NEW HOPE in a NEW YEAR

It would seem that when January of a new year rolls around we tend to say we're going to do certain things, make changes in our lives, etc. We have good intentions and sometimes can carry it off for a while. Depending on what the "thing" is determines how well and/or how long we can carry it off.
I don't really make "resolutions" but I try to look at the new year with renewed hope and anticipation of things to come, of the things that God is going to do in my life, in my family and in the world around me. In 2009 I started, and completed, a year-long plan for reading through the entire Bible . . . what a rewarding and enriching experience. I started the plan all over again because there is SO MUCH in the Bible that I will NEVER "get" it all and I hope to grow even more by reading through it again. I do the same with the "My Utmost for His Highest" devotional collection written by Oswald Chambers. I have read that each year through and through for many years. I have dog-eared the pages that really impacted me the first time through . . . they still impact me. I still gain insights through those devotional writings.
I look forward to continued work on all the creative projects that I enjoy. I look forward to more time in our mountains this summer; to the commitment that I have with my daughter, Robin, to the breast cancer awareness events that we do every year; to time with my husband, Bill, as we continue to work on our creative projects, do Farmers Market, raise a garden, hang out toether and generally annoy each other as we have lovingly done for 41 years; to time with our son Jeremy and watching him embrace life and people around him as only he can.
I will continue to walk my long power walks . . . I call them "wogs" because they sometimes including some jogging. I will continue to play the piano, to sing, to enjoy my canine companion and friend, Bramble and the comfort of the cozy little house that the Lord has graciously provided us with. I will continue to mow the lawn and let the fragrance of cut grass envelope me; to plant a garden and enjoy the scent of good, ole garden dirt and derive pleasure of having dirt under my fingernails and on my bare feet as I work in my garden and flower beds . . . and then sit on our deck in the evening and relish the clean air, the cool Colorado climate and the gorgeous view of "our" mountains!!!
I will continue to love my Farmgirl Connection farmgirl friends and cherish those friendships . . . and pray for them. I will continue to care for my sister . . . and pray that the Lord will continue to give us the hope that only He can give.
I will continue to find myself on my knees before my Creator, my Shepherd, my Healer, my Comforter, my Provider . . . my Saviour, Lord and King . . . thanking Him!!! Praising Him!!! Loving Him!!!

WORDS OF PROMISE

Another writing from Max Lucado in "Grace For The Moment".

"Every Christmas I read this reminder that came in the mail several years ago:

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.

Christmas cards. Punctuated promises. Phrases filled with the reason we do it all anyway.

He became like us, so we could become like him.

Angels still sing and the star still beckons.

He loves each one of us like there was only one of us to love.

God has given a son to us . . . His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God . . .
Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Excerpted from"When God Whispers Your Name"

THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT!!! THANK FOR THE HOPE WE HAVE!!! THANK YOU FOR OUR FREEDOM!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

Grace Upon Grace

Today's writing from Max Lucado's "Grace for the Moment" devotional book.

"Test this question: What if God's only gift to you were his grace to save you. Would you be content? You beg him to save the life of your child. You plead with him to keep your business afloat. You implore him to remove the cancer from your body. What if his answer is, "My grace is enough." Would you be content?
You see, from heaven's perspective, grace is enough. If God did nothing more than save us from hell, could anyone complain? . . . Having been given eternal life, dare we grumble at an aching body? Having been given heavenly riches, dare we bemoan earthly poverty? . . .
If you have eyes to read these words, hands to hold this book, the means to own this volume, he has already given you grace upon grace."

Philippians 4:11 "I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything
that happens".

This is also excerpted from his book "In The Grip of Grace".

WOW!!! Does this make you think!! It certainly hit home with me!! I pray that I can be content!!

I PRAY FOR YOU . . .

Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your hearts
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
and love to complete your life.
I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray, to guide you and protect you as you go along your way. His love is always with you, His promises are true, you know He will see us through, So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best . . . GOD WILL DO THE REST!!!

Thanksgiving Thoughts - God's Alphabet

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
eXalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but
Zion waits in glory . . .where none are ever sad!!!

Time to Reflect

I have journaled for years . . . it is a place to express and speak my heart and thoughts.

Just recently I have started making short, daily entries about one thing I am grateful for that day. This has also provided a time for me to really reflect on the past, the present and the future. It has also provided opportunity for me to spend time with the Lord, to pray . . . to intercede . . . to praise Him and to thank Him!!!

GRATITUDE

We get so caught up in the challenges of life, which include all the struggles, stresses and difficulties, that we forget to actually look at what we have to be grateful for!!!
Certain aspects of my life are difficult, frustrating and discouraging. But I'm trying to focus more and more on what I have to be grateful for. I have a job!!! I have a home that's paid for!! I have a husband who loves me, sticks by me and puts up with my idiosyncracies!! I am able to pay my bills, we are out of debt and are able to eat and take care of necessities.
We have good health with hardly any illnesses. We have some very close, dear friends we can count on! We have the BEST neighbors!!! We have the hope of our eternal home in heaven and can claim the heritage of being CHILDREN OF THE KING!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!