You've got to love the freshness of a new year. It lends itself to opportunities for change, for resolving to improve what you didn't the past 365 (or 366) days that you lived.

For the past few years, at a friend's encouragment, instead of making resolutions, I've made POA's or Plans Of Action. The last two years, I've been somewhat successful in some areas of my life in keeping with those POA's, but not so much in others. I journal at least once a week and like to go back and read over what I wrote the past year, searching for what God has done in my life and in my heart.

I've decided to not make as many POA's this year, if I make any. It's not that I don't want to hold myself accountable for improving my life. Instead, what God has been speaking to my heart the past few weeks has been more about simplifying things and finding the balance in my life. I've had Him confirm this to me more than once, so I know He's speaking!

Instead of making resolutions (which I tend to never keep anyways!), or a list of POA's (I had at least 6 last year, which, in a way, are resolutions with steps to achieve them), I come into this new year expecting God to do big things in my life. Yes, I am choosing to place all my expectations on Him and look forward to see what He has in store for me.

I know that He is a keeper of promises, so I can trust His Word. He wants to fulfill those in my life. When He says He will supply all of my needs, I can stand on that and trust Him. When He says He is the Healer, the Comforter, my Provider, my All in All - I can rely on Him. When He says that He makes all things new, He means it.

I was reminded of a verse early this morning from 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone [this includes me and you!] is in Christ [I love that we are in Him and He is in us], he is a new [LOVE this !] creation; the old has gone [Praise God!], the new has come!"

I get to be new everyday on the inside! Not for one day, but every  day! As I seek Him, and allow His Holy Spirit to work in me, I am being changed into looking more like Him all the time! How great is that?!

I need to share one thing He did for me yesterday, which amazes me. I was a little frustrated yesterday as I was working because I felt like what I wanted to accomplish for my day just was not happening. One thing I have learned in 2007 is that it really is OK for God to change the plans I have for my day. Sometimes, what my plan is and what His is for my day aren't the same. The frustration comes from my attempting to do what I want and that not working out too well. He reminds me, though, that He has it all under control and I don't need to be as focused as I can be, but instead, be open to whatever else may come up and see Him in that as well.

Yesterday, I had my mind set that I was going to accomplish things on my "to do" list. Well, it didn't come together the way I wanted it to. But I was determined that I wouldn't allow myself to be overwhelmed by it. And that if I didn't get done what I had set out for myself, it was going to be OK.

I don't know about you, but I often have to have those conversations with myself where I remind myself that there is Someone bigger than me who has it all. That went on several times yesterday. And God is so good that He blessed me towards the end of my day.

I had a dear sweet brother in the Lord who emailed me to let me know that the Lord had spoken to him about giving a gift of support for me online. His generosity brought me to tears as I realized that God was watching over me yesterday and wanted to encourage me. More than the gift itself, what blessed me were the words of encouragement he wrote: "...for no reason whatsoever, God spoke to me and said "Sue Wilson has been a faithful servant to the  Kingdom for years. Get up and go give to her." So I did. Thank you for doing all that you have through the years. You are faithful and obedient - you are a role model for me!"

Whoa! I sat at my desk and cried. (Hey, I'm a feeler and I can cry when I'm happy, sad, mad, glad...you name it!) God reminded me again that He has big things in store for this year and I can expect Him to take care of me, that He sees my every need in every area. As I am faithful to Him, open and available to hear His voice and walk in obedience, that He will reward that.

So yeah, while I may not make a long list of POA's this year (if any!), I know that God has great things in store and I expect Him to bring into my life those changes I need to further honor and glorify Him. May He be lifted up and exalted in this new year!