Happy New Year!

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School finally started today for the Little One, and yes it's a very late start, but I'll take it. We met with the teachers for the annual back to school night. After I met the teacher, I was tense. I don't know that it was entirely her fault, but something about the presentation and my state of mind combined for an anxious feeling. It's fifth grade and to hear them tell it, we're entering the big leagues now. I had to remember that this was my fourth time doing 5th grade.

Then I had to pray for peace because the last thing I needed to do was to start the school year in an anxious state. As I prayed this verse came to mind - "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
So I prayed for peace and while I was at it, I also prayed for:

A wonderful school year
   Favor
      Protection
         Wisdom
             Strong intellect
                Strength
                    Courage
                        Determination
                            Good work ethic
                                 Love

Pray isn't just for the big things, it is even more effective for what we would consider the little things. As I prayed scripture and recalled God's promises, that anxious feeling slowly disappeared, and I knew we would be all right this school year. God promises to give good things to this children and he tells us to ask. The mere act of asking inspires hope because I know God hears and answers.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Have a wonderful school year. Are you experiencing any new beginnings?

Happy New Year!

For many, the new year is celebrated when the calendar advances to the next year in December, but for me I always get a sense of newness in September.
September is when the children start school traditionally; though many schools started in August, today was the first day of school for the Little One.

With the start of school, I think of it as an opportunity for:

• Growth
• Opportunity
• New Experiences
• New Friends
• New Commitment
• Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone

I have a pep in my step today; smiling because I'm alive, saying hi to random people.  I feel good! I feel possibility.

In the mornings typically my husband and I have deep conversations. We've been married for 23 years and through the years we've learned many things together. When you've been married or in a relationship for a long time you think of ways to revive your relationship. If you've been a Christian for a long time, how do you revive your Christian walk?

I'm participating in a Bible Study using the book A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers. I'll be sharing insights and highlights here.

Life is tough; don't become despondent. I used to have a pastor that ended every service by saying, "Jesus, I  reach out to you."  I didn't always understand it then, but the longer I live the more I need Jesus. So I reach out to Him daily, hourly, minutely.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  Ecclesiastes 3:11

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”  Lamentations 3:22-24
Happy New Year! With God's help, make it a good one.  If you've been a Christian for a long time, how do you revive your Christian walk?