Happy 2018 friends! I wanted to share this post again from last year because it was so impactful. I have to say that these principles for simplifying the new year worked so well for me that it made 2017 one of my most enjoyable years ever. It was less complicated, less stressful, less anxious…….just so much better than the years before. I believe keeping these perspectives in mind changed me from the inside out on how I process life and make decisions. This post was also one of my most shared posts for 2017. Hope this is just as useful for you in 2018!
January of 2017
I feel so ready for this year …….and that is just not like me!
Usually, I am cautious or skeptical of what the new year MAY hold. But I am finally learning some lessons that are giving way to freedom, even confidence.
I look forward now to what is ahead because I KNOW, Jesus is there right along with it. Whether it is difficult or exciting or humdrum, He is there governing it for me, choosing it as His plan for me.
I look forward now to what is ahead because I KNOW, Jesus is there right along with it. Share on X
Here are some newly learned perspectives that are impacting how I enter this year.
1) Work less, abide more.
2) Joyfully trust because Christ is already there in my tomorrow and preparing ME for it today.
3) Living in the moment, leaving the past and the future in His hands. “Now” is where His burden is easy and His yoke light.
4) Letting go of trying to plan and purpose what He will sovereignly do anyway, and way better than I EVER could. Being comfortable with not knowing the plan and not having to anymore!
5) Staying “will-less”. Not wanting anything TOO much. Living open to what God wants for me, of me.
6) Resting in God’s sanctifying work. Rejoicing in the assurance that He is at work in each of us, nothing will be missed or forgotten. I don’t have to worry about my issues or the issues of those I love. God has this! No need to manage or try to fix others (over-responsibility).
7) Celebrating the Lord, allowing thanksgiving and gratitude to flow throughout my day.
8) Continuing my gratitude journal, beginning my new list for 2017.
9) Hearing and heeding the work of the Holy Spirit. Depending on His faithfulness on my behalf and recognizing I am not to do His job, but only respond to what He brings to my attention.
10) Dwelling on the goodness of my God and whatever is excellent or praiseworthy in others.
These lessons from last year are having a profound effect upon me and for that, I am grateful. It makes me feel differently as I approach this next year. I feel joy, peace, assurance…….I feel like I am being “held” and loved. It enables me to look at an unknown future (2017) securely, with boldness.
Am I making resolutions, goals, or strategizing for 2017?
No. But I am honing my focus.
After having read through the chronological Bible in 2016, I feel the desire to slow down to dwell upon the grandeur of my Savior. So I am taking the whole year to linger with Jesus in the gospels, taking in every morsel of Him that I can.
I want to be like Mary in Luke 10:41-42, choosing the “one thing ” that is needed, that which is better, and not like Martha, worried and upset about many things. I want to spend this year sitting at His feet, dwelling upon His life and less on mine.
In essence, I’m sick and tired of thinking about me and mine!
I’ve grown weary pondering what should be done about this particular situation or that particular person. My conclusion from what I learned last year is that I am better off being mindful of Him! That is a much better use of my time and attention.
My conclusion from 2016- enough about me and more about HIM! Share on XWhat about you? Are you sick of thinking about your life, your goals, your needs or that of your family’s?
Why not join me in simplifying your mindset, dwelling on Someone much more worthy of our attention? He tells us in Matthew 6:31-34,
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
He makes it simple……we are the ones who complicate it.
And I’m tired of doing just that!
Like John the Baptist said in John 3:30,
He must become greater; I must become less.
Here’s to a better year by becoming LESS!
Praying God’s work will be richly rewarded in your lives this year. Happy New Year dear friends:)
Kristen says
Great post! I love the list. So profound, yet filled with simplicity that I desire going into this new year.
Gretchen Fleming says
Thank you Kristin! I’m glad you liked it and can use it:) Blessings to you friend!
Gretchen Fleming says
Such wonderful lessons for the new year Gretchen! Thanks for linking up with Jesus & Coffee!!!
Julia says
This provides great opportunity for reflection. Numbers 5 & 6 really spoke to me. Staying “willless” is something I’ve struggled with – especially as it relates to my career and my calling. Thank you!
