A New Year of Possibility
A Brand New Year of Possibility
Here we are at the start of a brand new year, full of possibility.
The month of January brings with it hope of new beginnings and the opportunity to decide what we want to do differently this year. Most of us recognize areas in our lives that need improvement, and perhaps even radical transformation. We are all works in progress, and sometimes we need to revisit dimensions of our lives that have been neglected and suffered setbacks. Fortunately, our Heavenly Father is enduringly patient and full of compassion. He doesn’t want us to carry a heavy load of self-inflicted regret. He doesn’t expect us to navigate change alone. Our Father is faithful to walk with us through the purification process only He can complete, because He desires to help us become more like Him.
So, have you given thought as to how you can be intentional this year about investing in your personal and spiritual growth? How about a recommitment to one of life’s simplest pleasures - reading.
“I believe the nicest and sweetest days are…just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.” — L.M. Montgomery
Does that sound too simplistic?
You might be a book lover like me and already carve out ample time for your simple pleasure every day, but have you given thought to what you read? Expanding into new genres is good for your brain, and could be just what you need to discover new healthy habits and mindsets for this next year.
Do you have young children or grandchildren? Why not start a regular family reading time with them. Spending time together reading colorful, biblically based books will not only benefit their spiritual development, but will also provide a special time of bonding.
If you’re looking for more community, find a local book club or start one in your church or neighborhood. Connecting over a book is one of the sweetest simple pleasures in life.
Would you like to grow in generosity this year? Instead of holding onto all those books, you can give some away to libraries, churches, foster care homes, and assisted living centers.
You might do all the above. That’s great! Then how about starting a Bible reading challenge so you go deeper with the Lord this year and grow in new ways.
There are many ways to recommit to a reading practice that promotes spiritual and personal growth, and my publisher Ambassador International has a plethora of books to help!
Charming children’s books, Bible studies and devotionals, business and finance, Christian living, historical fiction, theology, and biographies. Ambassador’s mission is to magnify the Lord through the written word, so you can be assured that each book aligns with biblical values and promotes healthy Christian growth.
I’m a children’s author, so I am particularly fond of their children’s titles ;) If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or neighbor, you can be a part of promoting a love for reading and for God’s Word in this next generation, by sharing a biblically-based book with young readers!
I’d like to recommend my children’s book series, published through Ambassador International, called Questions for Kids. In this series, kids will explore key truths of the Bible in a fun and engaging way, as they journey into it right alongside the main characters Lucy Lu and her trusted advisor Papa Joe. Readers adventure into unique periods of Bible history and learn about important people, places, and events, all the while discovering God’s never-changing, never-failing, never-ending love. The first three books in the series are now available with at least five more coming soon. I’ve heard great feedback that adults enjoy them, too :)
However you choose to renew or enhance your reading practice this year, I wish you many hours of pleasure and purpose. Happy Reading!
*Original post published on Ambassador International
