Happy New Year Lovelies!

Yep, I'm kind of late to the party, my momma always said, "Better Late than Never;" I am trying to embrace this.  The late I am talking about is not being late to places, events, appointments, but the concepts, the processes!  I have always processed differently than others (please don't judge), but I am embracing this in my fifties. Take for example New Year's goals....here it is middle of January, and now I am thinking about it, processing the goals, putting them on paper, oh I have an obsession with paper, pens, I digress.....

What I have decided is to try a monthly goal process.  I really love reading about others' goals; it inspires me, sometimes inspires me so much, I can even check it off my list...haha!

What are your goals for the year or for the month or even the week?   Do you even like goals?  It would be great to have some comments on my post and on the other posts; it's encouraging...don't you think?

So here we go with my monthly goals...

****Make something chocolate for my husband; this is a no-brainer, I know his love language

****Stay to my weekly meal planner, not eating out so much

****Start a new Bible Study; join us on Wednesday nights @ 6:30 at TUMC for the new study, "Stronger," by Angela Thomas

****Ask for the Holy Spirit to fill me, guide me, and grant me a willing spirit...oh this is powerful, thank you Jesus for sending us the Holy Spirit 

****Support my friend Courtney at her exercise party; I did this earlier in January. I still can't do yoga, can someone please tell he why I get so dizzy?  I am not balanced (again, no judge)

****Smile out loud, oh this feels so good....Amen

****Thanks Therapy is God's prescription to Joy, writing out 1,000 gifts, at least one a day (having a pretty journal is a must)

****Encourage at least five ladies a month!

Oh, I would love to meet my Christmas secret sister, Jessica; can we make this happen?

So lovelies, what are your goals?

By Julie Ford

Thoughts from Tami

I actually was able to attend the 9:00 service today. I was so excited. I have missed it so much. I have been teaching the 2s and 3s Sunday school class at 9:00, so I have not been able to attend that service. I love that service! With all the new journey groups starting at 10:30, I am now teaching at 10:30. Even though it saddens me because I will miss those kids, I am looking forward to attending the 9:00 service every week. Plus, I get to meet some new kids.

Today's bible verse was Matthew 6:25-34

So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food or clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.

And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about those things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.

This passage was so perfect for me today. I have been worrying a lot lately. Even though I love this passage and I know how true it is, the human part of me still allows me to worry. I worry about finances, my kids, my health, my business, my families health, our country...I could go on and on. In fact, if you would like me to worry about something for you, just let me know, and I will :)

God is so awesome! He has always taken care of my needs, and He always will. So why do I worry? I do know that I worry much more when I drift away from Him and I am not making "The Kingdom of God" my primary purpose. When I do make it my purpose, everything else has a way of falling into place. There are still struggles and always will be struggles. It is how we handle those struggles and worries that make all the difference in our lives.

Thank you Lord for once again reminding me that you are in control and that you will take care of all our needs. I love you!

 Tami Roderick