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We put away the Christmas decorations yesterday, which is always the final close of the old year for me, even though we’ve celebrated the coming of the new one a week or two before. In the past, January has always been a difficult month for me. I’m not sure if it is the gloomy weather, the pressure I put on myself to finally get things organized in my life this year, or the sadness that lingers as my children leave after the holiday visits. I sometimes just want to curl up for a long nap under the covers. So that’s what I came to do this afternoon. But, my brain started spinning when I laid down with the question, “What is it that you want for your life this year?” I’ve been challenged to pick a “word” for the new year. It seems we’ve finally come to our senses about the defeat we often feel about the “new years resolutions” that never seem to happen. I imagine a "word" for the year would be a good focus, but I’m not sure I have come up with one yet. So I just began to write a list of who I would like to become.
My list is not a list of “to do’s”, but more a list of “becoming.” Becoming the woman God created me to be, becoming a woman who looks more and more like Jesus. There’s no deadline of getting it together before 2015 is over. I'm quite certain that I will never “get it together.” There are more desires or "wants" I will add to this list for sure. This journey will never be over until I see the face of Jesus in heaven one day and fall down at His feet in worship. I’m in process and so are you. In order for these “wants” in my life to become reality they must become part of my prayer life. Sometimes our prayer life becomes so full of requests for the needs of others, all of whom need our faithful petitions of prayer. But sadly, we often neglect to bring our own desires, character and faith journey to the Lord in prayer. None of the desires on my list will be possible unless I choose to live the life of abiding in Christ. I can do nothing apart from Him. My life will not bear His fruit if I do not choose to find my rest in Him. I don’t need to feel a pressure to finally “get it right” this year because it is really His work within me. I could print out the list above and put it on my bathroom mirror and I probably will. It will be a good reminder, but Jesus will be the one who accomplishes the work within me that helps me become the woman that He sees and I desire. I must choose to abide in Christ. Choose to let my relationship with Jesus be my entire source of life. Now there's one problem I have and maybe you can relate to it as well. If I'm honest, I sometimes find myself seeking other people or things as my source of life. But, Jesus is always faithful to show me when I've started clinging to other vines as my source of life. That's the pruning part! It's raining now, and so before I close my eyes for that Sunday afternoon nap, I pull out my teaching notebook for our “Abide in Christ” retreat. Yes, that is a good place to start the New Year. I will revisit those powerful chapters found in John 13-15. The parting words that Christ left His disciples before He went to the cross. They are vital instructions for a life of intimacy with Jesus. A life that bears kingdom fruit. I hope that you will consider joining us for our Restore Retreat, April 17-19. It will be saturated with the Word, worship, prayer, and sweet fellowship with other women who want to know Christ more deeply. We are seeking the heart of the Father as we prepare our hearts to lead you. Please consider joining us and register today! Resting in His grace, Kathy 
Please visit our website for more details about all that we have planned for this wonderful retreat. Many have already registered so don't wait!
We look forward to the opportunity to minister and serve you. Kathy and Sherry
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