Gretchen Fleming says
Julia, I totally get that! Staying will-less as it regards to my calling/ministry and with those close to me has been particularly challenging. What I have learned is that wanting anything, even good things, can become an idol if I am miserable without it. This life sure affords us plenty of opportunity for sanctification! Lol I can say that I have found great peace by not chasing after anything but Him, and allowing Him His rightful place of authority over all areas of my life. Thanks for stopping by Julia!
Nicole Kauffman says
LOVE this: ““Now” is where His burden is easy and His yoke light.” You are SO right, so much of my time is spent burdened with the past or with what is to come, and yet Jesus calls us to live for Him now! Thank you for this message today 🙂
Gretchen Fleming says
My pleasure Nicole:) Thanks for stopping by!
Ruth says
I love your conclusion and your list! I battled some of the same things as you last year and finally realized that those things were not mine to control; they were and still are God’s.
Gretchen Fleming says
Absolutely Ruth! Doesn’t it feel so much better to “stay in our lane” so to speak?!
Lyli @ 3dlessons4life.com says
Gretchen,
Thanks for linking up at #ThoughtProvokingThursday. It was so lovely to “meet you” through your blog today! I love the good word you shared about humility and keeping our focus small. Great wisdom for us as we start 2017!
Blessings,
Lyli
Gretchen Fleming says
Thank you Lyli for the opportunity! Glad to get to know your site and community! Blessings to you friend:)
Kira says
So much wisdom in your lessons! God is called me to #1 this year, work less abide more. I also recently decided Matthew 6:33 is my verse of the year because I need the daily reminder to seek God first and not get distracted with the inessentials of life.
Gretchen Fleming says
I so agree Kira! I can get too goal oriented so that verse rings often in my ears to snap me back to reality. Thanks for stopping by!
Julie says
Good post! So many reminders to park my heart on!
#PartyonthePorch
Gretchen Fleming says
Thanks for stopping by! Love the parties on the porch! Lol
Laura Rath says
“Joyfully trust because Christ is already there in my tomorrow and preparing ME for it today.”
Knowing God goes before me was one of the best things I learned several years ago. (Deut. 31:8) Also, #8 – I think keeping a gratitude journal makes a huge difference. Even on a rough day, making myself think of at least one think to be thankful for helps my attitude.
Glad I stopped over today from #RaRaLinkup. Nice to “meet” you. 🙂
Gretchen Fleming says
I so agree Laura! Hope you have a great weekend!
Sarah Geringer says
Beautifully written! Your goals are very similar to mine. If you are looking for a new read in the new year, my book is a FREE download through end of day today. Read my latest blog post for more info at sarahgeringer.com. Blessings to you! From your neighbor at #tuestalk
Gretchen Fleming says
I so agree Laura! Hope you have a great weekend!
Gretchen Fleming says
Thanks Sarah and congratulations on the book! Blessings my friend!
Joy says
” ‘Now’ is where His burden is easy and His yoke light.” Your words encourage me to release my anxious thoughts about tomorrow and beyond! Thanks Gretchen! 🙂
Nicole Blean says
Stopping by from Fresh Market Friday . . . What a neat post! Thanks for the reminders of what really matters.
Gretchen Fleming says
Thanks for stopping by!
Gretchen Fleming says
So glad to know that! Thanks for stopping by!
Rebecca L Jones says
John’s ministry decreased for Jesus to take over, but when I decrease, for Him to take over, it seems like He had made me more than I ever thought I could be.
Gretchen Fleming says
such truth there my friend! Thanks for stopping by Rebecca!
Cheryl says
Gretchen, you are an inspiration to me and I look forward to reading your emails, as they refresh and nourish my soul. You speak honestly about situations you have been in, which I appreciate. Number two on your list really spoke to me and echoes my favorite verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.”–Jeremiah 29:11. I just need to believe it more.
Gretchen Fleming says
Thank you, Cheryl!! Your encouragement has meant so much to me today! So affirming to hear that someone looks forward to reading my posts. What a blessing to know that! Thank you for sharing that with me. Many blessings friend