Despite being the dead of winter, January is one of my favorite months. The year lies before me as wide open as the creamy pages of my new calendar. My imagination is free to run wild. The air is full of newness, excitement, and possibilities.

I think one reason new beginnings are so exciting is that they often carry an element of creation:

I’m beginning a new course of study = I’m creating a new path in life.
I’m beginning a new exercise routine = I’m creating a healthier body.
I’m starting a family = I’m creating new life.
I’m starting a business = I’m creating new products or services.
I’m making new friends = I’m creating new connections.

January beckons to our creative nature—the creativeness that was given to us when, way back at the beginning of time, God made us in His image. While gearing up for the New Year, I spent some time reflecting on this most wonderful, creative beginning of all, and I noticed three principles that can help us get our year off to a great start.

In the beginning:

1. God had a vision. In Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let us make man in our image.” (Emphasis added.) God had a picture in mind of what He wanted to create. He knew what characteristics He wanted His creation to have; He knew He wanted His creation to look like Him.

What are your dreams for 2019? What vision do you have? Can you articulate clearly what it is you want to see happen? What goals do you want to accomplish? Who do you want to impact and how do you want to do it? The more concrete our vision is the more likely we are to attain it.

2. God used words. “God said ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). (Emphasis added.)

In speaking of God’s creation of the world, David said, “He spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm” (Psalm 33:9 NIV).

God’s words have creative power, and so do ours. This applies to our spoken and written words as well as our thoughts. What words are you using when you think of 2019? What words describe your vision? Are you making positive declarations about what you want to see happen? Are you writing them down so you can reflect on them and be reminded of your goals as the weeks progress?

3. God created in community. Let’s look again at Genesis 1: 26 (NIV): “God said ‘Let us make mankind in our image.’” (Emphasis added.) This time, notice the us and our. The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit were working together to form our world. They created in community. Who will you co-labor with in 2019? Who will be part of helping you reach your goals? Who might you turn to for encouragement or support as you move forward into what God has called you to this year?

I think the beginning of a new year gives us a tiny taste of the exaltation God surely felt at the beginning of time as the possibilities of His creation lay fresh before Him.

Do you feel that sense of anticipation? Are you ready to accept the invitation to take part in creating an amazing new chapter in your life this year? Are you ready for new experiences with friends and family? New adventures, new ideas, and new projects? New growth and new understanding of our amazing God?

I encourage you to take some time reflecting on your vision for the year, the words you want to use to express it, and who you’ll partner with. Just imagine how exciting it will be in a year’s time to look back on all that you and God have accomplished together!

With love,

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I want to hear from you!

Do you find that the start of a new year sparks your creative side? What do you hope to see happen in 2019? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

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P.S.

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