Each “new year” brings the hope and promise that a better life, state of mind, financial security, health improvements, charitable commitments, family relations and more can move in a more positive fashion. It seems as though the world, for a moment celebrates such possibilities.

IT is a feeling that we need to adopt all year long and also add into the formula, the assistance of our God, the One who through infinite possibilities exist.

So what to do?

Make this year the year that you establish your spiritual checklist first and then all other aspects of the year’s experiences and life changing events will all fall into their proper perspective.

• Turn to Jesus in a continual prayerful life
• Forgive those who hurt you
• Honor God by attending Church regularly
• Donate time, talent and treasure to your Church and a chosen charity
• Tell those close to you that you love them
• Be patient and tolerant
• Offer all you do to Jesus and ask that it be done according to His will

If you can accord God your life as a gift back to Him, He will purify you of earthly attachments and strengthen your faith. To move in the New Year and all year long in the proper motion, we must walk by faith and not by sight. It is in doing so that the mature soul grows in love, a love that “lays down its life for the beloved.”

In the words of a great saint:

I hope for much from Your bounty, O Lord, because You Yourself teach us to ask, to seek, and to knock; at Your word, I ask, I seek, I knock. O Lord, You who tell us to ask, grant that I may receive; You who tell us to seek, grant that I may find; You who teach us to knock at the door, open to the one who is knocking! I am weak; strengthen me. Bring me back, because I have wandered away, and revive me, because I am dead. According to Your good pleasure, direct and govern my senses, my thoughts, and my actions, that I may live by You and give myself entirely to You.” ~Saint Augustine

Wishing you all a Happy Whole Year in Jesus!

~Susi