It’s so exciting that we’ve reached another New Year! Before I present a brand new series, I like to leave little nuggets called Along the Way, because along this journey, as we walk out our dreams, dust off the cobwebs on some of the ones stashed away, putting one foot in front of the other,  it is important to stop and make sure we do some things. One of those things is CELEBRATE! You do not have to wait for your Birthday or New Year’s Eve to celebrate. It is important to continually (all year long) celebrate your successes and even your failures.

Often times when we think of celebration, it’s for something we deem big (an anniversary, birthday, holiday launch party, retirement party, etc.), with lots of people and fun décor (balloons, flashing lights, and blaring music). BUT true celebration is not that. It’s a moment you take for yourself to acknowledge that you accomplished something (that is important to you) to get you closer to where you want to go and you refuse to let that moment pass you by. In celebrating yourself, you embrace and believe you are important and guess what? You are! For more, visit my blog.

DAILY DEVOTIONS

Day 1

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness endures forever.” Chronicles 16:34 (Amplified)

Prayer Lord help us not only to enjoy the final destination but the journey in getting there.

Journal Sometimes we find it difficult to celebrate while we are still in the process of achieving. We haven’t reached our goal, but we are getting there. That’s enough to celebrate. Write down what you have achieved while “in process.” (Example: I haven’t lost twenty pounds yet, but I have lost three.)

Day 2

“Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members of one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Chronicles 16:34 (Amplified)

Prayer Help us, in all things, to give thanks to you, God. We have the ability to celebrate because you have given us the ability, favor, and opportunities to fulfill our goals.

Journal Celebrations don’t have to be a grand, big party. You can celebrate in small ways. In what ways can you celebrate without spending tons of money, time and planning? Sometimes a nice, small treat makes all the difference. Make a list of options for yourself.

Day 3

“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.”  Philippians 4:6(Amplified)

Prayer Lord, give us genuine friends to cheer us on- those who will fill us with encouragement. Shed existing friendships rooted in inadequacy, jealousy, and competition.

Journal When we think of celebrations, we often think of crowds of people “cheering our names.” Some accomplishments won’t be recognized by others, but you are more than able to share your good news with a friend or two. Share your accomplishments with those who will rejoice with you. Who are those people in your life?

Day 4

“O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You have healed me.” Psalm 30:2 (Amplified)

Prayer Our declaration rooted in Christ: No matter what, we won’t give up! No matter what, we will not stop!

Journal This week you might have stumbled. You may have had a minor setback. You can’t believe you allowed something/someone to get you off track. As odd as it may sound, celebrate the fact that even so, nothing is going to keep you from moving forward. Write down a commitment to yourself to keep enduring.

Day 5

“And in that day you will say, Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name [in prayer]. Make His deeds known among the peoples [of the earth]; Proclaim [to them] that His name is exalted!” Isaiah 12:4 (Amplified)

Prayer Lord, help us to make room for replenishing ourselves. We cannot replenish ourselves or anyone else if we are empty.

Journal I know your schedule is busy. I know you have an overwhelming list of things to do, but please make the time to celebrate yourself.  Today, write down a new schedule for yourself that includes your celebration.

Day 6

“But [as for me], I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving…” Jonah 2:9 (Amplified)

Prayer Open our ears to hear Your voice. Open our eyes to see You. Let us embrace Your words.

Journal Please write down what stops you from celebrating yourself. Is it guilt or depression? Fear or busyness? Write down God’s response to your reservations. What would He tell you?

Day 7

“In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18 (Amplified)

Prayer Lord, lead us to one person we can celebrate and help them to enjoy the journey in reaching their goals.

Journal Now that you know how important it is to celebrate yourself, who will you now encourage to celebrate themselves?