"The Future Starts TODAY, Not Tomorrow" - Pope John Paul II

I wonder how many of us still make personal New Year resolutions. However, as the years resolutely marches on, I find that many of my friends and I are no longer focussed on "ME" as we were in our younger days but on what we can contribute to our world. 

MAHATMA GANDHI

I have always been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's well-known  quote - "We must become the change we want to see in the world."  After all, what is the point of sitting around being pessimistic, blaming others and doing nothing ourselves? I have always felt strongly when I hear people say this - it just seems such a negative perspective towards a life we can choose to live to the full! Well, I have been blessed because I have friends and met people who are passionately doing their best to make our world a better place. They may not be world renowned  nor will they become well-known. What really matters is that they have responded fully to God's Call for their life's mission.

One thing I have personally learnt and heard from friends - for those who are faithful to their mission - regardless of trials and tribulations that come their way, they find an inner strength and  perseverance that our Lord gives them to carry on and they are more joyful people. What they have often shared is that it is in these times that they felt Jesus so close to them - and they feel His Infinite Love & Peace. That is exactly  what St. Paul shared so articulately in the following bible verses:

"Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away. But his answer was:"My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

(2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

BLESSED MOTHER TERESA

My prayer this New Year is that each of us will be Christ's Light to the world. Our faith and our commitment to God should not be part-time or to be one that we take a break from. It should be a "burning fire of love" within us - a love and commitment to Jesus we will NEVER put aside! Let us live as Blessed Mother Teresa, who said with holy wisdom, "I do not pray for success. I ask for faithfulness." This should be the prayer of our hearts. 

I would like to share a YouTube music video I prepared as a little New Year gift to all my friends  - of a song that ALWAYS perks up my spirit and revitalizes my passion - "Go Light Your World" sung by Chris Rice. I have also included pictures of past New Year memories here in Divine and of some special retreats.

Let us heed the call of Pope John Paul II of blessed memory:-

"The future starts TODAY, not tomorrow."

Have A Blessed & Glorious New Year 2012...