My pastor presented me with the foundation for a fabulous New Year. His sermon entitled "HAPPY New Year, HAPPY New You!" gave me three instructions for a rewarding 2016. I have not stopped thinking about his sermon. If it impacted me in such a profound way, I decided it was not meant for just me, but that I should share it. So here is what Pastor John Cager of Ward AME Church Los Angeles had to say
He opened with "Who I was doesn't determine who I am to be". This year is going to be a Happy New Year!"
Okay I can chant a mantra this year is going to be a happy new year. This year is going to be a happy new year. This year is going to be a happy new year. Then what? He did not leave me with just the declaration that this year is going to be a happy new year. He provided me with a practical clear three step approach to make that happen.
1. New You, New Relationships. Create a new definition of who you relate to and how you relate to them. Think about the dead beat relationships you may have and you continue to hold on to them because they have always been there taking up most of your energy and sucking the life force out of you. This year direct them to where they can go to get the help they need and if they don't act on it, pray for them and release them. We all have those friends and acquaintance who are always in need and never appear to be growing in any way. With all of the money, patience, and assistance offered, they are always in the same place. You are drained and they are sycophants. It is time to release that energy and find new relationships that are uplifting supportive, and stimulating. These are relationships where both parties are nurtured and not drained.
2. New Expectations. Expect great things to happen. Proclaim that this is the year for great things to happen and then proceed to make them happen . He said "you have to expect blessings to get blessings". What you believe and you proclaim, you will find the way to bring it to fruition. Since Sunday, I have taken steps that are supporting my new expectations. Something so simple can produce powerful results. I loved when Pastor Cager stated enthusiastically that "I am standing on tiptoes in anticipation for what God can bring! " He then quoted one line from the hymn Great is thy Faithfulness, "Morning by morning new mercies I see."
I began this week with some housecleaning. Looking at the people I relate to and how I relate to them. I actually found some folks who had no intention of making any changes and got their satisfaction from being a parasite. Pray and release. My shoulders felt lighter and more relaxed. This allowed me to take the time that was being manipulated to explore my new expectations. The excitement that I experienced with considering what is available for me to make happen in 2016 filled me with ecstasy.
3. New Presentation. He suggested that you hold your shoulders back, hold your head up high and know that everyday should be "a supernatural day if you have faith." I am having a supernatural day as I write this. I believe I have grown 1/2" just with my new presentation. I love it!
In one week since I heard his sermon, I have experienced the rewards of a New Me. I encourage you to look at your relationships and find new relationships for the new you; set your expectations high because if you see it you can attain it and lastly present yourself as the New You with the pride that you have acquired with the knowledge that many supernatural days await you. the supernatural days you will experience.
Thank you Rev John Cager and to think I had to make myself go to church last Sunday. Look what I would have missed.
Here is to you working his three step formula and having a Happy New You