It’s a new year, which means a new start; new beginnings; a blank canvas. 

“I don’t know, Aunt Bubba. Last year was a pretty crappy year and I don’t see 2018 being much better.”

The most important thing to remember about last year…it was last year. You can’t do anything about what happened, but what you can do is take the necessary steps to make 2018 better.

Let’s start by looking at a few things:

You have a good job. √

You’re healthy. √

You have a roof over your head and food on the table. √

Even after covering the basics…do you STILL feel like something is missing from your life?

Just over five years ago, I found myself in a not so happy place spiritually and emotionally. I felt like something was missing but couldn’t put my finger on it. One day, after a conversation with a coworker of mine, I finally figured out what I was missing — a relationship with God.

“Great…you’re talking about God again. That’s NOT what I need to hear right now, Aunt Bubba.”

I know what you’re thinking…I’m going to try to FORCE YOU to have a relationship with God, to start going to church, to start — praying.

WRONG!

These aren’t things I can force you to do. I understand that not everyone believes in the same things I believe in. A relationship with God isn’t for everyone.

What I will ask you to do is this — be open-minded to something new.

For me, talking about God made me extremely uncomfortable. I think part of me felt ashamed and undeserving of forgiveness while the other part had a lot to learn about God and the Bible.

Now that I’m several years into a relationship with God, I have this sense of peace I get when I turn to Him. I trust Him enough now to know he has prosperous plans for me. He has these same plans for you if you decide you’re ready to have a relationship with Him.

If you’ve thought about ways to get connected to God this year, here are a few thing you can do:

1. Read the Bible your grandma gave you when you were in the 3rd grade. It’s more than likely the King James Version, so if it doesn’t speak to you, there are more translations of the Bible that are easier to read and understand. My personal favorites are New Living Translation and New International Version.

2. Take a walk outside (just maybe not today since the wind chill is -24 degrees). Connecting to God with nature is a unique way to say “thank you” for everything He has blessed us with.

3. Go to church. There are so many different types of churches out there – some with bands, some with Hymnals. Go find one that works for you and get involved. Some even have services on Saturday nights to you don’t have to get up early on a Sunday morning. No excuses!

4. Practice the Sabbath. Take a day of rest. It doesn’t necessarily have to be on a Sunday, but I encourage you to take a day off from doing chores, working, etc. Relax. Spend some time alone with God if you can (maybe this is a day you can take a walk).

5. Slow down and learn to say no more. Are you guilty of saying yes to anyone who asks for help? You’re a good person, but you need to learn to say no occasionally. It’s OK to say no. You need to focus on you. If your friend doesn’t understand that, find a new friend.

6. Meditate or practice solitude. This doesn’t work for everyone, but taking time in a quiet place is a nice way to connect to God. If you fall asleep, that’s ok, too! Just think of it as God telling you to rest!

7. Focus on gratitude. I know lots of people who have a gratitude journal. Nothing fancy, just a notebook where every day they write down what their grateful for (today I’m grateful for heat and hot coffee. Did I mention the wind chill here?).

8. Honor your body. In 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, it tells us to avoid sexual sin and treat your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. This also includes overindulgence in food. Thanksgiving and Christmas is over, friends. It’s time to get back on the wagon with proper diet and exercise. Cake doesn’t count, even thought it has milk and eggs in it.

9. Don’t want to read the Bible? Try a daily devotional. My favorite is anything from Sarah Young, specifically Jesus Calling and Jesus Always. Every morning, I read these two devotionals to jump-start my day. If there’s a piece of scripture or something she says that jumps out at me, I write it down in a journal.

10. Pray by yourself or with someone. This is one of the hardest things to do, in my opinion. When I first started praying, I wasn’t sure what to say. I even felt silly at times. The great thing about praying to God…He could care less what you say to him when you pray or how to present your prayers. If you want some help, follow ACTS.

11. Listen to some Christian music. One of the main ways I feel connected to God is through music. K-LOVE is one of my favorite radio stations to have on in the car. I also have SiriusXM satellite radio. The Message is the channel I like to listen to. Some of my favorite Christian artists are Mandisa, Matthew West, Casting Crowns, Third Day, Laura Story, Kari Jobe, Francesca Battistelli, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin…want me to keep going? Plug any of those artists into a Pandora channel — you won’t be disappointed. Maybe you’ll hear a song that inspires you.

Well friends, I hope these tips help you get connected to God in the new year. A relationship with God can offer so many wonderful things if you’re willing to open up your heart and mind to what He has to teach you. If you want to talk more, shoot me an email (dearauntbubba@gmail.com).

Happy New Year!

Aunt Bubba