11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 (KJV)
 
     Recently, in anticipation of the new year, I have been thinking about how this year has been and what I hope for in the new year.  I have been thinking about goals, plans, and dreams. 
     I have thought about it and have come up with a list of personal goals and a list of business goals for DUO Inspirations for the coming year.  I have great desires, big dreams, and precious thoughts about how I would like my life to go. 
     Yet, I know that it isn’t my plans and my goals that are important, but the plans of my Heavenly Father.  So, I consulted my Holy Bible and Googled “KJV verses about God’s plan” and came up with Jeremiah 29:11-14 as my guiding quote for making plans.
     The words in Jeremiah 29:11-14 comfort me.  It is so nice to know and feel that God wants what is best for me.  I knew it before, but we do need reminding at times.  What is more, God doesn’t dictate what we want to do as long as it follows a path to Him.  We are called to have our own thoughts and to turn to God for help and wisdom, and He will direct us.  God doesn’t leave us alone to figure it out and do it all ourselves.  He is with us!  (Doesn’t that sound like the parent, friend, teacher, mentor, and minister… we all hope for?  Good news!  We have it in God all day every day!)
    
*     Please feel free to share your goals for the new year and/or the verses which you use as a guide when you are making plans.

Dear Family, Friends, and Readers,
 
     Many of you who know me, know that I have felt broken, insecure, and not overly healthy or happy in life.  I try to do what is right, but usually end up getting stuck and giving up or making a mess of things.  My heart is in the right place, yet it just doesn’t seem to work out.  Have you ever felt like this?
     Anyway, I am asking for your prayers today.  I have prayed that God help me find success in 2017 and that He use me to help others.  I have prayed to be able to have a purpose and to make a difference.
     The good news is that I believe God is answering my prayers.  I feel like 2017 is going to be a great year.  However, I feel like such an infant in this new journey.  I feel like my faith is small, my knowledge is small, and my ability is small.  But, I feel like God has a plan for me and He is working in my life right now.
     So, why am I writing this post?  What can you do?  The biggest and most important thing you can do is pray for me.  I don’t know God’s plan, so I can’t say what I really need specifically.  I feel like I need to prepare for His plan though.  I have started praying that God prepare me for what is to come.  I have asked Him to open my heart and my mind as well as give me the strength, courage, and ability to be able to do what He wants me to do.  I pray that I will faithfully step outside of my comfort zone and follow God’s call.  Please join me.
     I am asking for your prayers, inspiration, encouragement, wisdom, motivation, and support.  I know God will choose some of you to use in relaying messages to me.  I know that whatever you give to me to further God’s plan will really be Him working through you.  And, I welcome whatever you and He has to share.  Thank you.  And, God bless.  <3