December 29, 2015 11 a.m.

Dear God,

It’s a new day and it’s about to be a new year. 2015 has certainly been a roller coaster of a year. The ups have been slow coming, but worth the climb with breathtaking views from the top, while the downs have just been breath-taking. Literally. Off the top-rung of the ladder, flat of your back, all the wind in your lungs violently forced into the atmosphere breath-taking.

However, today, as I sit quietly and reflect on all that has happened in the last 363 days, I don’t want to complain; I don’t want to lament or languish. Instead, I want to offer up praises of thanksgiving to You, our Father in Heaven. Thank you for the breathtaking highlights, most especially the union of my baby girl—one of the godliest women I know—to a man who also loves You unequivocally and unapologetically. What a beautiful, God-inspired life lies ahead for them and the new family their marriage has created.

As for 2016, I don’t know what it holds. I do know there is some baggage that I have no choice, but to lug into the new year, but I also know with everything that I am that You will be with me through every single moment, celebrating the highlights with me and molding me throughout the low points, using what may appear to the naked eye as bad to make something for my own good and Your own glory. You promise that to all of us who love You and I do love You!

Today, Lord, I just want to praise You for all that You are. I want to thank you for being an unyielding Father who I know that I can trust. Please help me to always remain aware of Your Presence…in the good and the bad. I pray continued blessings over my baby girl and new son-in-law and I ask that you give healing to those of my friends and loved ones that need it, myself included. You know the needs. Help us to not fear the tests nor any diagnoses that might be forthcoming, but instead to keep our eyes and ears tuned to You as You have—and have always had –every single detail under Your control.

Thank you, Lord. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Help me to continue to walk into my purpose and Your will and please continue to shine down upon me with favor as I now lay down the burdens and hurts of 2015. With You by my side, 2016 will have no choice but to be epic.

I love you, Lord. Amen and Ehmen.