Tuesday, January 10, 2012

goodness sakes



I can't believe it is 10 days into the new year already!  I took a little break from the blogosphere over the holidays and the next thing I know it's mid-January! We started back to school this week, so last week was spent putting away the Christmas stuff, cleaning the house and reorganizing for the new year.
Don't you love the gift of a new year?  I was thinking back over last year and all the intentions I had at the beginning of it...how some of them have become habit and some of them are going back on my list for this year.  But that's ok...I'm not beating myself up over the little things that didn't happen because a lot did happen!  I memorized the entire book of Colossians, I read over 25 books, I learned to lean hard on the Lord during the tough times, I was given ample opportunities to forgive and be forgiven and I stockpiled blessings as I gathered my 1,000+ gifts
 I love how every year brings with it new growth, unexpected changes and endless opportunities.  But I am only able to love those things because I know that the Lord is working all things for my good. (Romans 8:28) The ability to look back allows me to see areas that need refining (or in some cases blasting) and in turn I can see buds of new growth in places where there was nothing before.  God is so good and I'm so thankful that at the start of this year, He promises to be just as faithful as He was last year!  


"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 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." Lamentations 3:21-23


I hope your new year is already off to an excellent start and that you're able to savor the blessings that come your way in 2012 and that you discover growth and new opportunities amidst the challenges that the year brings as well!  Happy New Year Friends!  



10 comments:

Stephanie said...

I can't believe we are half way through January myself!! Isn't it wonderful having a clean start to another year! I'm loving January more and more each year, with all the possibilities ahead and chances to start over in front of us, it really is a lovely time. Wishing you all the best this year!

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

I know....where does the time go? Happy New Year to all in your family!

From All Stitched Up said...

Thanks for steering me towards the 1,000 gifts. I'm very curious to read the book and maybe try to collect my 1,000 gifts. Happy New Year!

Leslie said...

Wow and congratulations on memorizing the book of Colossians! That is quite the feat!!!
Happy New Year!

Denise said...

Thanks for the well wishes, this new year is off to a slow start for me with these allergies!
Happy New Year to you.

Anonymous said...

A very happy New Year to you too Lisa! You're the second blogger I've seen who's quoted "Great is thy faithfulness" this week (the other was Dianne on My Southern Heart) and that I've been singing that hymn ever since.

I've been keeping a list of gifts too, and re-reading the book a little every day at breakfast.

Can I ask, why did you choose to memorise Colossians? Do you memorise something every year?

Tracy said...

Love your 1,000 gifts project, Lisa! Blessings to you & yours for much love, peace & joy in 2012! :o) ((HUGS))

trish said...

Wishing you the very happiest of new years! I could not agree with you more, the challenges and blessings of life are both from the Lord and so dear to my heart, knowing He loves us as He does, both are for our benefit.
Your header is too cute!! I love to cross stitch. :o) And yours is adorable.
hugs, Trish

Val said...

I just found your blog while looking up the Vine Cardigan on Ravelry, and I must tell you that it is lovely. I do so enjoy reading the writings of other Christian women who love to craft, and delight in their homes. Thank you for sharing the snippets of your world!

Kristyn Knits said...

I love the start of a new year...and a new calendar blank and open to God's gifts. I love so many of your thoughts!! Look at all you accomplished with Him walking in front each step of the way. Oh to have some of your insight in my life right now.