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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
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