Last Lights and Happy New Year!!!

The last of the festive lights of 2012, taking down all that was last year.  I have read how some do not want to look back on the past year at all, some who always look back, causing them to stumble and not move forward, so as I began contemplating looking back on our past or not, this was part of our family's discussion.  

We do not look back to dwell on the struggles or where we missed the mark, or sometimes didn't even try.  We look back to see all the blessings that our Lord so graciously gave us even when we failed Him, to see where we need to try just a bit harder in an area or areas, and where we would like to be in another year from now.  

God has been so gracious to our family, it is hard to see how we can complain at all, but we do.  We ask forgiveness, we search His heart and His Word, and come before His throne together to seek after Him.

The lights bring joy as they light and twinkle through the day and into the darkness, and as we take them down, put them away, it leaves a void, so much missing, but as we clean up and retain order how our home is the other 11 months, there is more room, for playing, laughter, friends, order, normalcy, day to day tasks, and seeking the Lord.  I'm partially OCD, so when things are not in order, I do not function as well as I need to.  2 Kings 20:1b says, "Thus says the Lord, 'Set your house in order.'"  Now, if you read the entire verse and surrounding verses you will notice it may be taken out of context for how I am using it, but I do believe God is a God of order and design and reading that verse reminds me of how I need to conduct myself in my home for Him.  Everything I have is His and I need to treat it that way.

The village stays out and lit through most of the winter.  I think Sarah loves our little village more than anyone, but it is pretty with the lights still on in the church and house, and even the barn.  His Light goes with us everywhere, oh, thank You Lord.

Eggs, representing new life and nourishment, are out in a nest I found outside.  The eggs are actually rocks Jenny painted for me, love them.  New life, new beginnings, fresh starts, lean on the One who gives and takes away.  I have a friend who within this past year lost her son, and both her parents.  I am sure she does not want to look back, she wants to move ahead, out of the past, away from the hurting and the pain and the loss, but she does have comfort in knowing she will one day see them again and that is the comfort and the peace she will draw on in the coming days, months and even years.  Blessings, eucharisteos, giving thanks in all things, yes, please.

I am watching 6 beautiful deer out of my window in our front yard right now, oh how graceful the Father made them, and at times for our nourishment.  He is so good.  Give thanks.  Always.  Even if you did not begin on the 1st, begin now, or tomorrow, even in sickness we can be thankful, for much needed rest, and listening a bit closer to His voice.  Thank You, my King.  Go here to listen, and surrender...

"I delight to do Your will, O my God;

Your law is within my heart."

Psalm 40:8

"In everything give thanks;

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1Thess. 5:18

Did you make resolutions?  Do you look back or forward?  I'd love to know what Scriptures you lean on...leave me a comment and don't forget to follow, I'd love to know all my friends.  Blessings to you and your families this new year!

Before I even finished this post there are now at least 30 wild turkeys in my front yard where the deer had been, oh, the joys of the Lord and His beauty are everywhere!  Thank You Father! Again!

What are YOU thankful for this new year?

Always Experiencing Him,

Jody