James 5:10-11 (The Message)

Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.

grace.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. II Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

guilty pleasure throwback.

except I don't feel one ounce guilty about it...

Mornings like this.

Mornings like this fill me with anticipation, hope, gratitude.  Mornings like this that make me realize the opportunities just beyond my fingertips.  Mornings like this that reveal to me even the smallest blessings.  Mornings like this that my eyes are opened.  Mornings like this that make me feel as if I am about to burst with excitement for the unknown. Mornings like this.

new years resolutions

so I absolutely LOVE this time of the year, as I'm sure y'all all know :)  Halloween to January is the best time of the year.  Just in case you haven't heard this, I'll outline my reasoning.  Halloween: we dress up.  And get candy.  And it's Georgia-Florida.  Really?  What else do you need?  November brings my BIRTHDAY (21 this year--yay!) and Thanksgiving.  Oh Thanksgiving.  A no pressure holiday.  Bring food.  Eat food.  The end--no presents to worry about, thank you notes, just a great way to bring in the holiday season!

And then we have December.  Let's just review: Christmas movies, Christmas carols, Christmas cookies, Christmas milkshakes.  Everything Christmas!  And everyone's in a great mood.  And everyone is loving and giving and just wonderful :) Haha.  Maybe a little overboard, but whatevs.

And New Years.  I love New Years, the opportunity to start over.  The hope of a new year.  Looking back on all of the wonderful things of the past year.  A few years ago, my mother began having us each set goals, and each month we "report" on our progress at a family dinner.  Yes, we all sigh and dread it sometimes, but I actually enjoy setting goals. Anticipating great changes and great possibilities.

Along that line, here's a great blog by Don Miller about the new year!

http://donmilleris.com/2010/01/01/living-a-good-story-an-alternative-to-new-years-resolutions/