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All Things New


January is always a time to evaluate where we are in life and things we may want to change. Over the years, I have carefully pondered my New Year Resolutions to make them simplistic and manageable. It’s easy to feel ten feet tall and bulletproof at the start of the year. New beginnings. A new leaf. A fresh start.

I’ve spoken of this before, and I would like to address it again. Life is not a series of good years and bad years. It is seasons. Winter inevitably hits us all, but guess what? Spring comes after winter and brings newness of life in such a beautiful way.


2021 came with its own challenges just as 2022 likely will. But, oh, the blessings we have seen in 2021. God has poured out his love and favor on our family, and we give Him thanks for every good and perfect gift.


Our 2021 didn’t start as a fresh, new beginning. It was simply survival of another year. I had no idea what spring would bring into my life. One word: restoration. 


For years, I have prayed to be reconciled with family that I dearly love. It happened in 2021. Not only did it happen, but so much restoration has occurred that it simply boggles the mind. Although it shouldn’t. 


“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬


There is so much negative to distract us from focusing on the blessings all around us each day. This year, I challenge you-and myself- to write down one blessing each day. If this task seems daunting, start with a blessing a week. Each tiny little miracle adds up and will help you gain perspective on just how good God is. 


Despite the world around us, God is still working and is able to make all things new. Healing, restoration, miracles all around us. What blessings can you share from 2021? 


A Prayer for the New Year:

Heavenly Father, more than ever we need to be reminded of your goodness. Help us to open our eyes to the blessings you surround us with each day. Thank you for every miracle we have witnessed over the years. Remind us, in every season, that “goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6). Thank you for walking with us in every moment, and thank you for blessing us with a new year of expectation from our loving God. In Jesus’ name, I ask these things. Amen.


© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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