Today, as we pass from the old year into the new, may we accept the following advice for a worthy New Year resolution and remember to apply these principles every day of the year:

     Smile at a stranger, listen to someone's heart, 
     hug a loved one.
     Tell someone you are thinking of them. Drop a
     coin where a child can find it. Learn something
     new then teach it to someone else.
     Look a child in the eye and tell them how great
     they are.
     Do not hold a grudge.
     Do not be afraid to say, "I am sorry."
     Look beyond the face of a person into their
     heart.
     Make a promise and keep it.
     Call someone for no other reason than to
     just say "hello."
     Show kindness to an animal. Stand up for
     what you believe in.
     Smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to
     the wind.
     Use all your senses to their fullest. Cherish
     all your todays."²

The present is the only moment we have, so let us choose to live and love like Jesus!  

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for all your blessings this past year. Please help me this coming year to be a reflection of you in all I say and do. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

1. John 13:35 (NIV).
2. Marcella's Inspiring Collection, http://tinyurl.com/w9nb9.

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.