An Entire Year of Awesomeness Awaits Us

Day 1 of  Photo Inspirations -- An Entire Year of Awesomeness Awaits Us
A happy and blessed 2015 is my prayer for all of my FB friends today!   Being with my  two youngest grandsons made New Year's Eve so special.  We had lots of fun making videos (or should I say, Brennan made videos).

The day before, we "undressed" the Christmas tree, but yesterday we made lots of homemade ornaments for next year's tree, and dressed this tree up again.  We had a plan for New Year's Eve.

The boys popped little fire-crackers, we wore our Happy New Year hats and blew the horns,

we toasted each other with Sprite, we watched the giant ball of sparkles descend in Times Square, we had lots of goodies to eat, a cute movie to watch, got to Skype with the boys' Mommy & Daddy, and we prayed the New Year in together, and I stole some kisses from my boys.

Now, an entire year of awesomeness awaits us.  The squares on our 2015 calendars are blank, but very soon those squares will be filled with lots of activities, events, ceremonies, birthdays, anniversaries and lots of opportunities for lexperiencing a year of great conquests, victories, and adventures.

There's something quite exciting about a clean slate, starting fresh, opportunities for "do-overs".  We'll set new goals, resolutions, and hope for some major life-changes.

Each new day in our new year will be as fresh and white as new snow.  Each and every day starts with God's fresh mercy and new grace.  And those new days don't come in with the fanfare of this 1st day of the year.  Typically, our days dawn quietly and peacefully -- a sunrise introduces us to our new day, and reminds us that God has given us another day to make a difference in our world..  We'll hear birds chirping, which makes us very aware of God's care for them -- and how much more does He care for us?  

We don't know what tomorrow holds -- or this year holds -- but one thing we do know -- HE KNOWS and HE holds our tomorrows and, better yet, He holds our hands and is with us through them all.  Our future is so bright. Let's purpose to wake each day to the prospects of what each day will hold by Him Who knows everything about everything -- and with that kind of ADVISOR -- if we pay close attention -- He'll guide us into making 2015 to be our best, most blessed year EVER!
#HappyNewYear

Happy New Year's Eve! 2015 is Almost Here!

This was the headline from Sydney, Australia at their midnight this morning:  "Kiss 2014 goodbye! Sydney kicks off New Year celebrations with seven tonnes of fireworks in spectacular display over Harbour Bridgen."

But it's still New Year's Eve to us in North America -- and my celebration, tonight, will include my little grandsons who will be nestled in bed, long before the new year rolls in.  It's been this way for 14 years -- peaceful and quiet New Year's Eve -- as we were always the "on duty" Papa and Nana on New Year's Eve with our grandsons.  We always loved it because we were able to peacefully and intimately hold each other, praise God, and truly be grateful for another year gone, and optimistic and hopeful for the new and great opportunities to come in our new year.  For the last 4 years, it's been just me and God -- but what a twosome we make.  He who understands my yesterdays, and holds my tomorrows.  The PERFECT match!  

In Times Square, tonight, there will be thousands of people bundled up in freezing New York weather to witness a few short seconds when the descending ball of light announces the arrival of 2015.  Those hardy people will endure the freezing air to mark the passage of time, but even more, because they are anticipating a "new beginning!" Saying goodbye to a tumultuous 2014, they will be looking forward to making a fresh start in 2015!

One thing we all have in common, rich or poor — is the desire for a blessed and sucessful new year. It gives us hope and great expectancy to think about the potential of good things coming our way in the new year.  Reflecting over 2014, I am astounded how quickly the year seemed to pass.    And looking back over it has caused me to ask, am I really embracing each day, taking time to "smell the roses" -- being "present" in the moments and to cherish the people in my life -- and when I'm with them -- to be "with them" -- without distractions.  Every day should be treated as a gift from God and we should cherish each one with thanksgiving.  We can't change the past, but we can always determine to celebrate each day we have in the future as the day God made for us and to determine to use our time wisely, with the purpose to make a difference in the world around us!  May you all experience a new year of much laughter, joy, happiness, love and peace!
#HappyNewYear

And His Name Shall Be Called Prince of Peace

“And His name shall be called…………Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:7

Of all the scriptures that we hear during the Christmas season, this is one of my favorites. That’s because I have first-hand experience of knowing that peace that can only be found in knowing the Prince of Peace.   He has kept me calm, assured, peaceful and confident during some of the greatest challenges in my life -- dealing with loved ones' illnessses, financial crises, having to make critical decisions and handling day-to-day responsibilities  -- both personally and professionally.

When all seems chaotic and questions loom, and I wonder, “What do I do now?”  -- the light comes on, and, once again, the scripture, "Him (or Her) I will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Me (my Prince of Peace)." Isaiah 26:3, comes to me.  I fix my mind on Him, and His peace always pervades my world, my circumstances, my home and my heart.  Any time anxiety, concern and distraction tries to overtake me, I put on praise and worship music, and the atmosphere is replaced with calm peace and assurance that God has me and all my cares in His control. God knows about this life journey we are all on. He even knows the outcome!

So why should we worry, fret or be concerned?  As 2015 is fast approaching, we may have questions about what our future will look like.  No doubt, we'll encounter our share of ups and downs. But, let's listen, and take to heart the words of Jesus, our Prince of Peace, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

While we can’t know all that 2015 will hold for us, we can know the peace that the Prince of Peace provides and He is able to sustain us through anything that might come our way.
#PrinceOfPeace #GuaranteedPeace