Dear 2011,

You were all in all a great year. I learned so many things from you.
I will never forget you, but I will never dwell on you.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! "-Isaiah 43:18
I am leaving you behind, 2011. You strengthened me more than anything and for that I am thankful. However, you’re not the only thing I am leaving behind. I have other things that are staying with you.
So it’s a new year.A time when a new calendar begins, promises are laid, gym passes are bought, and fresh starts are made.It took me all weekend to decide what my new year’s resolutions were gonna be and I still wasn't for sure yesterday. But I have finally decided. However, let me start from the beginning...
I rang in the New Year, in Atlanta, Georgia this year. I guess you can say I'm somewhat of a fan Charles Stanley, considering that is why I was there. Chantall and I road tripped to Woodstock, GA on Saturday to stay with my favorite, Paul Birsdong, got the tour of the town and had some grand ole times there. Sunday morning we got up and went to first Baptist of Atlanta where Charles Stanley is the pastor. I can honestly say, it was one of the best messages I have ever heard; it was not one just for any Sunday. It was a message God gave me for the whole year and I could not have started the New Year off a better way.
Good news people, God wipes away our pasts. If we start this year out with Him, He'll make it the best.
Our life is like a road.
I want to take the road to life at its best, don't you? God tells us exactly how:
"My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life."- Proverbs 4:10-13
God directs us no other way but wisely.
We have hardships in our lives for two reasons:
1. to make us or 2. To be an example.
Jesus went through them, why shouldn't we?
Has it ever dawned on you that God is letting you experience what you have chosen?
When you chose disobedience, you get what disobedience brings.
We reap what we so.
We have to allow Jesus to be our guide down the road.
However, just because you have been saved does not mean He is the guide to your life. In order to do so, we must remember 3 things:
1. It makes a difference what we do with our bodies.
2. We need each other.
3. Whatever He says, do it.
Run with Him. Let Him lead you.
Remove everything that is standing in the way of falling completely in love with the one who loves you most.
In order for you to listen right, you have to have a clear mind, which requires a clean heart.
Yes, the world offers us so much, but God knows the desires of our hearts.
He knows what we want... what we love...He is faithful and He will provide.
There is nothing God can’t change. Give Him your whole heart, no matter how broken; just exactly how you are. Your life will never be the same, trust me.
If you want God’s best you have to follow Jesus’ way.
What is the first thing you think about when you wake up?
Start your day off with asking Him for wisdom for your day, we need it, we need Him.
Begin the day with the one who is your guide.
Also, how do you end your day? Fall asleep talking to Him and wake up thinking of Him.
Back to the three things we must remember- healthy bodies, healthy relationships, and being obedient.
Think on these things.
When you are not taking care of your body you do not have:
1. Energy
2. Focus
3. Alertness
4. Readiness
5. Capacity
6. Enthusiasm
7. Willingness
We need all these things to follow Jesus.
Good relationships will:
1. Encourage
2. Motivate
3. Energize
4. Comfort
5. Defend
6. Love
7. Accept
8. Serve
9. Forgive
10. Confront
11.Trust God & His will

Treasure your friends in Christ. Take care of them.
Jesus chose 12 friends here on this earth, to help Him do what God has called Him to do. Do as Jesus did.
Wrong choices in relationships can destroy us.-just look back & see.
think on these things also:
-Is this relationship loving someone or just wanting something?
-It is not our job to change people.
-Have the courage to stand by someone.
-There are people who only accept us on condition.
-In the life of a believer, the more you give the happier you will be.
-One of the most damaging things is an unforgiving spirit. If you are a follower of Christ, not forgiving someone is not even an option.
You cannot violate the word of God without consequences.
If you are following Jesus, He will never put you in a wrong relationship. Watch, the Holy Spirit will warn you when you begin to put yourself in one. Make trusting and obeying Him a habit.
You cannot lose being obedient.
Remember, you cannot expect God to answer your prayer if you have already decided to disobey Him before he blesses you.
This is my favorite part...
Things may cause us pain, it may hurt to let go, but whatever He says, do it.
Because-
If you follow Jesus Christ and you are committed to obeying Him, you can expect:
1. To go where you never have
2. To do what you have never done
3. To give more than you ever have
4. You will be challenged to surrender what you have held so tightly
5. You will love those you never have
6. You will forgive those you can’t
7. You will trust Him more than you ever have
8. You will become what you have never been
Surrender your life to Him & watch Him work.
Psalm 23…this is my story, this is my song, praising your name all the day long.

I started this year off rededicating my life to the one who gave it to me.
2011, I am leaving you behind and with you, I leave these things:
1. Any pursue of perfection
2. My chains of addiction
3. All fear of rejection
4. The temporary pleasures
Goodbye 2011...Hello 2012!
I am chosen and holy. I am dearly loved and I am new. I am not who I once was. I am the one He loves who will always be enough.
I only made one promise for the year of 2012. And it is a promise to my Father that I will always give Him my best, just like He gave me His best on Calvary.
Dear Wonderful,
Make me Eve again.
A new creature in Paradise. Before the Fall.
I am giving you my best. When I think of all the love you have shown and all the time you have waited for me, all I want to do is run. I am running to answer your call for me. I am giving you my best, all of my heart and all of my soul.
Jesus, you are my shepherd. You are all I need. You let me rest in your arms and you renew my strength. You guide me along your perfect path and it brings honor to your name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, because I know you are always right beside me. You are my protector and you will forever comfort me. You fill my cup with your wonderful blessings. Your goodness and unfailing love will help me persevere forever. I love you with all of my heart.
Your daughter,
Lexi B.