As the year draws to a close, we pause to reflect back on this past year.  We think about the memories we made with our friends and loved ones.  We think about how situations have changed throughout this year.   We reflect on every thing that has occurred in the year 2013.  Some look back with a smile, some with sorrow.   We all look forward to the beginning of a new year.

As we are practically staring a new year in the face so to speak, let’s be intentional about our thoughts this coming year.   Often times we are tempted to only focus on the bad things that have happened, things that caused us sorrow or tears, things that threatened to cripple us emotionally … so often the happy moments are left in the shadows of problems that crop up and threaten to steal our joy.   There are certain situations that we alone cannot change.  There are things that happen to us that are beyond our control, but what we can do is control how we react to these things and try with all of our might to gain control of our thoughts.   It is a constant struggle, believe me, I know!   It is easy to get caught up in complaining about all that has happened and only share the bad things.  We reason that we just need to get it out and have someone to talk to, and that is great!  We ALL need that special person in our lives that will listen to us – often times we aren’t seeking advice so much as someone to actually “hear” us and validate what we are thinking and how we are feeling.  We just want some one to hear us out.  I believe in releasing what is troubling us so that it no longer has that hold on us.  At the same time, though, we have to be careful not to focus too much or too long on the negative things.  Be sure that in the mist of sharing your troubles that you focus also on your joy!   Focus on the good things, the positive things, the things that offer you joy in your life.  Look around – God provides plenty of daily inspiration from the air you breathe to His beautiful landscapes, as if He is painting the perfect portrait just for you and I.   His beauty is all around!  He provides so many blessings in our lives.  Soak it all in.  Absorb it, let it fill you completely with the joy from Heaven above!

Leading into the new year, let’s try really hard to direct our attention to positive thoughts.   If you are tempted to murmur or complain, re-direct your thoughts and instead say something positive, uplifting, encouraging, or just simply begin to sing God’s praises.  You cannot continue to be in a dark place if you intentionally begin to praise God.  You may not feel like praising God if you’re feeling beat down and as low as you can possibly go, but if you will just lift up your hands and lift up your voices in praise, I can promise you that your mood will improve!   If you’re determined to continue with your negative thought process to get it all out of your system, try turning the negative into something positive at the end – intentionally try to end the conversation, thought, moment on a positive and see the difference it makes.  You simply cannot continue to feel bad when you focus on something good instead!   We have to make conscious choices here – and I hope you will join me in focusing on positive thoughts!   Power thoughts, if you will.

For every dark, negative, and difficult situation that you encounter this coming year speak light, love, and hope over and into the situation.  If you are having trouble on your own, turn to God’s light, love, and hope to see you through!

We truly have to retrain ourselves to focus on the good, the positive, the light … it is not an easy task that we have at hand, but I hope that you will accept this challenge leading into the new year.

Join me on this adventure … a new year … a new you … with positive thoughts … with guidance from Heaven’s light, love, and hope!