What's in a New Year?

well, the truth is, none of us know. when i look back at 2006, there are so many things now past, that i did not see coming. my father is in oklahoma and in many ways, totally dependent on our care. we are empty nesters. i knew the day would come,but it did come too quickly.
good things are coming in 2007. mom is retiring and thank you God, financially stable and healthy. there will be a marriage soon and a new baby to celebrate. maybe even more than one. my generation of cousins are all married now with this last one. in the same year i will see 24 years of marriage, she will see her first. and the circle continues...
so seize the day, hold tighly to love and to those you love. release the hard things you have held to long. I'm declaring a year of jubilee!! Join me in the celebration of all life holds and praise God for his presence that brings joy, hope, love, peace, forgiveness and healing.
Happy New Year, World! God loves you!

Although it's been said....

Merry Christmas! Yes I said Merry CHRISTmas!! No happy holidays here...hmmmm...well you know what I mean!

As I reflect on the year past it is once again overwhelming and humbling to see the hand of God so very present over our lives. From little things to very big things, He has walked each step of the way with us and I am grateful.

So I will celebrate His birthday with all that is in me. His birthday, and yet I receive all the gifts. Who would want to turn down an offer like that?

So, I'm offering this simple phrase, to kids from 1 to 92. Although it's been said many times, many ways...Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to you.

peace.

C. S. Lewis says...

"I do not doubt that God wants the best for me. My only concern is how painful that 'best' will prove to be."

In recent days, I am holding on to this thought. Romans 12:12 says "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer."

Why would we need to be patient in affliction if we aren't afflicted? I think we're being encouraged to not be concerned about how painful God's best will be but to just be aware that God's best is sometimes painful.

But He also tells us in Hebrews 12:23-25 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the day approaching."

So let's hang on together. Being joyful and patient and faithful! God is at work on our behalf and He loves us!!

peace

inner pieces?

i've discovered something recently. it's really not brain surgery, but it was a paradigm shift for me. anger and frustration disturbed my inner pieces which in turn leaves me no inner peace. i know, it should be obvious. the Bible has been telling me this my whole life. bumper stickers have touted it for years. but it takes the inner knowing all for myself to really, truly let it sink in.

you see, i work in a frustrating place with insecure people and it has been taking quite a toll on me. i lived in a constant state of wound up and i'm not really a wound up kind of gal. it finally occurred to me that i could unwind. i didn't have to fix it, control it, excuse it, accept it or like it. i could be calm, gracious, firm and at peace regardless. AND i've decided i like it when my inner pieces are at peace. it works for me. i'm better here.

so i'll "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer." romans 12:12. and my inner pieces will rest in peace.

peace to your inner pieces too!