Behold -- All Things Are Made New!

A new year is headed this way. 2014 awaits us on the horizon. A new day will be dawning soon.

Once again, we are afforded a fresh page, a clean slate on which to partner with God in writing the next chapter of our life stories.

As 2013 draws to a close, I have a lot to think about. Past regrets. Present concerns. Future hopes.

And questions. Always lots of questions.

How will I spend this upcoming year? What will I be doing?  

Will I continue to remain cancer free? 

Will our family still be living here on the East Coast, or will we finally make the much talked about, much anticipated move down South? 

Will I find a new church home?  

Will my son still be working at the same place, and which college will my daughter choose (or which will choose her)?

Will my husband opt for another spinal surgery or continue living daily with his intense back and neck pain?

Will our much loved Doberman Pinscher, Casey, make it to the Big ‘14’ this year?

And where will I be doing our laundry in the coming days? (yes, folks...our washer j-u-s-t breathed its last watery breath TODAY. As in one hour ago. Booyah!)

God says He knows the plans He has for us -- but what are they? I haven't a clue, and I'm fairly certain that you don't either (and truth be told, maybe it's better that way).

So, as 2014 prepares to make its grand entrance, it's a given that there will be changes. Large and small. Some changes will be welcome; some not so welcome.

But they will come, as we all wait expectantly on the cusp, holding our collective breaths.  

I invite you to join me as we leave the past behind and step into a brand, new future, bright with promise and hope. 

Always hope. 

And in case I don't have a chance later,  I'd like to take a moment right now to wish each and every one of you, dear readers, a very happy, healthy and blessed new year!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

~Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

Live Your Life

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). ~ Jesus (John 10:10, Amplified Bible)

Don't remain in the past, bound by memories, held captive by things you did, but shouldn't have or by things you didn't do, but should have.  You can't carry what was along with what is -- your Father God did not create nor equip you to do so. Remember and learn from the past, but don't live in it. Live life in the here and now.  Savor each day, each moment, as you would a fine, choice wine; a tender piece of filet mignon or an exquisite piece of rich, dark chocolate. Don't rush through it in a blur, but walk slowly, patiently and purposefully along the path that your Lord God walks with you, being attentive to His Presence and to each detail along the way.

Breathe in every scent; listen closely to each sound; be mindful of the scenery that surrounds you, no matter where you find yourself, and seek the beauty in it.  Feel the sun's warmth and the wind's coolness against your skin; the rain on your face, the snow on your tongue. Take off your shoes and dance, feeling the softness or hardness of the ground against your bare feet. Delight in the pure, simple pleasures and the joyful times that are gifts from your Father.  Learn and gain strength from the seasons of trials and sufferings that He also allows in your life.

Change is imminent.  Keep an eye towards the future and be ready for it, knowing that your precious Lord, Who is your Shepherd, is with you, holding onto your hand, leading you and guiding you. 

It's your moment, your day, your life.  Live it to the fullest, remaining open and ready to receive whatever He has in store for you.

This is your time,

This is your dance

Live every moment

Leave nothing to chance;

Swim in the sea,

Drink of the deep

Embrace the mystery of all you can be

This is your time. ~ This Is Your Time, by Michael W. Smith