As I stand at the threshold of a brand new year, I am humbled as I reflect upon the year gone by. For me, 2015 has been more than trying – I’ve faced challenges I’d have never thought I’d meet but as I look back at the year, I’m grateful for the strength each of those challenges instilled in me. And forced me to lift up my head and keep my eyes on Christ Who to me, matters most.

I’m grateful for every single blessing I’ve received – Blessings so innumerable that even if I do try, I fail to name them all, but as I attempt to, leave me mesmerized and amazed at what the Lord has done.

I’m grateful for family, friends and loved ones… I’m grateful for friends who, even when deeply hurt and broken, have learned to move on in life… Grateful for those who dared to take that much needed step toward achieving their dreams… Grateful for friends who took that stepped out in faith and ventured out, away from what they call home, holding on to nothing but the surety of Christ’s everlasting presence with them.

I’m grateful for every fear, anxious thought and breakdown I’ve faced in 2015, as each of them reminded and convinced me of how much I need to cling to the Lord.

I’m grateful for every promise given, fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled, both in my life and in the lives of my loved ones.

I’m grateful for God’s mercies, which, as promised in the Bible, have been new EVERY morning. I’m grateful for His undying love and unconditional grace… Above all, I’m grateful for God’s great faithfulness in both my life and yours.

As we enter in to 2016, may I encourage us to remind ourselves that even though the year is new and everything it brings is new, we serve a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever! Because He is constant, we can fearlessly step in to the unknown.

Happy New Year!

In closing I must say – I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord!