Happy 2012! A New Year ... a new beginning?

Please read a New Year's Article I wrote a couple of New Years ago. Hopefully it will inspire, encourage, and challenge you, thus reminding you, as God did Esther, that you were created for such as this.

http://powertochange.com/experience/spiritual-growth/newbeginnings/

Let us reign real in 2012!

New Year: A New Work

Happy New Year, Princess Warriors. I know. I know. I’ve fallen behind (again) on my blogging. And God has given me ample ideas to expound on.

So, staying true to the new format, my personal update is quite simple on the surface. We had a wonderful Christmas. I watched the glittery ball drop on New Year’s Eve, while screaming well-wishers and New York party-goers looked on with animated glee. I didn’t have the same level of enthusiasm as the revelers in Times Square, but with drooping eyelids, I was still able to muster a “Happy New Year” to my family, and felt the nostalgia of yet another year and another decade passing. More importantly, I felt that familiar expectancy and hope that comes with any new beginning.

I took note of the many things I’m grateful for, and set my sights on running the race before me.

Okay, so that’s partly true, but there’s more to the story. I am bombarded by worries, concerns, fears, and more often than I care to admit feel my relationship with Christ could be far deeper. I beat on myself mentally over the many areas I fall short in, forgetting the extent of God’s grace and love for me.

Thankfully, as always, God knows exactly what we need. He certainly knew what exactly this princess warrior needed: a major reminder of the most basic truths: God’s Grace is enough. His work accomplished it all. If I believe in Him, I will not perish but will have eternal life. Good stuff to remember all the time. Unfortunately, we too often read the words of John 3:16 and don’t allow the amazing, life-saving message to sink into our souls.

My friend gave me a gift basket for Christmas. It was filled with all sorts of goodies. One of those goodies was a copy of Max Lucado’s book, 3:16 The Numbers of Hope. I would recommend this book to anyone. Granted, I love Max. He has a way with words that get to the heart of the matter, making God’s grace evident to readers like me who need a fresh reminder of what’s real and what’s not.

John 3:16, the universal verse that many people, both Christian and non-Christian can recite. Shall we?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

As Max explains:

He loves.
He gave.
We believe.
We live.

That’s REALLY, REALLY good news for those who believe. Unfortunately, we, like so many before us, tend to complicate what God’s saying. We want to add rules and regulations like the Pharisees of old. We don’t admit it, but we somehow believe that something more is required. How could God possibly love us that much?

When we sin, He so generously provides a way out. We don’t have walk barefooted across hot coals, or scourge our own bodies. We confess and trust that His sacrifice was enough if we will but believe and be born again.

We have, as Pastor Lucado so rightly points out, written our very own Bible verse: “God helps those who help themselves” (Popular Opinion 1:1) He goes on to say: “We’ll fix ourselves, thank you. We’ll make up for our mistakes with contributions, our guilt with busyness. We’ll overcome our failures with hard work. We’ll find salvation the old-fashioned way: we’ll earn it … Christ, in contrast, says to us … ‘Your part is to trust. Trust me to do what you can’t.’”

Ladies, I don’t know about you, but I have spent time, way too much time and effort, trying to be “good enough” for God, when the Only One good enough is Jesus Christ. He did all the work that needs doing. We simply need to be believing.

This year, this new decade, is wide open before us. As daughters of the King we have yet another opportunity to reign real, brining hope to an often hopeless world, and love to people who feel unlovable. Unfortunately, if we are unable to except God’s gift of grace, and the new life it brings, we will be unable to share His Good News with those around us. When we waste time trying to “work off” sins that have already been forgiven, we discount God’s mercy and call Him a liar.

Strong words? Yes. True? You decide.

Maybe you, too, need a refresher course on God’s amazing grace. It’s so easy to get caught up in “being a good Christian.” We are busy, busy, busy, but are we busy for the right reasons?

Why not take a few hours and read this book. I know it reminded me why we need to celebrate. We really are free from sin and death. We truly have a hope and a future. We are children of a God who loves His family and was willing to sacrifice everything to gain our love.

So, if your Holiday Season wasn’t everything you hoped it would be, please, remember God is everything He promised to be. And that is something (Someone) you can place your trust in.

