fun wherever they wound up? Also, who’s going to take them? Who is able to do that? Me, the author of course!
Just like I did with Moka and Me, I lead them to the sea. If I want to lead them through the sea on other magical adventures, I can write a “plot”. Figuratively speaking about my life, I feel that God has taken me TO the sea. Perhaps God will now lead me THROUGH the sea (as He is the author of my life and salvation). And, this is the year in which I will work methodically to achieve my goals. I feel like I just got an upgrade. Although life has not been easy, I have this intense feeling that this year will be one of the best. This year, 2018, will be a year of rebirth and winning for myself and everyone who cares to allow God to take them through the sea, whilst not letting you stay forever at the edge of the sea, on the sand, where only your footprints are visible.
On Forgiveness and the Bible
I would just like to add that life has not been all bad, but it can sure seem like it when you sense that there is no end in sight. But this life, too, is temporary. Don’t get caught up on all the bad stuff or the small stuff. Forgive yourselves and others and move on. You have to forgive others, though, appropriately. You can not forgive without loving.
*If you are the person who needs forgiveness, you truly have to repent to feel that you have been forgiven. This means you have to change your thoughts, which influence your feelings, that impact your behavior (*cognitive logic). You also have to offer amends to the person you have wronged. (Check the bible about forgiveness and forgiving/apologizing appropriately).
Remember, any person who has forgiven you has moved on; however, since you cannot forgive yourself or have the know how, self-detriment can be the determining factor in our life’s woes. That is why the renewing of your mind is important. What we think, we in turn feel, and ultimately act upon by showing it in our behavior. When you have repented (changed), your behavior will have changed. People will be able to see the difference in you and your lifestyle.
Finally, we have to remember the good points and good experiences in our personal lives. We also have to remember what God has done for us and remember the kind of God we have. All these things about God are described in the bible. God performed miracles. God is holy. God is powerful. God keeps promises and provides you peace in the appointed time. And, the truth will always come out. Nothing that is hidden will stay hidden. The lie can’t last forever. There is no place for it in God’s kingdom.
Happy New Year! Fulfill your dreams. Remember God’s promises that he taught us in the bible.