It May be ‘Just Another Day,’ But to Me, It’s a Fresh Beginning
Going into each new year is exciting to me. I realize that it’s technically no different than any other day, but for me, it feels like an opportunity for a reset.
New Year’s resolutions get picked on a lot, & while I sort of agree, seeing as I should A. Not wait for a new year to try something new, because I can start whenever, & B. Not quit when it gets hard because any new thing will feel hard at first…. But, something about starting a whole new year just seems to emphasize the world of possibilities ahead.
Looking Back in Looking Ahead
A new year is a chance to look back at all God has taught me & where He has brought me from & what He has brought me through… it is a chance to reflect on weak or blind spots I have & consider how I might change my behavior or attitude moving forward (& to ask God for help both with recognizing it & for help changing my patterns).
A new year is a new opportunity to see my potential for growth & to set intentional plans to better cling to God in every area of my life, versus acting in my own wisdom or autopilot mode based on how I grew up.
Making Intentional Change for the Better
These plans may be, as it was several years ago before I began regularly reading my Bible each day, to maybe START doing that, even if just committing to reading one paragraph a day, feeding my heart & soul with TRUTH… because, let’s face it, the world feeds us its world view every single day, in media & through others’ perspectives, so what better way to learn to cling to God in all things than to be regularly feeding your mind, your soul, & your heart with Truth from God Himself?
Or maybe you look at your prayer habits & think to yourself, “you know what, I tend to act first & pray later or when all else fails,” or maybe you think, “I sure have inner dialogue in my heart, knowing God hears it all, so maybe I ought to turn those thoughts into a conversation with Him, relying on Him & turning to Him for guidance & help each step….” Maybe it means setting intentional pockets of time each day to pray: as you shower & get ready for the day, as you drive to work, as you eat your lunch, as you lay in bed…. Ask God for pockets of time to pray & for Him to make you aware of them.
Taking Steps Forward
Maybe it’s loving as an action, taking time to sacrificially give of your time, efforts, &/or resources to help someone God places in your path & on your heart… maybe it’s asking Him to show you opportunities for you to let Him love others through your obedience.
Maybe it’s being a blessing to someone else through accountability, taking time to meet regularly for intentional & edifying fellowship with another woman, so you can encourage each other on your journey to better cling to God in all things throughout life. (Check out my Journal Printables for an Accountability Partner Guide & Question Prompts if you would like some assistance on knowing how to get started with this.)
Or maybe it’s taking your Bible reading to the next level, taking time to learn about context & original translational definitions, or taking time to make it personal versus just reading text on a page, considering what it may teach you more about Who God is & what He cares about so you can better honor & please Him with your life. (Check out my Journal Printables for a Bible Study Question Prompts to get you started if you’re not sure how to begin, or, check out my friend’s website, where she teaches women how to study the Bible in easy to understand & follow techniques that will change how you read the Bible at: www.katieorr.me)
Let this new year be a promise of HOPE in allowing God to continue to shape & mold you, as you seek to know & love Him more in this upcoming 2023.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
“God, thank You for never giving up on us… for always being near to us, even when we least deserve it. You are so kind & forgiving & gentle. When I think of Who I would consider God to be with all of Your power & authority & infiniteness, I would not immediately or instinctively consider you to be so loving & patient. Thank You. Every year is potential for a fresh start, but so is every moment. You are so quick to forgive me. I don’t deserve You. Thank You for Your ever-constant loving pursuit of us. You stand for Truth in a world of ambiguity because You want us to have a steady foundation we can rely on… even when that Truth makes us uncomfortable, You are still ready to speak it to us, knowing the life-giving it offers us. Thank You. Almighty, Wonderful, Awesome, Loving GOD. And thank You, THANK YOU, for Jesus. AMEN.”
Shine HOPE in this new year by seeking His face more & more every day, clinging to Him, relying on Him, & seeking to please & honor Him more in everything you do—in attitudes, habits, actions, plans, free time & thoughts.
Coming Next Week
Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.
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As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.
A Note from Michelle:
(***Check out my newly added FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts”!***)
This blog/website has been running for over FOUR years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3
If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3
Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!
Fashion as a Force for GOOD:
Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!
Natalia Blend Coffee Sample (Guatemala)
This 2 oz. sample of ethically produced ground coffee from our Artisan partners in Guatemala is a great way to taste test our 100% premium high-grown Guatemalan coffee with notes of chocolate and cacao. Our medium roast Natalia Blend Coffee is available as a single purchase or as a recurring auto-ship order. Both options include two 14-oz. bags in your choice of whole bean or ground coffee, shipped direct from the Artisan’s coffee farm to preserve its rich, fresh flavor.
In the mountains of Guatemala, Artisans create unique blends of ethically grown, harvested, and roasted premium coffee. Your purchase provides safe jobs, fair wages, lifesaving medical clinics and medications, and therapy for disabled children.
Purchase this coffee and empower families in Guatemala!
How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:
SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!
Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!
Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!
