Old Year - New Year

Wow! How can it already be the last day of 2015??
I honestly don't think I've ever felt that a year has flown as quickly as this year has, and I know I'm not alone. I've heard many people--even young people--comment that the days seem to fly by.
In my humble opinion, I think the main reason is that many folks--young and old alike--stay super busy these days. Busy schedules combined with all the technology at our fingertips (which can be good but also VERY overwhelming at times) and it seems each day whizzes by.
Since I can't slow down my clock or my calendar, what I can do is make sure I'm living each day to the fullest in the way that God would have me live. As a Christian, I want to live my life in obedience to Him, and doing activities He would have me to do.
As I look back over this "old year" 2015, I am very thankful for my many blessings and the opportunities that the Lord provided for me to serve Him. But as I look ahead to the "new year" 2016 I want to focus even more on looking for daily opportunities to serve the Lord and live for Him. Then I know I truly will be living my life to the fullest!
     So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.   Psalm 90:12

Unsettling Times - - Ultimate Trust

Although I try to stay caught up on major news happenings, there are days that I just really don't want to hear or read anything negative going on in our country or our world. I've heard people comment that watching the television news reports almost sends them into a state of depression. Other people tend to worry more--a lot more. And some folks will plainly state that hearing or reading news reports makes them feel extremely grumpy.
So while I do feel it's important to be aware of what's going on in our world, we do not need to *dwell* on the negative reports (and sadly there are plenty of those). Should we try to insulate ourselves and our families from all the negativity in the world? I don't think that's the answer (nor is it really possible).
If we're not careful, we can allow fear to take over - - especially in these unsettling times. As a Christian, I know without a doubt WHO is in control, and I must remember this. Yes, I need to keep up with news reports (but not go overboard reading every frightening detail), pray about various situations and innocent people who are affected, and most importantly TRUST the Lord in all things. I know that He watches over His sheep, so we need to place our ultimate trust in Him - - ALL the time!
     For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.   II Timothy 1:7