Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Isn't it nice to hear? It is always nice to begin a fresh start, a new beginning and a clean slate! No matter what took place last year, we have a new beginning for this year! We all have New Year's resolutions that we start the year with. Our church is actually having a sugar fast, yeast fast and a daily green smoothie challenge! We have many in the church taking part of this challenge and encouraging each other. Of course today was the first day but what an amazing feeling to begin the year with a healthy diet.

Yesterday at church we had a beautiful service for New Year's Eve, where we had regular services centered on surrender to God. Then had a beautiful study of a book called "How to be a Victorious Christian" that lead to the discussion of how to become a new person in Christ. Everyday we have the opportunity to start over and actually we have that chance every moment in life. We can surrender every moment and allow God to make the right decisions for us in every decision, situation and thought.

After the study we had communion which we all felt prepared for after the day of prayer and study. Our pastor then had a time for us to share testimonies. Listening to the testimonies of those who have been walking with God and He has never left our side even when we have strayed. He has been there many times when we haven't even recognized it but the times when we know He was there are so special! They give us the encouragement to keep striving and they strengthen our faith.

I am finally seeing that in order to abide with Christ, we have to go to Him before we make any decision that we aren't positive how He would have us handle it. Abiding in Christ is every second of everyday, not just when we feel we can't go on any longer. We should never get to that point because God should have the control over our path already always! I finally get that I am miserable, wretched and poor without God. There is no good in me without Him. Once we finally realize that, we are on the right track to full surrender!

So, as we start the new year, take the time to start fresh with God. Give Him more time. Give Him your worries, concerns, ideas, situations, and decisions! Let Him carry the burden and you just trust Him. No matter how far you have strayed or allowed distractions, turn around and He has promised us a fresh start!