The New year

Raise your hand if you've ever started a New Year's Resolution. *raises hand* So many of us start New Years resolutions. Perhaps we want to live a healthier lifestyle, Lose some weight, mend some friendships, become better at managing our money or time, or maybe make an effort to get rid of a bad habit.

Now, Raise your hand if you've ever actually kept that resolution all year round. *Puts hand down* If your hand is still raised, CONGRATULATIONS! But chances are likely that you are one of the many many people who somehow get off track or forget or something like that. Don't worry, it happens to everyone. After all, That's why we're celebrating the new year, right? A new chance!

Think back on good 'ole 2013. Perhaps it wasn't such a good year for you. It was a pretty mixed year for me, as I would think it would be for most people. It was the best of times, It was the worst of times, and I found out that Charles Dickens is my favorite author.

 I'm off track now. Anyway, Maybe something happened this year that really turned it into a bad year. Perhaps you have suffered a loss of a family member. Maybe you lost your job. Maybe you lost everything. Maybe you got into some trouble that has left you in a real bad spot. I really don't know what you are going through right now, But if it's any of the above, or worse, I hope that in this new year you will discover peace, and that Blessings and Grace will fall down upon you like rain. Try to Place yourself in God's Hands. It's the safest place in the entire universe and beyond. really imagine yourself in God's hands. He loves you so much. He hasn't abandoned you. Never will and Never has. You can't even begin to imagine how immense His love is for you. Imagine the ocean. Multiply the Incredible vastness of it's depths and width by 999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999,999.  . .. . . . . . . . . .  And you are not even CLOSE to how much God loves you!

Remember, 2013 is passing. The past is the past. I think a wonderful way to kick off the new year is to go to confession sometime soon. Then you can start with a new year, and a clean soul! How's that for another chance!

Are you going to make another resolution this year? Perhaps you could try something spiritual. Maybe pray more. Go to Mass and Confession more. Reach out to those who need hope, support, love, faith etc. Perhaps you could volunteer some time each week or month at a soup kitchen, a mission center or other charity. Maybe you could try to bring a friend or two or hundred closer to God.
If you've been away From the Church for awhile, There is no time like the present to come back. God will welcome you with open arms, Just like the prodigal Son's Father.
Maybe you have a friend who's been away from the Church, and you could encourage them to come back.

Whatever you chose to do this year, Don't give up! Just because you miss a day or more, doesn't mean you can't continue! Keep up the Good Work!

I hope you all have a Blessed new year, filled with Hope, Love, Faith and Friends.