The first word that comes to mind when I think of 2016 is YIKES. Not only has it been a painful year to survive generally, it also has been a challenge to overcome personally. However, without a lack of celebration, 2016 has finally come to an end and 2017 has begun! One question keeps drifting through my head though. How can I make 2017 stink less than last year?

The answer: Follow God. These two words have the ability to change everything.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Galations 5:22-23. It states "The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NLT)"

Imagine a world filled with all of those words instead of our current world, which is filled with hatred, racism, destruction, greed, and division. Imagine a world where women complimented each other and built each other up instead of the current one filled with backstabbing and fake niceness. Imagine a world where people help each other in times of need instead of passing judgement for not being perfect.

When we follow God, the fruits mentioned in the above verses begin to grow into who we are and pushes out the negativity and unappealing qualities. And that is how we create a better 2017. Fill ourselves so high with love and joy and kindness and generosity that it overflows and fills the world and covers up all the terrible things out there.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend upon your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. " -Proverbs 3:5-6

Follow Christ and seek Him and He will lead you to a better 2017. Hopefully one without any crazy and creepy clowns!