This time of year always brings a sense of excitement and freshness to me. It is an opportunity to access my relationship with God, and, if need be, to renew and strengthen my relationship with Him, to become more intentional in spending time in prayer, study, and meditation. The New Year is also an opportunity for me to access that which is truly most important to me—my family.

A few months ago, a close relative died unexpectedly leaving a tremendous void in our hearts. This experience has given me a heightened awareness of just how precious life is and that it should never be taken for granted. How important it is to give a hug, to say, “I love you,” to stop the business of “life” and become intentional in spending time with those who mean so much to me! Yes, it is a struggle at times to have our priorities in order:

• God first
•  family second
•  job last

 2010 can be a new beginning—a time to renew and strengthen family relationships. What does your family life look like? Where does God fit in the picture?

In Deuteronomy 6:5-9 we are reminded, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses.”

During this week, the Family Ministries Department takes this opportunity to share a daily devotional thought that will encourage you and your family. Take this time of year to appreciate your children and spouse (if you are married) and to thank God for giving you His gift of family.

One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that can be preached"(Adventist Home p.132).

by Jo Dubs, director Georgia-Cumberland Conference Family/Women's Ministries

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Georgia-Cumberland Conference Mission for Kingdom Growth:
Share the everlasting gospel through personal and public evangelism, church planting, small group fellowship, community involvement, and healing the broken by applying media, technology, and talent to reach all in our territory.