This morning I woke up to a beautiful sunny day.  To help bring in the New Year, my husband and I went for an early morning walk.  The day is crisp and clear with only a smattering of frost on the grass.  The sun is shining brightly through the leafless trees, warming the earth and sending a light steam into the air.  It is hard to believe it is the middle of winter, but here, near the coast in Northern California, the seasons are very mild. But, today, things seem even fresher and more alive than usual. Even the sound of the birds chirping brightly adds to the spring-like newness of the day.  I have a feeling that God is saying He has good things planned for this year – new beginnings, fresh starts and wonderful adventures with Him!  I have an excited sense of anticipation as I look forward to all God is going to do in 2012! 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Let’s remember as we step forward into this new year, to place our trust in Him.  As we look to Him for guidance and strength, we can be thankful with the knowledge that wherever He leads us and whatever plans He has in store for us; it will all be for our good.  This morning, on this first day of 2012, I am praising God for his never ending love, mercy and grace!  I have so much to look forward to, because I am placing my hope in Him.

Happy New Year!

Living for Him,






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20 Comments

  1. I too am looking forward to what God has in store for this year. Happy to be sharing with you.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  2. @JoanI think it's such a blessing to share what God is doing in our lives. When we do, we bring honor to Him!

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  3. Dear Joan,
    I love this verse and this post! I'm excited about God's plans for this year as well, and my prayer is that we will all be in the center of His perfect will for each of our lives. There is no greater blessing than that!
    Happy New Year!
    Laurie

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  4. @Laurie Collett Being at the center of God's perfect will is also my prayer! I am trusting Him.

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  5. As we enter a new year, may we come as little children expecting God to do great things in us and through us.

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  6. God has plans that we may not like at times, but He knows what is best and our trust in Him must hold fast. Other times we will rejoice in his plans and I am expecting that there will be a large increase in fruit this year.

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  7. Amen, Joan. God's mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness! And in this new year, we anticipate new mercies and new victories!

    Wishing our families ALL THE BEST in 2012!

    Rina

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  8. isn't it a wonderful journey to be along side the Almighty God as we travel through this life......and added bonus to know He already knows the plans He has for us.....

    I have loved my visit with you...I hope to see you more in the coming year....

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  9. Happy New Year to you, too, Joan! I love the sound of your birds. :)

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  10. Hi Joan,

    I love to start my day with thoughts of having Him by my side and helping me with whatever the day brings. As I look ahead and wonder about the future, I have hope in all things, because I know this single truth: God Himself planned it long ago. :)

    Blessings and hugs for a bright and joyful 2012!
    Denise

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  11. @Musings by Robert To have the faith of a little child is a blessing! I pray for a heart that is totally yielded to Him!

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  12. @A Joyful Noise We can trust that His plans are the best for us! I am excited to see what He has planned for this year!

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  13. @Rina Peru I am so thankful for His generous heart! He is indeed a loving God!

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  14. @Nancy Oh yes! The journey with our God is the only one I ever want to be on! I am trusting Him for my future!

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  15. @Jennifer @ GettingDownWithJesus.com They do have a way of making everything seem cheery, don't they?

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  16. @Denise God's plan is always trustworthy! I am so thankful for Him by my side!

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  17. Really enjoyed the post. I am following your blog now. God Bless!

    Encouraging Thoughts for Life: Starting Things Anew

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  18. @Derrick BoydThanks Derrick! I'm glad this post was an encouragement to you.

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  19. Trusting in God's goodness - yes, that will most likely be the undergirding theme of my faith journey this year! I am grappling with the true meaning of peace - what it means to have HIS peace in the storms of life. I know that it's all about trust in HIS goodness - His ways, His timing.

    Trust in His deep, deep love.

    GOD BLESS!

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  20. @Sharon You are so right! Inner peace -- God's peace -- is possible through our trust in Him! I pray that each day I trust Him more and more!

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