Extreme Makeover for the New Year

Don't you love a professional makeover? getting your nails done? relaxing as a hairdresser washes your hair? Ah-h-h-h Good stuff!

I remember as a teenager the fun my friends and I had playing around with cosmetics and making ourselves into gorgeous and glamorous gals all with innovative makeup techniques and hair style products. Sometimes we were a little too creative. But, hey, it was fun. After all, having a new fresh face feels good; helping a friend achieve a new look can be pretty exhilarating, too.

Not only do I enjoy a personal makeover, but also I thoroughly enjoy watching those TV makeover shows. On the original Extreme Makeover, a team of specialists redesigned their clients in some pretty drastic ways, including surgery to correct or enhance their physical appearance. Today, we have the Extreme Home Makeovers where a family's home receives a much-needed face lift. In both cases, the results are dramatic, even jaw-dropping. I must admit that I've shed a tear or two over the incredible changes produced on these shows. But ...

There is an Extreme Makeover that far exceeds and outshines the above examples. That's right, it gets better! As Christians, we receive the best makeover of all, by the best Creator, Artist, and Designer of all -- Jesus Christ!

2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us: If anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

We're not talking about an old outdated hairstyle getting an "upgrade." Oh, no, we're talking about a complete and total mind, body, and soul makeover. This isn't an improved version of the old. God's Word tells us we are totally NEW CREATIONS IN CHRIST.

The old is gone. Gone. We are brand new ... born again.

It's so common this time of year to start making those New Year's resolutions. Many of us seek out information to help us make the changes we desire. But, friends, as my pastor put it so perfectly this past weekend -- Mere information won't bring life transformation.

That truth hit my heart right on target. The only book that truly is alive is God's Word. Within its pages we will discover what it means to be new creations and how to live out our new identities right here, right now. Yes, the Bible is a book with information, yet a story of complete and total transformation in Christ. You can experience your very own transformation story.

Keep in mind, when Christ makes us over, we might not see the visible work right away like we do with a home makeover or face lift, but, over time, our "newness" will shine through in our character; we will produce the fruit of our new nature -- The Fruit of the Spirit. And amazingly, for many of us, our outsides start changing right a long with our insides.

Friends, receiving a master makeover from the Master Makeover Artist is reason to cry tears of joy and celebrate for eternity.

I usually don't share the following photograph, but a picture is worth a thousand words, right? You might remember me sharing that before Christ I was addicted to heroin, cocaine, cigarettes, destructive and promiscuous relationships, and a ton of other sinful junk. It's been eleven years, this month, since I've used drugs and I've been walking in sexual purity for almost as long. Oh, the cigarettes went goodbye around the same time, too. Praise God!

In Revelation we are told that the enemy, our enemy, the devil, is defeated by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. I guess a simple paraphrase might be: Our extreme makeovers inspire others to turn their lives over to the Master Creator. If you feel like God can't change you. You're wrong. He can. He will, if you'll let Him.


Carol before Christ: Not a pretty picture. Addiction is not attractive. Eventually, our rotting insides (that's what sin does rots our souls) become visible on the outside.

Keep going ...

To see the after Christ photo.

Carol (me) now ... after the ultimate Makeover. Yes, I'm wearing Princess Warrior attire -- Crown, Scepter, and Sword (all the royal trimmings). After all, in Christ, we're royalty!


Don't give up. Let God make you over into the woman He's called you to be. 2009 is a great year for a fresh start.

God bless you!

A New Year -- A New Dawn

I AM THE NEW YEAR I am the new year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time. I am your next chance at the art of living. I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months. All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination. All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires. All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have -- these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose. I am your opportunity to renew you allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."

SOURCE: Jeffery Anselmi A New You For a New Year. Citation: http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=37760

Take a peek at the following video link for practical tips for making 2009 a better year.

http://sermoncentral.sermonspice.com/videos/22424/a-happy-new-year-2009

More New Beginnings

Friends, with 2009 fast approaching, the topic of New Beginnings is so appropriate. The following article reminds us to Lean on God when our "new beginnings" aren't as we expected.

A New Beginning Written by Carol Van Atta

A woman gives birth … to twins. An alcoholic pours his bottle of booze down the drain. An abused wife chooses to seek help. A convict is released from jail. A worker becomes the supervisor. A daughter loses her mother to a car accident. A mother survives cancer and chooses a new, healthier lifestyle.

