First, let me apologize for the tardiness of the December missive.
I was victimized by the double whammy of Old-timers Disease and Writer’s Block.
The effects of Old Timers was realized as I wrote most of the December newsletter before thinking I have seen these quotes somewhere before. Looking back through this year’s newsletters, I found them all in the August 2017 edition.
The effects of Writer’s Block were felt immediately after the discovery of the effects of Old Timers. My mind went blank for ideas.
So now, it is after New Year’s Day. This prompted some thoughts
of quotes that I have seen over the years regarding the beginning of a new year. May I share a few, some of with which I have taken
journalistic liberties.
From Jonathan Edwards’s Diary:
“Resolved: that every man should live to the glory of God.
Resolved Second: that whether others do this or not, I will.”
From Bishop Vincent:
“ I will try this year (day) to live a simple, sincere and serene life, repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity, and self-seeking; cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity, and habit of holy silence; exercising economy of expenditure, generosity in giving,
Carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust, and a childlike faith in God.”
From Charles Haddon Spurgeon:
“Pray that this year thou mayst be holy, humble, zealous, and patient; have closer communion with Christ, and enter oftener into the banqueting-house of His love. Pray that thou mayst be an example and a blessing unto others, and that thou mayst live more to the glory of thy Master. The motto for this year must be, "Continue in prayer.”
From “My Utmost For His Highest” Oswald Chambers:
I resolve to ask myself this year (mine), “Am I getting nobler, better, more helpful, more humble, as I get older? Am I exhibiting the life that men take knowledge of as having been with Jesu, or am I getting more self-assertive, more deliberately determined to get my own way? It is a great thing to tell yourself the truth.”
I close with this. I offer you this prayer for you set to the music of Auld Lang Syne sung by Norwegian recording artist, Sissel. Please listen and read the prayer. Copy and paste in address section of your browser.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rtajxo8d7js
Dear Friends, I am grateful for the love, encouragement and support you have shown to me in 2017. Pray for me that I may be worthy of your trust and support in 2018. May God shower you and yours with His richest blessings in this New Year!