Happen to life by stopping destructive thoughts. When the enemy tries to remind you of past wrongs you have done or have had done to you, recognize his strategy. He is trying to ruin your day. I say to you: "Take charge." Attitude makes all the difference. It bears repeating: "It is not what happens to you that matters, but how you react to it. We still have the choice of our reaction and attitude.

I have good news. This is your year. "All things are possible with God"

(Matthew 19:26). With the "Greater One living in you" (1 John 4:4), the sky is the limit.

You may have made mistakes in 2001. Confess your mistakes to God and move on. He will forgive you. (1 John 1:9) No one is perfect yet, but we are striving toward perfection. We are in the process of being conformed to His image, but we sometimes slip. It is at these times I thank God for His mercy. (Micah 7:18-19).

So we are not looking back. God has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11), and we are looking forward to each new day. Each day brings wonderful surprises.

I challenge you! Before you close your eyes at night, think over your day. You will find many blessings God provided. Taking blessings for granted steals the zest for living.

We have been given a brand new year. What we do with it depends on our attitude. Embrace this new year with gusto. Happen to life! I've discovered three important concepts to help us get a good start for happening to life:

1. Age is not a factor. This is rule number one. Be thankful for whatever age you are and run with it. Many times the youth think they are too young to be useful. Not so! I love their enthusiasm for the Lord.

The youth simply believe God and their prayers are powerful.

Conversely, there are older ones who put themselves down with self-destroying words: "I'm not what I used to be." (With maturity, they are probably better than they used to be and at least, they are growing in the Lord.) I hear: "Those were the good old days." I disagree! No!

These are the good "now days." "This is the day which the Lord hath made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). I believe putting oneself down because of age is an offense to God. "But good people will grow like palm trees; they will be tall like the cedars of Lebanon. Like trees planted in the Temple of the LORD, they will grow strong in the courtyards of our God. When they are old, they will still produce fruit; they will be healthy and fresh. They will say that the LORD is good. He is my Rock, and there is no wrong in him." (Psalm 92:12-15 NCV). "Moses was One hundred twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not weak, and he was still strong"

(Deuteronomy 34:7 NCV).

Some of our great achievements were accomplished by older people. The younger population profits immeasurably by the wisdom and experience of the older populace.

Age is not a factor in happening to life.

2. Do not be ashamed of your imperfections. A cracked and broken pot allows light to shine through. Be a vessel for God by allowing His love and His light to shine through to others. Blessings given away return to you a hundred fold.

What a way to happen to life!

3. Devote yourself to prayer. Jesus is your very best friend. Talk to Him as your friend. Shoot up prayers as though Jesus is right inside of you, which He is if you have made Him Lord. Go together throughout your day. Talk to Him. Praise Him and ask Him to help you. In time, this will be as natural as breathing.