New beginnings can happen any day at any time. A new beginning always involves leaving one thing behind and embracing something new and different. However, sometimes, new beginnings may not be of our own choosing or liking. Maybe the worker didn’t expect or want the promotion; yet, a new beginning has been thrust upon her. The alcoholic, on the other hand, has clearly made a choice to try a different path evidenced by the dumping of his precious liquor. Both have entered a time of new beginnings. And although the birth of a child and the death of a loved one appear very different, they both have two things in common: an end and a beginning.

It can be excruciatingly difficult to walk through the doorway of a new season in life. How do we effectively live in the midst of a new beginning that we didn’t expect, or even want?
What can we do to give God glory when our circumstances are not only new, but also extremely painful? Anytime we let go of something old there is discomfort, even pain. Anytime we lose something or someone of great importance we experience a great sense of loss, even hopelessness. Yet it’s comforting to remember that the seemingly greatest loss of all, the murder of Jesus Christ on a filthy Roman cross, resulted in the best New Beginning ever — a resurrected Christ.

His New Beginning and New Life allow us to live our lives to the fullest regardless of what we’ve lost or let go of. For in Christ, we are never alone. We are always loved. We can always expect the best from God. He sees far beyond our pain and suffering and has a way of making every new beginning beneficial to us and to those around us — if we’ll let Him. How can we thrive and even discover peace and joy during the process of letting go? There is a way…God’s Way!

The following acronym has reminded me that the best way to experience a New Beginning is to Lean On God.

L: Live in the truth

Whether you’re battling a tempting addiction, or grieving an untimely loss, a key to embracing any new beginning is to stay grounded in the truth — God’s Truth — God’s Word. Without a foundation of truth, we are prone to fall prey to lies, lies that increase our pain and keep us from growing and moving forward.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:32 NIV

E: Enlist others for support

New Beginning times are best faced in the safety net of a group of caring and competent Christian friends. God is relational. Jesus was not a lone ranger. He was surrounded by His inner circle of disciples. We, too, will find support, encouragement, and help from others who have experienced similar circumstances, if we are open their aid.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 NIV

A: Approach God boldly

With Jesus at the right hand of God we have the amazing opportunity to approach our Heavenly King with boldness and confidence. In the Psalms, David gave us the perfect example of how to cry out to God in every conceivable manner. Even in our anger, our anguish, and our anxiety. We need not face anything without God’s help. Go to Him boldly, after all, He tells us we can.

“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12 NIV

N: Never give up

Never give up! Remember no matter what our present circumstance may look like, no matter how difficult letting go might be, with God, we win in the end. It may appear that we are loosing, but, ultimately, goodness and glory can grow in the midst of a new beginning. We must keep our eyes focused on our Leader, and remember to keep putting one foot in front of the other until we cross the finish line.

“…I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 NIV

O: Overcome obstacles

When we’re in the midst of letting go we can find ourselves burdened by a barrage of obstacles — things on our path that can keep us from walking through the door of a better tomorrow. Certainly feelings of grief and heartache can be part of the new beginning process. Lingering negative feelings and thoughts can become obstacles that keep us stuck. With God’s help and the support of others, we can continue forward, getting rid of whatever holds us back.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

N: Neutralize the enemy

The Bible is very clear that we, as Christians, have an enemy. This enemy of our souls would like to destroy us and keep us from accepting God’s plan for our lives. We can disarm this devil by utilizing the armor our Commander and King so generously provides. Put on the armor daily.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes. You may be able to stand your ground…” Ephesians 6:13a

G: Go forward with God

This is much like “don’t give up.” New beginnings can be scary and we can find ourselves paralyzed, afraid to take another step. We don’t need to continue by our own power. In fact, our limited human power won’t be enough, but with God, all things are possible. Allow Him to lead, as you lean on Him.

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength”-Philippians 4:13 NIV

O: Open your eyes

Take a look around at the beauty surrounding you on your journey. As you embrace your new beginning, you will discover (if you open your eyes) the wondrous ways God is working in and around you. From a bubbling brook to the salty surf God is present. Even in your darkest hour if you look you can see His light.

