Monthly Archives: January 2023

I love rollercoasters! I love the anticipation as the car climbs that first hill, that breath-taking first plunge, and all the twists and turns that come after. It’s such a rush!

Rollercoasters can be a blast, but when your life begins to feel like one it’s not nearly as much fun. That’s how it’s been for us recently.

In the last two weeks I started my new job in College Place, we sold our home here in Cashmere, lost out on the home we were hoping to buy, and ended up signing a contract on a home that’s even better. I’ve made multiple trips to College Place and Yakima, slept on a hard floor and in a comfortable AirBnb, eaten delicious meals and way too much junk food. In the meantime, Ana has still been working full time, while trying to get our home ready for closing in a few weeks. It’s been a crazy ride and it ain’t over yet.

Through all this we’ve had enough ups and downs, twists and turns, and highs and lows, to leave our heads spinning. We’ve had times of exhilaration, followed by terrible lows, filled with doubt. Yet, even with all the craziness, it’s been so cool to see God’s hand at work in our lives.

I guess that’s why I’m telling you all this. I want you to know that, no matter how crazy your life is right now, God will be with you through every high and low, every twist and turn. He is in control and He “causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT).

This week, when life seems to be spinning a little out of control, and you feel like shouting, “I wanna get off!”, stay buckled in. The only time a rollercoaster is dangerous is when you try to get off while the car is still moving. Instead, put your trust in the One who’s in control. He knows what He’s doing and He’ll work everything “together for good” in the end. So, sit back and enjoy the ride. God’s got this!

It’s New Year’s Day and while many are waking up still groggy (and maybe a little hung over from the festivities of the night before), others have gotten an early start, determined to get a jump start on their New Year’s resolutions.

Making New Year’s resolutions is an annual tradition for many of us. We resolve to lose weight, to exercise more, to cut down on sugar, to read more and watch less TV, to be kinder to others…the list goes on and on. The one common denominator in all this is that most of us end up giving up on those resolutions within a couple weeks.

A study done by Strava, a social network for athletes found most people break their resolutions by January 12. The University of Scranton found only 8 percent of people achieve the goals they set on New Year’s Day.

These are discouraging statistics, but I have good news. Philippians 4:13 promises that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” On our own we are doomed to failure, but “with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37 NKJV).

So, go ahead and make that resolution to lose those extra pounds, to spend more time in prayer, or to exercise every day. Then take it one step further and ask Jesus to help you succeed. Come to Him today, acknowledging your own weakness and past failures, and let Him take control. He promises “the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (John 6:37).

The Bible tells us “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). Join me today and, like the apostle Paul, resolve “to know nothing” in this coming year “except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

This is the secret to success in every area of your life. If you do this, if you put Jesus first in your life and in your heart, then everything else will fall into place. Give Jesus control today and make this your best year ever!

God bless and Happy New Year!