I’ve never been one to actually make a New Year’s resolution, but there’s something about beginning a new year that compels me to make some changes. Usually these changes come in the form of organization. I don’t like clutter, and when my office, or any room in our house, becomes cluttered, I find it difficult to find things, which becomes frustrating. It’s easier for me to be organized than to spend time looking for things I’ve either misplaced, or that may have become buried under a pile of papers.

One thing I often think about when the new year rolls around is my spiritual life. Do my actions, and not just my words, reflect Jesus Christ? Will others see Him living in me?

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? If so, how will they change your life in the coming year?

When my sister and I were little we would often sit under the Christmas tree and try to guess what was in each of our gifts. We wanted to peek, but were afraid if we got caught we might not get anything for Christmas.

Like the temptation to peek at Christmas gifts, I’ve sometimes wished I could see into the future–especially with a new year just a few days away. But I know my focus should be on today, and there’s no point in trying to peek into the future.

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” God wants us to leave the future in His hands, knowing He will be there to help us through anything that might occur. If we become too concerned about things that might happen, we’ll lose sight of the joy God has given us today. It’s never good to try to peek into the future or worry about what lies ahead. Our future is in God’s hands, and He will see us through. Here’s a thought for the New Year: You can’t see around the corners, but God can.

There’s always a sense of excitement as Christmas draws near. I remember as a child, I was always wondering what gifts I would get for Christmas. I hoped it would be something I wanted, of course, but I knew I should be grateful for whatever I got, as my parents didn’t have a lot of money to spend. One year I got a puppet when I really wanted a baby doll. That was a disappointment, but looking back on it now, I realize that receiving the puppet was what sparked my interest in ventriloquism. Sometimes the gifts we think we don’t want are the very things we need.

In church last Sunday, the pastor talked about gifts–specifically, what gifts can we give God? He suggested a few possibilities: God values our love for Him. He appreciates our obedience, our devotion, and our gratefulness. We can also show our love for Him by giving to others. During these next two weeks, I’ll be thinking about the gift I can give God, as well as to others this Christmas. Is there some special gift you would like to give God or to someone you know who might need a special touch during this blessed Christmas season?