Skip to main content

A Fresh Start

It's here...the New Year.  Our past lies in the shadows of yesterday and our future lies before us unfolding each new moment.  It's the time for new beginnings...a fresh start...a clean slate.  For most, this thought brings relief, but for some it brings fear.  Fear that this year will slip away as quickly as the last...that moments will fade into memories...people that are dear will be no more...intentions will never become actions and dreams...well... they will remain as nothing more than a dream.  As the Christmas season approached this is where I found myself.  My heart was weary and fearful.  The last few years have been a desert filled with pain, disappointment, loss and loneliness.  Many times I've struggled to trust God, to be grateful for these things, these things that wound so deeply.  Sometimes my prayers have felt as though they bounce off the ceiling and no matter how much I beg or scream He doesn't hear me.  I've been thirsty.

I walked into our meeting that chilly December morning having no idea of what was to come.  Curled in a leather chair I watched for her through the glass pane.  With gooey goodness in hand she stepped out of the car, her radiant smile brought instant joy.  Her announcement came as we stood around chatting, laughing, and filling our plates to the brim with scrumptious treats.  She had a gift for us...a beautiful gift...her voice.  Standing humbly before us she worshipped God in such a raw, pure form...singing one of my favorite songs "Breath of Heaven" I fought back the tears...and my heart overflowed with gratefulness.  What an amazing gift.  Perfect.  Her song, her heart, her words were the reminder I've been so desperately in need of.  All we need to overcome the trials of this life is His grace.

For my family, this Christmas season was bitter-sweet but His grace carried us through.  My dear friend gave something precious to me that day.  I doubt she knew, it would be the light that reminded me of truth on some very dark days.  Thank you, Karla!

Never underestimate the power of encouragement and speaking truth of the hope we have in Jesus.  He is always enough.

I've never been one to have New Year resolutions.  However, I do take time at the close of each year to reflect, reprioritize and set some life goals.  This year - I only have one thing on the list: Be carried by His grace.




Until then...
Jessie
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Invisible Monster

May 23, 2020, I woke to a miracle surrounding a loved one. Later, I sat in the gardens watching butterflies perch upon lavender lilacs while my Sweet Shalom giggled and chased after them. It had been a perfect day. The air was warm, but the skies overcast like a storm was about to roll in.   Life changes quickly...    The message flashed on the screen.        Wait - he's gone? Dear...I don't know what to call you, I've always wondered, with the slamming of the prison door, did you know what your choices would cost your children? Did you care?  My grandpa knew you as a kid. He was your pastor, said your parents were good people. He said you were a good kid too, but somewhere along the journey you lost your way.    You lost your way... and I was one of many that paid for your choices.      One of my last visits with you left me with a shoulder injury. The physical pain is a reminder that children should never have to v...
Post a Comment
Read more

Judgment Loomed

As I exited the door my heart was pierced with their animosity.  Hatred and poison spewed from their lips. The savage mob encircled me with no escape.  Screaming just a breath away from my face.  Shoving with such force I was almost knocked to the ground.  Humiliated.  Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pushed through the violence.  Once inside my car I began to weep.   Even in the present their vile words reel through my mind.  Beads of sweat began to form in my tightly clinched fists.  Squirming in my chair... biting my lower lip as an attempt to hold it together.  Peering above the Pastor's head as though I was looking at him... knowing if I did I would burst into tears.  That was my experience at church this past Sunday.  To my relief the Pastor spoke words of love, life and truth NOT condemnation.  Healing and refreshing. ...
6 comments
Read more

Surprise...Surprise

Wow.  It has been a  VERY  exciting morning!!!  A huge smile spread across my face as I cracked open the barn door and three new babies peeked out to greet me.  Triplets.  Soooo sweet!!  Oh.. baby goats have just stolen my heart... everything about them is pure cuteness.  My stress level has decreased tremendously now that they're all here safely, and Sally is doing great.  We now have 5 babies (4 girls and 1 boy) and two very proud mamas!  Well...three if you count me...  Sally and her kids  Oreo Emma Fudge    Unfortunately, I couldn't spend much time playing with our new additions.  We had an appointment with the  vet so we piled in the car and headed off.  The first round of baby goats needed to be dibudded (have their horns removed) and have the first round of vaccines.  Our trip was not a pleasant experience for me or my poor little goats.  Although t...
6 comments
Read more