From the Parish...

At the time of writing it is not far into the New Year; the first week in fact. How are those New Year's resolutions doing?

It seems that so often we set ourselves up to fail at the start of every year because we set ourselves resolutions that are just unrealistic. Well - that's certainly been true of me. This is because we focus on what we 'resolve' to do or not do, instead of focusing on the underlying reasons as to why we do or don't do the very things we are resolving to change in the first place.

Asking of ourselves 'why' we do or don't do what we are resolving to change, and truly understanding why, is an essential element of making changes in our lives that 'stick'. So getting to know ourselves is really important; understanding why we do what we do and think in the way we do are the first steps that can lead onto meaningful changes.

And how do we do this? A good place to start is to just watch and observe our behaviour and trying to do that without judgement. Psalm 16 is really helpful. The Psalms are so 'real' in their description of what life is about. They also make clear that we are so loved by God, that He helps us change with all the patience and love we would expect. He whispers truth into our hearts, counsels us with wisdom and stands resolutely alongside us as we grow into being the people that he's created us to be. Psalm 16:7-8 describe it perfectly:

"I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken".

As we observe ourselves, standing in faith on the solid ground of God's love for us in Jesus, so it becomes easier to open our hearts up to His transforming love, counsel and instruction.

Whatever your resolutions, may 2012 bring you God's blessing and heart's desires to you and all those you love, and if it's not too late on this year to say this: Happy New Year

With warmest best wishes from the vicarage.

Congratulations Richard & Shelly 21 January 2012