new year, 2013.

I am overly sentimental. 

With the topic of 'new year' I could write for ages, but simply put..

This last year, in all of it's pains and glories, it is behind me.

The present is rich.

And the future is unbelievably promising.

I began to write out my thoughts a few days ago, but it sort of, in a way, turned into my prayer for this next year. 

"Without You, Jesus, I am nothing.

But through You, I am capable of all things.

 Limiting myself is limiting You.

Through my Father’s strength, I choose to commit to a higher standard.

No matter how I feel, I choose to praise Your name.

For You are glorious beyond my comprehension.

Jesus, You are good, You are beauty.

Would all my words, would all my actions be a response to this pure and consuming love You pour over me.

I choose to worship You for who You are.

I choose to intercede on behalf of the nations, on behalf of Your beloved lost.

Would I choose to have grace and sensitivity for those around me, loving them as they are, and may I treat them with the same respect and love I wish to receive myself.

My words have the power to tear down, or to build up, and I make the choice to build up, to encourage, to speak truth based on what I see through Your eyes, Father.

Help me to be above offense and reproach.

Keep and protect my heart, as I allow myself to be vulnerable in this season You have called me to.

May I walk out this journey in humility and let go of entitlements.

What is mine was Yours first, and may I keep an open mind and open hands.

Father, You have designed me perfectly and may I have confidence in being who You have made me to be.

May I not hold back.

May I choose to do all things with excellence.

Use my voice and talents.

They are Yours.

Help me to see the best in others, the best in myself.

In You I am confident.

Let my words and actions be a reflection of Your heart.

Would my day and my plans line up with Your perfect will.

Help me to awake and be still before You.

No matter how I feel,

I choose to see Your Glory and Beauty at the end of each day.

Jesus,

without you I am broken and unable.

But with You, I choose to live at a higher standard.

You are my unfailing strength.

You are my perfect grace.

You are my joy above circumstance.

In You I place my hope, my desires, and my worries.

Today I choose to love you,

and I choose to make You my everything,

more today than yesterday.

 I will not be shaken.

I will not be moved.

I will not look to the right or to the left.

I will fix my eyes on you, Jesus."

2013 began on a mountain top.

It doesn't get much better for this girl..

This next year, I just know, will hold so much goodness.