Jesus is calling to us in the new year:

“’I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’” John 10:10

I relish the promise of Jesus’ words: I do not want you to have just an ordinary life – I want you to have an extraordinary and abundant life. That is My dream for you, dear ones.

I think about the dreams and longings we hold in our hearts. God has given each one of us every talent and grace we need to bring those dreams to life. These talents and graces are as unique as our dreams.

The longings of our hearts matter – these are the things that make us come alive. These are the gifts of goodness, from God, that we alone can bring to the world. And some day, the dreams we realize will become our legacy.

Will this be the year we make a dream a reality?

I can remember a time when I was wrestling with change. A dear friend with much faith in God told me, “Do what frightens you. Say your prayers, listen for God, and take a chance with Him.”

That is perhaps some of the best advice I have ever received; so I pass these words along to you.

May this be a year of “abundant” living, with Christ and through Christ, for all of us.

Happy New Year!