Thank you, 2022
Hola Friend,
As we close out 2022 and look forward to 2023, I want to encourage you to reflect on what has gone well in the past year. In what areas of your life have you grown? In what ways have things improved? If you’ve prayed, what prayers have been answered?
Let’s do this now! Close your eyes, take a deep breath and for a few moments think of 3 things that went well this year… Let’s do this again, now think of 3 things that went well this month… And now, think of 3 things that have gone well today..
What was that like for you? Refreshing I hope.
It’s easy for us to quickly forget improvements, answered prayers, and to see the blessings in our lives right now. While we are eagerly waiting for something to change, we see it clearly, pray fervently, and chase after it wholeheartedly, but once that change has happens or that prayer has been answered.. we forget. We receive and think, “ok next!” (guilty️).
We forget to slow down, to be still, and to stop in order to see what is already there.
I don’t want you to miss those moments because those are the very things that will encourage you in times of trouble. When we stop to take this in, we grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually because we see hope at work! Consider what Paul tells us:
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5 (NLT).
So you see, in the stillness and slowing down we can rely on Him, reflect on what has already worked out and strengthened us and what is already there so that we can move forward with confidence. New Years resolution for 2023.. let’s all slow down and reflect often! A dear friend of mine sent me this link: https://www.dayspring.com/yourwordquiz it helps us find our word of the year. Something to focus on. This is helpful in keeping us on track as life gets busy and New Year’s resolutions come full force! My word was “presence.” Let me know what yours is!
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On another note, I want to formally introduce the new member of my team: Mr. Leon Lopez. A toy poodle that will be joining in sessions as he learns to bring joy and comfort to others. He will also have a small part in the newsletters as he shares his Leon-ism’s with our audience.
*If you prefer that he isn’t in sessions, just let me know.
Lastly, if you are in my local area, you are welcome to attend a group I will be leading at First Baptist Pompano. It’s called a Mentally Healthy Faith by Dr. Henry Cloud and starts February 8th at 6:00pm. If you’d like to join, register at fbcpompano.org as soon as possible, you will need the book before the first class, the book costs 5.00.
I want to thank you for being a part of my life and for your trust in my work.
Blessings,
Luz Marina Lopez, LMHC
And…
Leon Lopez, Smile Expert