2021?! Doesn't that sound insane? I feel like we just hopped into 2020. And boy, what a whirlwind 2020 has been. I don't think we'll ever look at those numbers without thinking of COVID-19. But even amongst all the trials you and I have faced this year (because I know each individual is going through something), God has still been good. I praise Him for the fact that He is not shaken by anything that happens here on earth, and that Heaven rules. We're all a part of His good plan. That said, as we get ready to leap into the New Year, I want to share with you a few things that I think will make 2021 special and full of joy in the Lord. Here's some advice from my heart to yours... Friend, I cannot tell you how vital it is that you make serving Jesus your first priority. He is your Salvation. When we put God first, everything seems to fall into place. Not only that, but when circumstances seem dark and dreary, you have a Friend to rely on. You have an Almighty God to cry out to. You have Someone who will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Blow the dust off that Bible, begin to study, cry out to God for His Spirit, invite Him into your heart. This 2021, I pray so hard that you will make Jesus your number one priority. I cannot explain the joy and peace and so much more that He has to offer you. A lot of times, we get distracted by our own problems and tend to focus on the negative side of things. I've been learning recently to take the time that I would spend distracted and down, and do something positive for others. Sometimes that means writing an out-of-the-blue thank you note to someone who has encouraged me or done something for me. Other times that means checking in on somebody. I also have a small Bible accountability group of girls my age and younger whom I check in with daily. That's something you could look into and pray about, too! Don't be afraid to reach out to girls in your church, community, etc., and invest in each other. Fellowship is a beautiful gift God has blessed us with. Time is so short. One minute you're a little girl with no care in the world, then suddenly you're a lady with a million responsibilities. Let's not forget that while we're getting older, others are as well. I cannot express how important it is to spend time with those whom God has placed in our lives. Bake cookies with grandma, make funny videos with a friend, sing songs with Grandpa, help Mom with dinner. You never get a day back or a redo. Spend quality time with your loves ones now. How many times a day do we pick up our phones and scroll through social media? I'd be terrified if I knew how many times I did. Where does it get us in life, honestly? And I get it, some have jobs on our phones/social media. But at some point, we need to set the phone down and prioritize. What/Who are we serving? A screen with some apps or the Heavenly Father? What's more important? Double tapping that person's photo whom you don't even know but you like her aesthetic--or working on that crochet project for your aunt? Or practicing that musical instrument? Enjoying time with loved ones? Working on an art project? Investing in your sister, brother, boyfriend, husband, child's life? I could keep going with the questions, but I think you get it. At some point we have to ask ourselves: What's more important to me? We're so busy all the time, aren't we? I can attest to that. A lot of times when I'm overwhelmed and stressed, I even catch myself holding my breath or gritting my teeth unaware! Recently, though, God brought to my attention that I need to slow down and enjoy the little things. We often miss it, don't we? The breathtaking sunrise. The giggle of a child. The flutter of a butterfly's wings. The peace and quiet in an early morning Bible study session. We miss it. And I fully believe God wants me to stop being a "Martha" and start being a "Mary" just dwelling at His feet and soaking in His goodness. We could all use that reminder to slow down. "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." -Psalm 118:24 A few weeks ago from this post, my family's souls were cast down when we got the news that my great-grandmother is very ill. Christmas just didn't feel the same. Hearts were solemn and reflective. But I'll never forget what my Pappy (my great-grandmother's son) said, "But God's Word says, this is the day which the Lord hath made. We're to rejoice and be glad in it." I will never think of this Bible verse the same way again. You have moments like that, when God just really puts things into perspective. THIS DAY--whether going good or bad--is a day God has made, therefore we can rejoice in Him! I pray that Jesus will give me a heart to rejoice in each day, in each moment, even when it's one of those not-so-great days. As we get ready to step into 2021, maybe you need those reminders, too. Maybe you need to start applying them to your life. I sure do. In such a busy, fast-paced world, let's always put God first and learn to enjoy and be grateful for what He has blessed us with. May you step into the New Year with a heart full of renewed faith and a soul willing to serve the Lord no matter the cost. That's my prayer for you. Happy New Year! You May Also Enjoy:
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Note From Katlyn:Welcome to the advice section. These blogposts are written from my heart to yours, and I pray they encourage you to walk closer to the Lord. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!
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