Thursday, December 31, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I can't begin to tell you all the things I am thankful for in my life. I suppose though, without a doubt I am thankful for my husband. My best friend. I read recently about a young man who wasn't able to think of things to thank the Lord for. He said that he realized we are supposed to: I Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. He realized it's not always easy to give thanks when things don't seem to be going our way. He was going through a difficult time. He lost his job, as a result of that his wife and children left as well. He realized he was a paycheck from losing his apartment. What could he possibly give thanks for? No job, no family, no food and quite possibly no where to live. He went on to say that he set a timer for five minutes and started praising the Lord for his life. He went on stumbling at first, but coming up with a few more things to give thanks for. By the time his time was up he was feeling completely filled by the Holy Spirit. Nothing in his situation had changed. So why was he feeling overwhelmed with joy? He accepted the Lord and asked Him to come into his life. He realized at that moment things were going to start getting better for him. One year I could have been that man. In less than nine months, my employer downsized and I was laid off. A few weeks later I lost control of my car on the ice and totaled it. I lost my house, my precious dog died and then my Mother passed away too. Was I discouraged? Of course. But through it all my faith was strengthened. I knew I would get another job, and I did. I got another car, my Mother is in heaven. And we now have two precious puppies. I can't stop praising the Lord for how good He is to me. I can't think of a better time to celebrate His goodness than today. A new year begins. Have a safe and happy celebration tonight. Blessings and hugs to you all. Happy New Year!

10 comments:

Karen Lange said...

Blessings and Happy New Year to you and your readers:)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Katt -

May you be blessed in 2010! One of the nice things about 2009: I met you on Facebook. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I'm particularly thankful for you, Katt. I can't imagine my life without you in it. Blessings in 2010 and always.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Thanks so much Karen. Be safe and stay warm! Happy New YEar

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Susan, you are so sweet! I feel the same way! Happy New YEar

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Joy----you are the one! I feel blessed by you my friend! Happy New YEar!

Carol J. Garvin said...

Perspective certainly affects us... the 'glass half full or half empty' thing. Taking time to focus on God's goodness makes such a difference in how we perceive the quality of our lives. I hope 2010 will be full of only good things for you, Katt, and that God will continue to give you strength for all you do.

David Ebright said...

Great post. Happy New Year! I was telling Deb a story the other day about when I was 8 years old. My mom always listened to a radio show featuring a husband & wife team, I guess they were evangelists of some sort. They always opened the show with the song "Count Your Blessings" - which, in those days, gave me pause. The husband AND wife, were totally blind ... & totally thankful. (Unfortunately - they weren't such great singers, but I guess the NOISE was joyful.) Dave

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Carol, you are truly an inspiration to me! And everyone who knows you! Thanks so much for your kind words! I wish you every happiness in 2010.
Hugs and blessings
Katt

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Dave, Happy New Year to you too. Isn't it funny the things we remember as children.
My blessings to you and Deb!
Hugs
Katt