Week of December 31, 2001
Lois P.

Scripture Readings
Related verses are included
within text of the Devotions.

Ever since I was a young girl, I have made a New Year's resolution. As a 10-year-old child, it was "I will try not to sit on my eyeglasses at all this year." As a "30-something" adult, it is "I will try to tackle my high cholesterol problem without the assistance of Merck & Co. " Most resolutions are based on good intentions and the desire to improve ourselves and life for those around us. But whether we make formal resolutions or not, many of us use this time of year to assess ourselves, contemplate what has happened the past year, and maybe even make plans to "reinvent our lives" a little bit. This may even be more prevalent this year given recent tragic events and our increased awareness of a desperate worldwide need for peace. I have heard many people speak of the positive changes that have occurred since September 11th, in individuals and in communities. It is my prayer that this continues and that we all continue to examine ways in which we can shine God's light on those around us.

The Women of Faith organization's website features a really neat segment on "Reinventing your Life with Grace," ( www.womenoffaith.com ). This segment focuses on how to live according to the way you were created and how to help you see the grace that already surrounds you. I have gained some insight for my "spiritual resolutions" based on their four areas of focus: passion, purpose, people, and praise. I have summarized those four areas below and have added a related bible verse for each one.

Passion
Let us understand that "we inhabit a planet created in an act of wonder by a passionate God, who has instilled in us a passion for life." How can we grab hold of that passion and let go of the things that are holding us back?

Verse: Joshua 22:5
"Love the Lord and follow his plan for your lives. Cling to him and serve him enthusiastically!"

Purpose
"Finding your purpose is like searching for treasure, when you discover purpose, you will also unearth your talents and gifts." (Patsy Clairmont) Consider devoting your life to making choices that authenticate your God-given self.

Verse: Philippians 3:12
"I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be."

People
Intentional relationships; the greatest need in every human heart is the need for love, a rich and empowering love. We can remember this as we relate to one another.

Verse: 1 Thessalonians 3:12
"And may the Lord make your love to grow and overflow to each other and to everyone else."

Praise
Being attentive to God; God is already attentive to us; praise is an act of worship that focuses our attention on God.

Verse: Psalm 95: 6-7
"Come let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the sheep under his care. Oh that you would listen to his voice today!"

Gracious God of hope and love, we praise you for your creation of this world and of us. Lead us into a new year with renewed passion and purpose so that we may spread your Word and shine your Light. In your name we pray, Amen.

Contributed by Lois P.
Published Monday December 31, 2001
Week 5 of Liturgical Year A