“Ah, Sovereign Lord , you have made the heavens and earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17

D: Decide to worship

Praising God in the midst of any situation brings blessings far beyond our greatest expectations. When freedom from a bondage or addiction is your new beginning it is only natural to praise your Deliverer. When a new beginning is the result of loss, worship may seem at first out of place, but consider Paul, praising God from within his prison chamber. Worship touches the very heart to God, and in turn He will touch yours. Worship God and expect the best.

Lean on God and expect one glorious new beginning after another. Each new day we can be filled afresh with the power of the Holy Spirit who will help us in our new beginnings. Won’t you invite Him to fill you afresh right now?

Father in Heaven,
I am so grateful that You sent Your Holy Spirit to be our helper as we walk the Christian life here on this Earth. Thank you for the power He brings as He fills us up and gives us strength and courage beyond ourselves to face the new beginnings in our lives. Today I ask You to create in me a clean heart. I ask You to fill me a fresh with the power of Your Spirit. Help me to be aware of each step I take and to do it with your help. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray, amen.

New Beginnings: A New Year

Merry Christmas! I hope you all had an incredible Christmas. We've been in the midst of a snow storm like much of the Nation. Here in Oregon, we've out-snowed all records. I haven't seen this much of the fluffy-white stuff since I was a kid, and that was a few years back.

Being "forced" to stay inside with my family has proven to be a meaningful and highly educational experiences. Seriously, we did great, considering. I bonded with my kids on a whole new level -- a much needed level. I also spent massive amounts of time in God's Word, soaking in His goodness. Sometimes, I think God says, "Enough!" HE wants us to slow down and rest in Him.

When you can't leave your home, well, you start to focus on what's important. If not, you might go a bit whacko, or as we jokingly say "get cabin fever." So, I'll admit, I got a teeny weeny stir crazy today. But, I think I'll be able to drive my car tomorrow. It's been buried under about five feet of banked snow.

As the New Year fast approaches, most of us are looking ahead and planning for a better more fruitful 2009. I'd like to share a previously published article about that very topic. I hope it helps you prepare for your New Year, New Beginning.

New Beginnings -- Written by Carol Van Atta

Amazingly, it’s that time. A New Year is approaching right on schedule — again. This is the time of year so many of us start making resolutions to change a certain area, or multiple areas in our lives. Maybe we have some extra pounds to shed. Possibly, we are committed to changing a specific, harmful behavior. Our infamous New Year’s resolutions range from simple desires to seemingly full-proof-plans for extensive life change. What we all have in common is the hope that something will change, and life will be different (and better) in the year ahead.

Do you have a resolution this year? Or are you like so many people who have done away with their hopes for lasting, life change? Every year, women ring in the New Year with goals to live life differently on some level. However, a few short weeks later, many of these very same well-wishers end up discouraged and filled with shame and remorse over their failed attempts to make New Year’s resolutions come to pass. Who knows? This may be the second, third, fourth, or fifteenth year someone has tried to “kick the habit.” After so many misguided attempts, why would they even want to try again?

That’s a good question. First consider a few additional questions…

• What if every spring, the flowers just gave up on blooming?
• What if the local birds that have migrated to some faraway place just decided to stay put on that tropical island?
• What if the sun chose to hide behind the clouds all summer long?
  Worse yet…what if Christ had not come to earth as a baby or hadn’t risen from the dead?

I don’t know about you, but I sure love fragrant flowers, sweet singing birds are pretty nice, and, oh, how I love that summer sun smiling down on me, but the thought of a Christ, who didn’t defeat death, is downright terrifying. Without His resurrection power, we really would have no hope for permanent life change — ever.

However, He was born. He died. And He most definitely did rise again.

That means this year, this month, today, or even this moment, is filled with hope for a better future…in Him. We don’t have to white-knuckle it anymore. Whatever your “it” might be, you too can turn from your sin, and release it into the capable hands of the ultimate Life-Changer.

When we desire change, we have the perfect example to follow – Jesus Christ. When we are ready to implement change, we have the perfect guide book – His Word. Finally, we have the perfect power source to strengthen our resolve – His Spirit.

