2016 was a mess that we cannot undo or change, and I don't think we are supposed to. A lot of chaos has happened, there were times that hearts were broken and there was several bouts of confusion for a lot of people, but there were also blessings that seem to have gone unrecognized.

As 2017 is upon us, I want to see the days, the weeks, the months and the year differently than I have in the past. I want to seek out the blessings hidden in each day. I want to be sure to look for the helpers in the middle of crime and tragedy. I want to see God in every single day. I want to be aware of His presence and the ways that He is moving. I want to be the hands and feet Jesus more and more. I want to see new growth where everyone else is seeing dead weeds.

I want to live the way God created me to. I want to be the person God created me to be. I want to foster the gifts that he has given me and I want to use them for his glory. I want the Spirit to lead me deeper in the oceans than I could ever touch. I want to love others in a way that they wonder why and I want the light of Jesus to shine out of me so deeply that it blinds others of their mistakes, hurting hearts and doubts. I want to jump in the deep mud with the people that Jesus loves and we "want to reach out to" but keep at arms length.

I want to see things in the reflection of God. I want to see all people in the image of God. I want to foster forgiveness and gentleness. I want to seek His will for my life, because no matter how much I want something, He knows what I need. Yet not my will, but His. I want to look at everything with eyes of grace and mercy. And I want to share these good things with other people.

I want to start more mornings (every single one) with coffee and time in the word and in His presence. And I want to set my prayer life on fire. I want to see those prayers being set forth in motion. I want to seek the face of the Lord in all that I do and I want to trust in the path I am being guided on. Because God will not guide where He does not provide. I want to face scary, new things with a confidence that comes from above. I want to walk into the crosshairs. Because who can be against me when God is for me?

I want 2017 to be a year of seeking the Lord and being the hands and feet of Jesus. And I want everything that comes along with those things - the heartaches and joys.

So, welcome 2017 with open arms. And, friend, let's start by sharing a cup of coffee and talking about how much God loves you and me and the things that he is doing in our lives.