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REFLECTIONS!! WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? REFLECT ANYWAY AND MOVE ON!!!



SO GLAD WE MADE IT!!!
SO GLAD WE MADE IT!!!

"The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates. Not to get all philosophical, but there is much to think about here; and what better time than at the beginning of a New Year. As we have now left 2024 behind, we can reminisce about what we accomplished and what we have started and did not complete. There is nothing wrong with this, but is it enough? We say we cannot live in the past; and we cannot. Many have tried and have only met with disappointment. Face it, the past is gone. What we remember of it is filled with many things that block a complere picture. But, I do agree that we should reflect on the past. Not for long drawn out sessions, but a few look-backs might even be helpful. Why? Read on!


Lessons. What lessons have we learned from the past? You might say, "none." I hope you can say that you learned "something." Why? Because our past is history; and you know the saying: "Those who do not learn from history are doomed repeat it." So there, even though we feel that we have nothing that we can use from the past, we can start with gratitude and being careful not to repeat poor choices. It is helpful to review what worked well and what did not. Build on successes. "Reflect on your present blessings of which every man has many; not on your misfortunes, of which all men have some." Charles Dickens. You may not feel that you have been blessed in 2024. Start with the blessing of being present to start 2025.


Sick already of referring to the past? Stop talking about it then. Write down what you can use from there and don't go back. Start fresh and resolve that you will take one day at a time. In the "17 Again" romantic comedy movie, the star of the movie thought it would be better to go back to when he was in high school and relive his life from that point. He soon found out that we were glad to leave the past for a reason. It was not all roses back there either. "Do you want to risk going back there?" I did not think so." I can speak for myself: No thank you. Let's make each new day a better day. Make each new chapter in our lives the best.


"Wisdom comes from reflection." Deborah Day. The time we take to think about where we have been and where we are going is never time wasted. "Your life is a reflection of your thoughts. If you change your thinking, you change your life." Brian Tracy. Besides, every opportunity that we get to assess our goals and action plans is a great time to critique our determination to bring our vision to fruition. "Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks ouside: dreams--who looks inside, awakes." Carl Jung. It is necessary to go deep sometimes so that we can know and understand who we are and what we truly want.


It can be a little discouraging to look back on things that have not worked out the way we wanted them to. However, there is much to rejoice about. This joy is not rooted in our successes alone. We are the recipients of a greater love that even we cannot fully perceive. "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23.

God knows us better than we know ourselves. In Psalm 139:23-24, David prayed for God to examine his heart.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." It would be great to start the New Year with a clean and grateful heart. Think about it!


As we have entered 2025, regardless of what we did or did not do in 2024, we can be empowered to be all we can be. Our propensity for success is almost guaranteed. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. Where are you on this? We need the right mindset. We do not know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future. And for this, we give Him praise. He has brought us this far, and we know that he is able to take us through the New Year and beyond. As you reflect on 2024, the most important thing is that you have been blessed to live through it to welcome in 2025. This is because of God's grace and mercy.


Being open and honest and reflective can help us to live our best life which involves loving God, ourselves and others. In our quiet moments, we can meditate and reflect truthfully about where we have been, how we are and where we are going. "Self-reflection is a humbling process. It's essential to find out why you think, say and do certain things....then better yourself." Unknown author.


King David reflected deeply and often. He was a man after God's own heart; not because he was perfect. Rather, because he searched diligently within himself. He went to the place within himself where truth lived. In this place he could not fool himself. It is the place where he communed with God. He genuinely loved the Lord, and David knew that by sinning, he was sinning against God. Many suffered because of David's sins, but in the moment of David committing those sinful actions, God was being dishonored. In fact, evil was being perpetrated against God because David had transgressed God's holy law. "Against you, You only, have I sinned and done what is not right in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge." Psalm 51:4. Confessing his sins and receiving God's forgiveness put David in a right standing with God, enabling him to live out God's purpose for his life.


The prophet Isaiah was also a man who reflected thoroughly and as a result saw himself clearly and did not like what he saw. It was in the presence of God in a vision that brought him to this revelation. "And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost: for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" Isaiah expresses his realization of his own sinfulness and unworthiness in the presence of a holy God, referring to his words and actions. This was a quick reflection of his life, and in his own words, he came up short; wretched and undone. Although he knew that God is holy, in that instant, it became real. He understood based upon his experience and that of others that God is holy and is to be reverenced. Maybe he did not realize how holy and how much reverence is due Him. A light bulb had turned on; an epiphany. Followers of God are to live holy lives also; not in our own strength, but with God walking with us.


Taking the time to reflect will bring clarity to you also. Do it. Isaiah also noted that he dwelled among people with unclean lips. He was acknowledging that not only was he unworthy, but the people he kept company with were also unworthy. (Watch the company you keep). Something to think about. Being able to identify your shortcomings provides you the opportunity tio make changes that will put your life back on track. It also humbles you to call on the Lord and seek Him to order your steps. When trying to impact the world, we need to be worthy role models. Being open, honest, perceptive and reflective is the way to go. The prophet Isaiah was able to confess, repent, receive forgiveness and move forward in his ministry.


"Growth is silent, relection is its voice." Bayu Prihandito. Lift your voice in 2025! Start the New Year with love and express love throughout the New Year! As you look back, remember to bring forward all that was healthy. The rest take to the Lord in prayer and leave it there. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8. There is beauty in life. Recognize and appreciate it.


  1. Let go of anything from the past or the present that will prevent you from being the best you can be. You and I can always find something to be down on ourselves about. I implore you to dismiss it. We tend to think that others are doing much better than we are. Their lives look perfect on the outside. The truth is all of us have faults; some are just hidden. "The greatest of faults is to be conscious of none." Thomas Carlyle. Rather, encourage yourself and others in your sphere of influence. I believe that if you change your outlook, you can change your life. What have you got to lose? Try it in 2025.

  2. Be prayerful and full of thanksgiving and praise. It is very difficult to complain and be sullen when you are in a state of praise. When you are praying and and praising, we understand how insignificant we are in this world. Without the creator we are nothing and can be nothing. We owe Him everything, even our very lives. Because of His love, we have everything we need. Remember to give thanks.

  3. Do not compare yourself to anyone else, past or present. You are unique. God designed your path for you. Only you can walk it. Pray and ask God to show you that path and to help you walk it successfully; understanding that He is there to help you to succeed. Trust Him.

  4. Remember, you cannot beat God giving. Try. Seriously, be generous in giving your time, talent and treasure to support the church and to help others. This is what God has asked of us. Matthew 22:37-39. In this way, you will be in line with living your life acccording to the Master's plan. It does not get any better than that.

The New Year represents new challenges; it is a great time to reflect on what transpired the previous year and to plan to go farther in 2025. It is a time to remember who we are and our purpose for being. It is not always simple to determine what our purpose is. But, we can start with prayer. God does answer prayer, and He will guide you where you should go. In the meantime, begin by showing and demonstrating love to all you encounter. Let them feel the love of Christ in you. Give thanks to God for 2024 and plan for a joyful, fruitful 2025. Do not walk through another year with blinders on. Look and Live! Walk in the Light!!


God is always there. You can call Him anytime; day or night. All you have to do is believe! We can welcome 2025, because God has promised to be with us always! Thank you Lord.


Let me take this opportunity to wish you a happy, blessed, properous and joy-filled New Year! May God grant you His very best and success in all your endeavors!


Yours, Yvette


Thank you once again for all your love and support. You can comment at vttlane@gmail.com. I remain appreciative.




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