His Son

His Word

His Spirit

As we pursue change God’s way, hope for a better future is no longer a dream; it becomes our reality. We truly can experience freedom in our lives today, tomorrow, and forever. In fact, with Christ, we don’t have to wait for another New Year to roll around, or for the big glittery ball to drop in Times Square. His mercy is new every morning. We can pursue our own new beginning right now.

It is my hope the following acronym for the word FREEDOM will assist you as you start your New Beginning-journey. For it is in our relationship with a loving, redeeming God, where we will find the freedom we so desperately yearn for.

F: Follow Him forward

Romans 15:5 (NIV)–May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus…

We are to follow Christ. As we pursue Him and seek to imitate His ways, we move forward in our process of change. No more slip-sliding backwards. When we truly follow Jesus we are on the path that moves forward and upward one step and a prayer at a time.

R: Repent readily

Jeremiah 18:9 (MSG)–But if they repent of their wicked lives, I will think twice and start over with them.

What a great translation! When we repent, God will think again and start over with us. Start over. A New Beginning…exactly what we are seeking. When we admit and repent of our shortcomings, and sinfulness, God is faithful to forgive and make us white like snow. Clean. Fresh. New. Don’t wait another moment – repent

E: Earnestly Pray

Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

Prayers are incredibly powerful. They are the foundation for any life change we desire. As we earnestly pray, we will find ourselves empowered by the One true Power Source. There is no better time to pray than right now. Let us pray persistently, remaining alert, and consider our Christian brothers and sisters everywhere, after all, we are on this journey together.

E: Enjoy the journey

1 Samuel 2:1 (NLT) Then Hannah prayed:“My heart rejoices in the LORD! Oh, how the LORD has blessed me! Now I have an answer for my enemies, as I delight in your deliverance.

As we travel down the road of renewal, receiving answers from God along the way, we will have a number of reasons to rejoice. Many times we are so focused on the destination; we forget to enjoy the journey. When we take a road trip, even though the driving might be daunting, dangerous, or just plain boring at times, if we take the time to truly see the unique beauty of the surrounding landscape, we may discover the journey can be enjoyed almost as much as the destination. Enjoy God’s journey. He has planned a perfect path just for you.

D: Devour His Word

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

God’s Word is the ultimate food for our thoughts, nourishment for our souls, and the map we must follow on our journey down the path of New Beginnings. We know when our stomach growls, it is a signal for us to nourish our body with food. So it is when our spirits “growl;” we need to dive into God’s truth and devour His words like the sustaining substance they were created to be.

O: Open your heart and mind to His truth

Proverbs 3:5 (KJV) Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In order to grasp God’s truth, we need to pray for an open heart, and an open mind, to better receive the truth, know the truth, and obey the truth when we hear it. Be prepared to hear the Lord speak. He will.

M: Make new friends and move mountains

Colossians 3:12-13 (KJV) Put on therefore the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

As we walk in godly love for one another, by forgiving, encouraging, and helping, we will find the strength to do what one person alone could never, ever accomplish. Friends, we need the power of the Spirit, and the power of each another. Together, we can move mountains! Often, our New Beginning and long sought after freedom rests just on the other side of the highest peek. But together, we can make it through the roughest terrain. We were never met to “go it” alone. Jesus had 12 disciples. He knew the value of loving and supporting relationships. Let us learn from His example.

As we’ve discovered, change can be challenging, but this New Year, as we journey together down the road to freedom, let’s stay focused on the one guiding us…Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Happy New Beginnings!

You are not in this alone. Jesus promised the abundant and fruitful life as the result of being filled (directed and empowered) by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit-filled life is the Christ-directed life by which Christ lives His life in and through us in the power of the Holy Spirit (John 15). You can pray a prayer like this to be filled with the Holy Spirit today:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for a New Year, a time of new beginnings and a hope for freedom and renewal in our lives. No matter how many times we may have fallen short of our goals in the past, may we be reminded you are a God of tomorrows. You have a plan to prosper us, and to give us a hope and a future. With You all things are truly possible. May we trust You to do what You do best…love us. I ask that you would instill deep inside every one of Your children a new hope and greater level of trust as we take those first baby steps forward toward our future.

I acknowledge that I have been directing my own life and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith.

I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit.Help us to resist temptation and to rise above our difficulties as we work together to serve You, to serve others, and to find freedom at last. In Your name we pray, amen.