A New Year's Benediction
May the coming year be one of increased riches of grace—hearing His voice more clearly, knowing His heart more deeply, resting in His love more fully, trusting His care more completely, walking His pathway more peacefully, knowing His presence more intimately, blessed by His goodness more abundantly.
And in all things, may you know the shalom peace of God—encouraging you to move forward, empowering you to boldly take each step, greeting you as you turn a new corner, calming your heartbeat as you walk through dark valleys, softening each footstep as you climb rugged mountains, and increasing your courage as you follow your Shepherd wherever He leads.
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. Psalm 65:11-12 NLT
Devotional writing by Roy Lessin, from his blog: Meet Me In The Meadow.

When I was young, sometimes I got impatient with my mum and would answer her back. She would look at me sadly and say "wait till you become a mum" Little did I know what she really meant. I certainly do now. We love our children so much, we want the best for them. Even willingly give our lives for them. This makes me understand God's love for us. His love is so much way more than I can ever feel for my children but it does give you some idea. No matter what our children do, we will love them. The drug addict on the street, the prostitute at the corner and even the man on death row waiting for his sentence has a mother out there. She cries for him or her, prays and does everything in her power to help them. Even though our children do not appreciate the many sacrifices we made so willingly, do not see our pain when they hurt us with their harsh words and defiant ways, we still love them. Our arms constantly remain open, waiting to draw them close to us. That is a picture I see of Jesus on the cross, his arms wide open, in pain, waiting to draw us in.
Young people today have such a big struggle; to stand apart and upkeep the morals and values you have been taught or fall in with crowd and "be" one of them. Its a real struggle for them and parents you got to keep praying for them and never give up. You have to intercede for them. In the last days the Devourer searches for what he can kill and destroy and he starts with the family and our children. Don't let him. Fight that battle for your children. The victory is ours.

I see the road you choose and my heart breaks for you. I which I could take away all your pain, your sadness. I feel you hurt inside. So many times I which I could just gather you in my arms and never let you go. Sometimes I see your anger at me. Yes I failed you. I know that. I hope that one day you can forgive me. I have surrendered you to your heavenly Father and I know that is the best place you can be, under the shadow of his wings.

The Lord bless and keep you and he has always kept you.

The Lord smiles upon you and he has gifted you.

The Lord has surrounded you with his favor and given you his Shalom.

Shalom means completeness in your spirit, mind and body!

And he has place his name upon you. The name of Jesus!

At the name of Jesus every knee must bow and every tongue must confess to that name

And that Name he has place upon you.

You wil walk in the authority and Favor of God!

In the Name of Yeshua, in Jesus Name!