Thinking Back and Looking Forward

It's the 365th day of 2016. I made it!!! 365 days of posting a positive word for my FB friends and family. After all, there's enough negativity in social media with politics, the weat her, the economy, the disappointments many speak about or vent about in their relationships. Once upon a time, I didn't want to be on social media because of those reasons, but then I sensed that God was calling me to bring some sunshine to a world that can be quite dark, and then my special thoughts and words would, hopefully, bring inspiration to others. I can't begin to adequately explain how rewarded I feel for staying true to my commitment. Purposefully, I've had to make sure to stay "in the zone", seizing the moments, noticing little and big God-encounters, recognizing that God is always speaking. I just had to tune in to His still small voice, and, often, His big booming voice as I witnessed His illustrated messages to me through nature, His Word, His kids and His embrace. Fact is.....I showed up for my daily appointment with God.....and He was faithful and true to His promises.....He ALWAYS showed up for me.

I'm not exactly sure what this next year will look like, not only in my commitment to daily posts and blogs, but in life overall. But one thing I do know for sure......I know WHO knows and I'm excited for the journey that awaits me. There will be many opportunities for making FB posts and writing my daily blogs because I'm very aware that God has many more exciting adventures and trails for me to blaze in this new year. So, I'll continue to be on daily assignment.

These photo inspirations are from this day in 2014 and Brennan's video from 2015 with my two little men -- my annual New Year's Eve dates! Tonight, once again, these two and I will be donning our hats and making toasts with our sparkling grape juice, and blowing our horns. We'll even shoot some little fireworks, and we'll watch the giant sphere of sparkles descend in Times Square an hour behind East Coast time as 2016 makes its exit and 2017 makes its debut. We'll be silly and dance and give each other hugs and kisses. Eat your heart out, single women everywhere! LOL!

A new year -- new hope for our future. There is something inherit within us that craves a new fresh start -- a chance to make wrongs right, and good things even greater. The promise of a clean slate is thrilling. I've already begun to think about new horizons, new seasons, and new adventures. My personal motto will continue to be "I'm still here....so I'm not done." I know that God will give me courage to face each new day and the best part, His mercies will be new each morning.

The great news is that God is the author of 2017! He knows each and every twist and turn that is up ahead, both for you and for me. He has planned 2017 down to the minutest detail—all with the goal for our good. Look out, 2017 -- HERE WE COME! Let the GREAT ADVENTURES begin!!!

An Entire Year of Awesomeness Awaits Us

Happy 2016!   An Entire Year of Awesomeness Awaits Us
Our brand new year is officially here with its clean slate to start fresh and new, and my two boys and I celebrated each time zone from East coast to West coast.

Packed into our last day of the year was seeing Star Wars again, but this time in 3D, recliner seats -- all cozy comfy and we were just as enamored as we were the first time we saw it.  Then to Chuck E Cheese for a little game play before heading home for our traditional photo-opts and Brennan, the Producer's, latest movie.

We toasted to the new year in style with our sparkling grape juice.  We watched the giant ball of sparkles descend in Times Square, had lots of goodies to eat,  and we prayed the New Year in together for those who lived in each time zone we celebrated.  

We celebrated with dancing, hoverboard antics, fireworks, laughing, and hugging!   As has been the tradition for 14 years now, hanging with my boys makes New Year's Eve a night to remember.  Best dates a gal could have....at least at this season of my life. ;-)

One thing we ALL have in common, rich or poor — is the desire for a blessed and successful new year. Reflecting over 2015, I ask myself, "Did I really embrace each day, taking time to 'smell the roses' -- being 'present' in the moments and to cherish the people in my life -- and when I'm with them -- to be 'with them' -- without distractions?" I've thought a lot about that during the visit with my family in Texas and here in Washington -- really cherishing these times.

You've probably seen my postings about that.   In reality, every day should be treated as a gift from God and we should cherish each one with thanksgiving. We can't change the past, but we can always determine to celebrate each new day in our todays and tomorrows as the days God made for us and to determine to use our time wisely, with the purpose of LIVING every moment, LAUGHING every day, and LOVING beyond words....after all, we will NEVER have these moments again!

Our future is so bright. Let's purpose to wake each day to the prospects of what each day will hold by Him Who knows everything about everything -- and with that kind of ADVISOR -- if we pay close attention -- He'll guide us into making 2016 to be our best, most blessed year EVER!  A happy and blessed 2016 is my prayer for all of my FB friends and family today!