By Amy Layne Litzelman –

“This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

As I’ve been pondering the new year, one thought keeps coming: 

One day at a time.

I know this isn’t original, but with each day it seems to increase in importance.

 

Live this day.
Not yesterday, again.
Not tomorrow, yet.
Live today – fully, thankfully, without worry or regret.

Live today – leaning into the voice of God; laying down what He asks of you; taking up what He requires – knowing these will lead to a life fully His and a destiny fully lived.

Live today – one minute at a time, soaking in the sunshine and sounds, the tastes and smells. Breathing in the wonder of what the Holy Spirit is doing this moment, and how it will build from here into eternity.

Live today – thankful for yesterday, excited about tomorrow, but fully engaged in the now. In the chores and the sky and the questions and the people and the pebbles under your feet.

Treasures they are, each and every moment. Treasures to uncover and examine and build upon. Treasures that too often we leave lying on a dusty path as we hurry and clamber towards the next day or month or year.

The foreword for The Imitation of Christ (Thomas A Kempis) says it this way:

“How often do we say, and hear others say: ‘Oh, if only I could have a little peace!’ Perhaps our greatest hindrance to this peace we all desire so much is the constant urge to lift the veil and see what tomorrow will bring. We are surrounded by this attitude; our weather forecasts are all occupied with what is coming next. So we let today’s moments slip by us almost unheeded.”

If you are feeling overwhelmed right now, lost in a sea of noise…… please pause. Take a slow, deep breath and point your thoughts toward Jesus. Let Him separate the precious from the unnecessary. Let His Word strengthen your heart and fill your mind with peace and truth. Then, slowly, intentionally, hold His hand and take but one step. It’s the only one He’s asking of you right now. Take it, savor it, and in that moment be strengthened for the next.

As we walk through 2013, may you and I be intentional about living it. Living it fully in the light of the One who made it. May we embrace each opportunity for laughter, each invitation for adventure, and each tear of healing. May we take each step of forgiveness and engage each lesson of growth. May we savor each of these gifts to the fullest. And in this may we come to know the One who so completely knows us.

“As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge in Him. For who is God except the Lord? Or who is the Rock save our God, the God who girds me with strength and makes my way perfect?

He makes my feet like hinds’ feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high place.” Psalm 18:30-33 AMP

Here’s to 365 days of fullness in Christ.

Amazing things await you!

As a passionate worshiper, Amy Layne Litzelman writes, sings, and teaches biblical truths from a clean, simple, yet profound perspective. Her unyielding focus is to know her Creator intimately – His voice, His movements, His character – and to help others do the same.  She has traveled across the United States and to the Philippines and China to lead worship and share the unrivaled Treasure she has found. Amy released her first book, This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship, in 2011 and has composed over 70 songs and recorded four CDs. She and her husband, Matt, have two adult sons and live in Jackson Hole, WY.”  Her website:  http://www.amylaynelitzelman.com/.