Thinking Back and Looking Forward

Day 365 of Photo Inspirations -- Thinking Back and Looking Forward
It's the 365th day of the year -- and my last day of photo inspirations that I committed to when I sensed that God was calling me to take my daily blogs and FB posts to a whole new level -- one that included photos that inspired me with special thoughts and words to share that would, hopefully, bring inspiration to others.  I can't begin to adequately explain how rewarded I feel for staying true to my commitment.  Purposefully, I made sure to stay "in the zone", seizing the moments, noticing little and big God-encounters, recognizing that God is always speaking.  I just had to tune in to His still small voice, and, often, His big booming voice as I witnessed His illustrated messages to me through nature, His Word, His kids and His embrace.  Fact is.....I showed up for my daily appointment with God.....and He was faithful and true to His promises.....He ALWAYS showed up for me.

I'm not exactly sure what this next year will look like, not only in my commitment to daily photos and blogs, but in life overall.  But one thing I do know for sure......I know WHO knows and I'm excited for the journey that awaits me.   There will be many opportunities for making FB posts and writing my daily blogs because I'm very aware that God has many more exciting adventures and trails for me to blaze in this new year.  So, I'll continue to be on daily assignment.

#TBT -- The second photo inspiration is from this day a year ago with my two little men -- my annual New Year's Eve dates!   Once again, tonight, these two and I will make toasts with our sparkling grape juice, we'll wear our hats, blow our horns, we'll even shoot some little fireworks, and we'll watch the giant sphere of sparkles descend in Times Square three hours ahead of Pacific time as 2015 makes its exit and 2016 begins.  We'll be silly and dance and give each other hugs and kisses.  Eat your heart out, single women everywhere!  LOL!  

A new year -- new hope for our future.  There is something inherit within us that craves a new fresh start -- a chance to make wrongs right, and good things even greater. The promise of a clean slate is thrilling and stirs up a part of our soul.  We pin so many hopes and dreams on the start of a new year. We set resolutions, create goals, hope to start new habits and break old ones.  I've already begun to think about new horizons, new seasons, and new adventures.   My personal motto will continue to be "I'm still here....so I'm not done."   I'm grabbing hold of this new year by its tail and I'm going to fly by the seat of my pants.  No rocking chair thoughts in this girl's mind!

But, even better than any resolution or goals or new habits that I could set for myself, the knowing that my Father God has my year planned out in detail, gives me great excitement and blessed assurance.    He'll give me courage to face each new day and the best part, His mercies will be new each morning, so I'm guaranteed success if I do my part in staying tight with Him.

The great news is that God is the author of 2016!   He knows each and every twist and turn that lay ahead, both for you and for me. He has planned 2016 down to the minutest detail—all with the goal of His glory, and our good.   Look out, 2016 -- HERE WE COME!  It'll be a GREAT ADVENTURE!

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