NEW BEGINNINGS

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!

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.