The Countdown to 2012

Psalm 145:2 “Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.”

The countdown has begun! With only 3 days left in the year, everyone is already scrambling to make their new year’s resolutions. For some, 2011 will be a year to be fondly remembered and a little sad that it is coming to a close, but for most, 2011 cannot be over quick enough. Just the thought of a brand new year brings hope and a fresh start. I would assume that most everyone reading this would find their selves in the latter. I will admit that 2011 was a very tough year. The year brought forth many challenges for myself and many of those around me. Even now as I type this my heart breaks for those that lost precious loved ones this year and even in recent days, my heart breaks for those that received a harsh medical diagnosis, and my heart breaks for those that have struggled in this tough economy. The year definitely had much heartache.

But the thought that the Lord has placed on my heart so much the last couple of days is, his grace, mercy, and comfort through it all! Praise be to God for his indescribable love and peace! When I look back to my 2011 New Year’s post, the one thing that I wanted in 2011 was to grow more in love with my Lord than ever before. Praise God that has happened! When you ask God to grow you, be prepared to grow! Through all the challenges, through all the pain, through all the struggles, my Lord captured my heart in a new way! You see, he was there through it all! Though my plan was to fall deeper in love with him through joyous times, God’s plan was for me to fall deeper in love with him in those times on my knees through tearful prayers learning more about him. When my soul was bare and broken, he was there! When things didn’t make sense, he did! When things seemed hopeless, he brought such hope! What an amazing God and I’m so in love with him!

So with 3 days left in this year, where will you place your focus? What will you do with Jesus in 2012?

I will give praise to my Lord for his sovereignty! He, alone, is worthy of all praise and glory! He is my comforter, my deliverer! I will continue to give him praise for 2011 and the life changing moments he carried me through! I conclude this year even more in love with my Savior, with my husband, and with my children! God is so good! I look forward to 2012 and all the changes God has placed in my heart! Changes to bring me even closer to the heart of God. I look forward to honoring him more, serving him more, and loving him more! It IS and ALWAYS will be all about HIM!

Psalm 119:35 “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.”

To God be the glory!

Allison