Happy New Year!!

2011 has arrived... As I wake up this morning and think about all the resolutions that are being made, it makes me think about true resolutions, ones that count, that need to be made, life changing resolutions that we can make. I came across this prayer in a book by Catherine Marshall that I brought home from Mother`s house, "Light in my Darkest Night". It is about our quiet time with God and a great prayer and resolution for us all...... She says...

"Thank you, Jesus, for revealing to me that to rise at six each morning is to travel from 'dull sloth' to 'fresh ardors'. How glorious is the early morning air, the dazzling colors of the sunrise, the sweet bird sound, the fresh smell of the foliage and flowers!
Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity of this firsthand audience with the King. How privileged is that person who is admitted to Royal Presence, to listen to the almighty King, to watch Him, to bask in His majesty. In earthly courts, such a one would be considered favored indeed. Yet this is the status and the privilege You give to each of us, Lord."

It is not 6a.m. now as I am writing, but what a special time to strive to be up to enjoy all God has given us as we are able to fellowship with Him. What a special prayer that Catherine Marshall prayed so many years ago and we can still pray it today. We know we can have our quiet time at any time during the day, but first thing in the morning, having that time with the Lord before the day has started and being in touch with Him, at the very time that Mother is sitting right there with Him.... there is something so comforting and special about that. This resolution is one that can easily be done, and one that will count for His glory.

As we are drawn to the empty feeling without her still, this is a great reminder of how we can erase that sorrow and be so thankful of where she is. It is almost more than the mind can comprehend... but to know, to believe, to have faith... that is enough for us to hold on to .

So on the first day of the new year, as we start it without Mother, as we are missing her so much, we are dwelling on the hope of the Lord, the promises He made to her that are now fulfilled as she is with Him. ....I close with this verse from Romans, reminding us of how God is in control, even when we don`t understand....

"Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his wisdom and knowledge and riches! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods. For who among us can know the mind of the Lord? Who knows enough to be his counselor and guide? And who could ever offer to the lord enough to induce him to act? For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory. To him be glory evermore." Romans 11:33-36

Today, Lord, we thank you for this new year. We thank you for being in control, for planning our days in advance for us. We thank you for the privilege you give us to be admitted to your Royal presence, to listen, watch and bask in your majesty. We are in awe of Your care that you give us, You know our days, You know the number of hairs on our head. You created us in Your image, and we are most thankful. We prayed for You to take care of our Mother and You have. When she couldn`t get that healed body with us, You gave her a perfect body with You and we thank You for that...
Be with our family, Lord, as we start this new year. Help us to be desperate for You each day...