Introducing 2022 theme: Be Present, Be Faithful, Be Generous

I am so excited to see what this year brings for me. I chose the theme be Present, be Faithful and be Generous for different reasons.

I chose to be present. I have noticed since my marriage I have been thinking about my past and about my life in Florida. I had dreams and goals I felt like I had to either put on hold or I had to stop them completely. For example, I had to put my braille classes on hold. I have plans on resuming my studies again once I get some paperwork in order.  My husband has been very supportive of me by reminding me to stay in the present and stay focused on Jesus. I feel that the disciple Paul said it best: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to wind the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV)

I chose to be Faithful. This has two meanings for me. I want to work on being a faithful servant of Jesus. I must remind myself daily that God is faithful to those who serve him, and he hears our prayers when we come to him. Here is an example, this month I broke out in a mysterious rash. I went to the doctor and got some medicine. It has taken some time, but I am slowly on the mend.

… “How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11 NIV)

Faithfulness is also one of the fruits of the spirit. When someone accepts Christ, we get the fruits of the spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV) I hope to grow in this fruit this year.

Lastly, I want to be Generous. I have been blessed beyond measure. God has called us to be generous. I can be generous with my time, money, and personal belongings.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV)

I hope that God allows me to grow in all these areas over this year.