It's that time of year again. The time when our family does a little reflection; thinking back on the blessings of the year, the highs, the lows, the concerns and wishes, the dreams and heartbreaks~~and in all those ups and downs~~the manifestation of God's plan, will, and grace is made very clear to us in all of our lives. Praise God! When we were going through THAT specific hardship, what we couldn't see was that God had THIS in store for our family. So amazing! He knows what's best for us and we are so glad he's steering this Mitchell family's ship!!!
The boys, very sadly, help me take down the Christmas tree (I have been prepping Griff for this moment for the past few days as he seems to think we should keep it up all year, "but it's so boooootiful, Momma!", and we do a little cleaning and baking for our annual New Year's get together with friends in Carlisle. Griff is adamant that we need to make reindeer cookies again and is very excited to play with all of his friends (one little girl in particular ;)). Max is starting to feel better after a brief visit from a stomach bug yesterday and is in his room quietly reading. My husband is still snoring away after staying up very late to watch his Hawkeyes lose their bowl game. He may be a bit grouchy today. I'm nursing a cold that began with an allergy and an asthma attack and having to use my inhaler a bit more than I'd like, but so thankful to have medication that opens my lungs and allows me to breathe. It's those little things :). That's our morning, on the last morning of this year. So much to be thankful for, so many friends to continue to pray for, and a heart full of joy at the amazing fruition of all of God's mercies.
And the boys and I begin to talk about New Year's resolutions (G, "What's dat, Momma? Yike sumpin' aucky or sumpin' dood?"). A brand new year, clean, fresh, and full of possibilities. The possibility of change, doing things different, trying harder, vowing to be better at this, that or the other thing. The boys have said they will try harder to be kinder and more patient with each other. Max will do a better job of tolerating Griffyn's button pushing and Griffyn will try harder not to push those buttons (especially that BIG, all too easy germ button ;)). Max will do a better job of sharing and Griffyn will do a better job of not breaking Max's things. We will continue to be diligent in our nightly prayers and to think of others. That should keep them busy for the year ;).
Mine always involve something along the lines of eating better/healthier and exercising more diligently. As I get older, it has become much harder to get up at 4 a.m. ;). I also want to be more mindfully involved in the word and to always give and serve with a joyful heart and to trust, trust and TRUST God more with everything! I have started a Bible verse and prayer journal to make myself think a bit harder, and not just read over words as part of my nightly routine (as by the end of the day, any brain cells I started with are about gone). Marty's will most likely be (as he is still sleeping) to make it to more Iowa games ;).
Most of all, I want peace for my family. I want us to be able to put on God's armor and shield ourselves from the negativity and ugliness~as much as we can~that can seep into our lives if we let it. Some of it is unavoidable, but God gives us very useful tools to brandish the rest. The most powerful one being that of the Holy Spirit that lives in our hearts. I want my boys, and myself, to make a closer connection to that reality and to live mindfully, always, of our spirituality~~and in that way, be the lights unto the world that Jesus calls us to be.
How do we do this? There are many verses in the Bible that address this question, but the one that stands out the most to me is this section in Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable~if anything is excellent or praiseworthy~think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me~put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:4-9)
That is how we are to live our lives~and followed by the greatest promise~that of PEACE. I also get a huge smile when I read this as the apostle Paul makes a significant point of calling us to joy. He tells us re soundly to REJOICE. Then says, "I will say it again...", just in case we missed it the first time, "REJOICE". In all of the trials and tribulations we may face due to family, friends, sin, life, we are called to rejoice. For if God is with us and for us~who can be against us? We are to always, in good or bad circumstances, rejoice in the almighty love and strength of our Lord and Savior. That's where faith comes in, doesn't it?
There is a saying by Buddha that states "The mind is everything. What you think you become."
We are what we allow to filter into our minds, our souls, our hearts~and this year I want to work harder to concentrate more mindfully on whatever is true, noble, right, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy in the eyes of the Lord. Daunting task in this world that inundates us with so much garbage. But God gives us the weapons and strength to fight. The Bible, his spirit, each other. That being said, I am thankful for each and every one of you who bless me with your friendship and by doing so, continue to support our family. We love you so much.
Happy 2012 to you all, and may it bring you many blessings and joys~~and even through the hardships, we know that we have a God who is right next to us, fighting for us, loving us, praying for us, and willing to grant us the desires of our heart if we only put our trust in him. Amen!
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