I was just at the retirement celebration for a co-worker and friend that I have known for almost 30 years.  During her celebration, individuals consistently commented on her strong work ethic, her commitment to the work, and her willingness to train or mentor team members.  When my co-worker spoke she talked about how much she cared about the work that she did, and how at times she may have been tough, but it was because she was focused on the children and families that were impacted by the work.  She said she never forgot that her work impacted the neediest of the needy.

I have always known my co-worker to be a hard worker, but the word passionate came to mind after hearing her speak. 
Passion has many definitions and references, including the Crucifixion of Christ - but the one
I want to highlight involves an intense, driving or overmastering feeling or conviction; or a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept.  In my co-worker’s case, she had a strong devotion to her work and to the children and families impacted.  This passion had her:

• ensure she knew the requirements of her job
• work long hours,
• advocate for things she knew would make a difference,
• sacrifice time with family to ensure her work was completed, and
• spend countless hours sharing her knowledge with others – to ensure that the hard work and care continued after she left.

Are we passionate about our Christian walk?  Do we:

• ensure we know the Word of God?
• devote time to spend with God?
• advocate/stand up for what we know is right?
• sacrifice time, funds, talents for the work of the Lord?
• spend countless hours sharing the Word of God with others?

How beautiful it will be, that at the end of all days,  to be known as a passionate person for Christ.
 
To God Be The Glory For All That He Has Done
Blessings - Janice

I have always been excited to see the New Year, because it symbolized a fresh start.  I feel that every day that the Lord allows us to wake is a new, fresh day to begin – but there is something different about the start of a New Year.

As I think about the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019, I have spent quite a bit of time in the past few days looking back at the accomplishments, the misses, and simply the year that was 2018, and am simply humbled by God’s love and concern.

I end 2018 having had so many of my prayers and heart’s desires answered.  I have tried to figure out a way to scream about how God has shaped my year, while not making it about me, but all about Him.  I am still grappling with how to share all that He has done, because I know that it is my Testimony.  In the interim I simple remain humble.

There are several scriptures that highlight the need to be, and the benefit of being humble.  One of my favorites is below:

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (I Peter 5:5-6)

I look forward to sharing my testimony, but in the meantime I wish each of you a Happy New Year, full of God’s love and protection.

Glory To God For All That He Has Done

​Blessings – Janice