“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

We’ve made it to the last week of 2015! That’s cause to celebrate!

How did your year go? Was it filled with love, adventure, and laughter? Was it laced with tears, challenges, and disappointments?

However your year went, I pray that you felt God’s almighty hand and presence with you all throughout your days. I hope you stopped and enjoyed the miraculous and lovely in your life, even in those ordinary moments in your day.

As I grow in the Lord, I’m realizing that God really is closer than we think. He is there in the good and bad times. And He is working all things together for our good as He promised in Romans 8:28.

All of our experiences (including the good, the bad, and the downright ugly) are needed to help to conform us into the image of Christ. That’s God’s ultimate goal for us.

Can you look back on your year and say that you drew closer to Jesus these last 365 days? Can you say that you’re a little more like Him now? Are you a little more patient, loving, or compassionate? Have your trust and faith in God increased? Have you served others?

If so, rejoice!

If not, take heart. You can ask God for His strength and grace to start being more kind and loving today and to help you again tomorrow and beyond.

Isn’t it great that God’s mercies are new every morning? Aren’t you glad we get a fresh start in 2016?

None of us will ever fully “arrive” at perfection while here on earth. It will take our whole lifetime to become more like Jesus, but God is loving and patient with us and won’t give up on us! God is too good!

We become more like Jesus by spending time with Him in prayer and reading the Bible. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live like Jesus. Our transformation happens little by little, day by day, and one decision after another.

This year has been an epic year for me for many reasons. It wasn’t easy, but it was filled with so many blessings! It was beautiful to see how encouraged people were by my book Waiting on God Well. If you’re going through a desert or winter season, I encourage you to read or re-read it!

And if you’re ready to make changes in the new year, than I invite you to learn how to have me as your Life Coach. I want to help you live out your God-given passion and purpose. I will be announcing more over the upcoming weeks so please stay tuned!

Thank you again for all of your support this year! I look forward to what’s ahead in 2016! The best is yet to come! Believe!

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)

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For more encouragement, read my new book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s NEW online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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