NEW BEGINNINGS
By Fran Caffey Sandin
Have you ever had anything stolen? Have you misplaced something and thought it was lost forever? Do you remember that ache in the pit of your stomach when you saw the empty box or opened the empty drawer? Or looked in the usual location for something special and it wasn't there?
A few months ago I misplaced a gold-trimmed, hand-painted small covered jewelry box that my grandmother had given me as a teenager. It was a family heirloom and something I treasured, not because of its inherent value, but for the memories it brought of my sweet grandmother. The ceramic box was not where I normally kept it, and I had no idea where to look. A few months later, when I opened a seldom-used drawer, there it was! I was thrilled and so excited that I squealed and cried with joy! My euphoria exceeded the value of the piece, but I had found what once was lost.
That episode reminded me that we have an even greater treasure, and that is our time
alone with God. A temporal gift could possibly be replaced, but if our precious time alone with our Savior and Lord is lost, that time cannot be retrieved.
However, as we start a new year, we have a new beginning every morning. Each day is a gift from God, and how we spend it is up to us. Several years ago I came across a poem by an unknown author that I've enjoyed, and I'd like to share the words that touched my heart.
Morning Prayer
God of my life, I welcome this new day, It is your gift to me,
A new creation, a promise of the resurrection.
I thank you for the gift of being alive this morning.
I thank you for the sleep that has refreshed me.
I thank you for this chance to make a new beginning.
This day, Lord, is full of promise and opportunity; let me waste none of it.
This day is full of mystery and the unknown; help me face it without fear and anxiety.
This day is blessed with beauty and adventure; make me fully alive to it all.
During this day keep me thoughtful, prayerful, and kind.
May I be courteous and helpful to others and not turned in on myself.
Keep me from any word or deed that would hurt, or destroy, or belittle.
And may the thoughts of my mind be pleasing in your sight.
Lord Jesus Christ, Friend and Brother, may we know you more clearly,
Love you more dearly,
And follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen.
Author Unknown
May we never lose our enthusiasm for our Savior and Redeemer for without Him, we would all be lost and without hope. God bless you and your family as we continue our journeys of faith. May we all be closer to the Lord next year than we are today. Let the New Year begin!
"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46: 10). |
Hello and Welcome!
Life is tough, but God is good. God’s Word is
a strong foundation that is indeed practical and relevant in
our world today. Scripture surely molds and changes us
as we integrate it into our hearts and lives. Paul’s
example in I Thessalonians demonstrates spiritual fruit that
remains. I want these same elements to characterize my
life to:
- Present the gospel with boldness,
- Give myself—in loving, supporting, cherishing,
- Live without blame and above reproach,
- Exhort and comfort others (as a mother to her children),
- Expect God’s Word to work powerfully,
- Condition others for persecution and suffering,
- Always be ready for Christ’s return.
A personal relationship with Christ is the most exciting element for daily living. He came to give us an abundant life! (John 10: 10). He loves us and wants us to experience the
fullness of His grace, joy, and peace. A joyful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 15: 13). I pray that you’ll find encouragement and hope through my writings and that
God will bless you abundantly as you seek His face.
Warmly,
Fran __________________________________________________
Nothing is so warm and friendly as sharing
a meal together with people you love.
Each month I include a family-favorite recipe. You are welcome to copy and
try it,
and if you like it, share it with others.
Hearty Beef Stew
2 pounds lean beef chuck cut into 1 ½ inch cubes
4 cups water
1 medium onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, sliced
1 Tbsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
½ tsp. pepper
1 tsp. Worcestershire
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 (15 oz) can stewed tomatoes
***
½ cup cut celery
6 carrots thickly sliced
3 potatoes quartered
½ pound small white onions (optional) Brown meat slowly in hot oil in Dutch oven
Stir and turn frequently to brown on all sides.
Add all ingredients except the last 4.
Simmer (don't boil) for 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
Add remaining ingredients. Turn heat to medium,
Cook until vegetables are tender. Stir often.
To thicken liquid: Use a whisk and beat 4 Tablespoons flour
into ½ cup cold water until smooth. Stir into stew; cook and
stir until thickened. Cook 5 minutes more. Makes 6-8 servings.
This is our favorite winter-time one-dish meal. The guys in
our family really like this recipe. Enjoy!
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