Very few people can live in isolation. We generally do better when we have people around to talk to, share stories with, and support us. I feel this is especially true when it comes to faith and religion. Here, I will attempt to share my thoughts and reflect on my spiritual journey -- I know this will further strengthen my faith, and I hope this will positively influence yours as well.  - CradleCatholic2.0

Happy New Year!

by CradleCatholic2.0

For many of us, January is the time to make a new start, to improving a part of how we live, to make some resolutions. So for all those promises we put off these past few weeks ("I'll eat those extra cookies and pies because New Year's isn't for a few more weeks"), the time has come for us to commit. What will it be for this year? Is it to save money? Eat healthier? Learn a new skill? Improve a relationship?

Those of us who are repeat resolution-makers know that it's very hard to keep these promises. While they are legitimate goals, sometimes we make these declarations that we would do X by Y but we don't develop a plan on how to actually achieve the goals. And it takes weeks for our brains to get used to something so it becomes a habit. How many of us give up before we form those new habits? Wouldn't it be great if we had a partner who was always here who can encourage us, support us, and steer us toward achieving our resolutions?

Lucky for us, we do have someone who's constantly here: God. We can reach him through prayer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from wherever we are. In praying to God, we can find the perseverance to stay on track with our resolutions. We also have Mary, the Mother of God, and the Communion of Saints on standby to intercede on behalf of us, if we ask. We don't have to do fancy prayers. What's important is that you humble yourself before God, let him know that for you to succeed in your resolutions, that you need him.

So, when things are going well and you're on track to achieving your New Year goals, praise God and thank him. When things are dicey or in times when you need more support, ask God for help. May your 2017 be a successful one.