New Beginnings

I did it. You probably did it, too. A brand-new year often seems to spark a desire to start the year off in a positive way. I don’t like to make resolutions, but I do try to make some reasonable goals to shoot for in the year. Whether the goal is to get healthier, finish that project I’ve put off for too long, or start a new hobby, the new year is a good time just to begin again.

​Every year when I set new goals, I get excited about the ​

Stephanie Rogge

possibilities of completing them and the satisfaction I will get from doing it. Another thing I can check off my list. It’s easy at first, because the new year is a quieter time of year with not much going on. But as the year progresses, sometimes the goals I set can become tedious or burdensome. The excitement is gone.

The one thing that has not become tedious is my personal time with God. I’m an early riser, getting up at 5:00AM, before my family gets up. I’ll take a few minutes to play with my pup and love on her, but she knows there is a time she needs to leave me alone. Then, while the house is still quiet, I can spend some time with my Lord. I rarely miss a day.
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I decided many years ago to get through the entire Bible each year. As I spend time in His word, He teaches me something new each day. He always has a new treasure for me to find. Then I’ll reflect on the day or days before and God always shows me the things He has done. I’m so thankful for how He cares for me personally. What a wonderful way to begin again each day!
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Lamentations 3:22-24 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

In Christ,
Stephanie