Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Looking back and looking ahead

Is it just me or has 2009 came and gone in the blink of an eye? For some reason its hard to believe that soon we will be moving into another year.

So much to look back on and reflect on. Some happy some sad...either way it now transitions into what was with the hope of what will be.

I look back on this year and consider myself blessed. I have smiled, laughed, cried and spurted tears of joy. I have held onto old friends and made some new. I have learned much even though I wish I would have learned some more. I have let go of some things and held onto others. I have wrestled with fears of the unknown but also in the end I have learned to give things over to God.

When I was growing up it would have been hard for me to imagine that I would have the opportunity to have an online journal of sorts. A place where I could go and pound out my feelings, my fears , my joys and my wishes. I would have thought you were crazy if you would have told me that I would have the opportunity to meet some really amazing and supportive people. People who let you vent and then offer their two cents and words of encouragement to help you work out what you are working through. When you think about it its amazing. God can even use the internet to bring people together and help them on this journey we call life.

I feel honored to be able to visit their blogs and see the world through their eyes. To be able to look at things from a fresh new perspective but most of all to make me think and grow. To be able to pray for them when they are going through troubled times and to know that if I asked them..they would do the same for me. God is good.

Normally when the New Year approaches, I make a few resolutions that I know in the end I will not have the will power to complete. The one thing I really wish I would have stuck to was reading the Bible through this year. I did great until about March and then time and other things got in the way. Not something I am proud of at all. I am happy that I have the opportunity to try again in 2010 and look forward to sticking with it and letting God show me some amazing things as I travel through His Word. Prayers would be much appreciated!

As 2010 approaches Ann suggests naming the year. After much pondering I have decided that 2010 will be "The Year of Renewal" for me. Renewing my mind with His Word and soaking as much of Him in as I can so that it changes me from the inside out. I want this next year to be less of me and more of Him. Honestly, I can't wait to get started!

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Monday, December 28, 2009

Hard to Believe

I must say that this Christmas was one of the best Christmas's I remember having as an adult. This year we toned everything down to try and focus on the things that really matter. To try and focus on the one true gift in our lives. I did so much better this year...less worry...less stress and to be honest...I am a little disappointed that the celebration is over. Hubby and I made most of our gifts this year and it seemed to be a hit. Now the rest of our family thinks that should be the case from now on.....something homeade instead of stressing about what to buy and how much to spend. It really was a wonderful peaceful Christmas....

Its funny how things start going back to what the world considers normal. Christmas is nothing more than happy memories tucked inside my heart and mind right now. Monday meant back to work and back to reality after a nice long weekend filled with friends and family and lots of fun.
No more Merry Christmas's in passing...no more smiles and holiday hugs. All these seemed to have been replaced with those scurrying around scarfing up the after Christmas sales or exchanging gifts that don't fit or things they will never use. Everyone seems to fall right back into the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Going from one thing to the next..then the next...then the next. Many people are tearing down the seasons decorations and moving on to the next big thing.

I don't want it to end. I don't want the feeling of joy and peace that envelope me at Christmas to end or go away. The good news is it doesn't have to. I can still enjoy the Gift that keeps on giving. He is one thing that won't be boxed up and put away until next year. In fact, I want to unwrap Him again and again...each and every day. Everyday for the rest of this year and everyday of the new year.

Sometimes its hard to believe that God loves me enough to have sent the Ultimate Gift. One that never becomes outdated or broken. Its new everyday...and that is a beautiful thing!

"For God so loved the World that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16




Monday, December 7, 2009

A shoulder to lean on...

I read this little tidbit from Patsy Clairmont today:


"I can imagine Elizabeth, soon-to-be mom of John the baptist, drawing Mary, soon-to-be mother of Jesus, onto her aging shoulder. Two women, the old and the young, embracing in mutual identification. Two women seeking solace in each others company. Two women honorably connecting to one another. Sisters of divine circumstance shouldering the future of humanity."
I cannot imagine the fear and the uncertainty that they faced alone. But God was so good to them by giving them each other to help each other through a scary and uncertain time. God was good then.....and He still is. He still places people in our paths to help us through rough patches.
Thank you, Lord.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Well let me correct myself and say....

"I love this time of year until I am down to the wire and running out of gift ideas and then I just freak out!"

However, this year is different. We are making a change. I refuse to let the commercialization of Christmas get to me. This year its not about gifts...its about "The Gift". Purposely making time to reflect on the real reason why we celebrate this holiday. And for the first time in a long time...I couldn't be any more excited.

Simplify is my new favorite word, but more than that I love the peace that envelopes me when I say or hear that word. Simplify. Dear hubby and I are making most of our gifts this year....giving up crowded stores and snippy shoppers for a quiet night at home working in the wood shop or painting in the craft room. The receivers are getting more than a hand painted sign or a keepsake box they are being prayed for. With a stroke of the ole' paintbrush a prayer of thanksgiving for them is being lifted. Thanking God for their presence in our life. Asking God to bless them and their family and friends. Asking God to use them in mighty ways.

I pray that this is the gift that keeps giving throughout the year...not just at Christmas. He is "The Gift" that keeps on giving and how can anyone top that? You can't! I am just so glad it didn't take me until Christmas to remember that this year... :)

May you find peace in the simple everyday things this Christmas season!

Blessings,