S-l-o-w D-o-w-n

The other day, I was running around doing my typical errands; drug store, grocery store, post office, dry cleaners, etc., when I drove past a neighborhood park that I have enjoyed walking in, birding, and snapping a few hundred photos!

The weather was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l; sunny, mild, with a slight brisk breeze.  I thought for a moment about how much I had planned to do that day, and what a wonderful day I was missing.  Then suddenly, I pulled over – parked my car and went into the park.

I looked around at all the people in the park; couples, families with children, single folks - walking, riding bikes, some even skating or skate boarding. 

I listened to the sounds around me; constant chatter, laughter, birds chirping & singing, children cheering and even a bunch of older gentlemen arguing over their bocce game.

I enjoyed the smiles of those I passed, and found myself in many quick conversations with those no longer strangers.  I even had two buddies wanting to pose for a picture during a break in their bocce game.

I strolled around the familiar lake – checking out the ducks, geese and a curious turtle.  Watched as excited children threw pieces of bread towards the ducks and giggled as groups of feathered diners went a bit crazy for an afternoon snack. 

A few young sailors showed off their talents on the lake.

There were many, many dogs, which of course brought a smile to my face each time I came across them.  I even passed a skater with his dog trotting alongside him. 

As I continued, I came across others involved in all sorts of activities; badminton, deep converstations, exercising, groups doing Tai chi, and even someone riding a unicycle!

I then took a stroll on a path that goes through a wooded area, where I was blessed to spot a Red-bellied Woodpecker – and wondered, as I do every time I see one of these, why is this the bird’s name, when actually the crown on his head is red, and he has a grayish belly?  I laughed as I attempted to get a picture of this extremely active woodpecker, and finally just stood back and watched him fly from tree to tree, almost as if he were teasing me.

As I came out of the wooded path – I saw a Good Humor Ice Cream truck parked on the side street and tried to remember - when was the last time I stood by an ice-cream truck waiting to order my ice cream treat?  After this day, I will be able to remember!

While I continued to walk around, many people came to mind, and I said a short prayer for each; some I knew situations they were going through, others I asked the Lord to be there for ‘whatever’ they were dealing with at this moment, and if all is well, to continue to bless each one.

I thanked the Lord for the beauty around me, for the people in this park, and even for ice-cream.  I thanked Him for my family; my children, my grandchildren, my father, my sisters & and their children.  I asked Him to reveal himself to them at that very moment.

I returned to my car – realized it was now too late to stop by the post office or pick up my dry cleaning, but smiled and thought – it was all worth it.  I felt calm and yet energized, ready to continue on my journey – with a thankfulness for this one day when I decided to slow down.

Hey Mom, What's for Dinner?

“Hey Mom, What’s for Dinner?”

How many times did I yell that out to my Mom and how many times did I hear my kids doing the same?

We’re a family that loves to eat – I mean really loves to eat.  Might be from the Italian heritage I was brought up in – might just be we are natural foodies!

My Mom loved to cook and experiment, making her ‘concoctions’ - as she would call them.  Unfortunately, Dad only liked typical meat and potatoes or any homemade Italian dish.  So we were limited in trying other cuisines as we grew up, unless we went out for dinner to celebrate some occasion, but that usually only resulted in going to a Chinese Restaurant.  Dad was married before, and when he went to spend a day visiting his children, Mom took advantage of that day, and experimented away.

When I was older, I was “assigned” to cook for my family and have dinner ready when Dad returned from picking up Mom from work.  I wrote about this in a previous blog, Stir-fry.  But as the years passed, I grew to love cooking more and more.  I still do!  I now live alone, and still spend a ridiculous amount of time cooking dinner for myself – but love to sit down and enjoy my creation!

At a very early age, my children grew up trying all sorts of food, all types of cuisines, and learned to love a variety of dishes as well.  Yes, they still occasionally had the ‘All American’ Macaroni & Cheese, Chicken Nuggets, a quick Macaroni dish, or Hot Dogs in Crescent Rolls (with cheese rolled with the crescent rolls).  But they were saved for those days when our schedules were totally insane and this was a quick fix.

When asked, my children would choose meals that were not the typical dinner most kids their ages wanted.  They were also given the choice of their favorite dinner on their birthday – and again, chose less than the ordinary meals for kids their age.

Chinese Pepper Steak – my son’s favorite – a frequent request.  Larmen (a Japanese noodle soup) was another favorite of both my son & my daughter.  Oh, the Mexican Casserole, Chicken ala Jim (named after my friend who shared his recipe with me), many stir-fry dishes, and so much more. 

But what I remember most about these meals, are the amazing conversations we had at the dinner table; the laughter, the serious questions, questions and discussions about faith, the sharing of our day’s activities and concerns, and the ease my children had in opening up.

I made having dinner together a priority in our family.  Even when they were young enough to be sitting in their high chair – they were at the table during dinner, together as a family.  If my children had activities that took up a chunk of time – I would sometimes make an early dinner we would eat before heading out – or pre-cook something that could be heated when we returned later that evening.  And if due to their schedules we stopped off somewhere to grab a bite to eat – I made sure we sat together, ate together, and still had a relaxed time together.

There were many times when my children would have to come in for dinner, while their friends were still outside playing, waiting for them to return afterwards.  Did they complain about this?  Of course!  But once we started our dinner, the conversations flowed, and I knew it was the right choice.

Not many families sit down together for dinner anymore.  Many feed their children (no matter what age) at a separate time than the parents.  Many eat on the run and some even leave it up to older kids to heat up or fix their own quick meal.  How very sad.

It’s known that more times than not, most fussy eaters are children who eat by themselves, or just with their siblings, rather than with the entire family.  Mealtime to them is just a time to fill the belly, and takes them away from whatever activity they are involved in.  If dinner was a regular time they were able to be with their family, chat with each other, and ask the thousands of questions children have on their minds, mealtime could also be an activity they could look forward to.

Kids who have frequent family dinners are less likely to try drugs, drink, or smoke, and they're also more likely to get better grades - according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.  Parents engaged with children at the dinner table opens the door to the perfect way to connect with their children, easy communication, building trust, and helping them gain the confidence to make wise decisions in their lives.

I don’t think people realize the amazing gift they have tossed aside due to not scheduling their family to sit and eat together.  Many save this for holiday meals, or special occasions.  But why should it be a “special occasion” for each of us to sit with our children, share how their day has gone, what’s on their mind, and of course enjoy a fabulous meal?

The benefits of having dinner with your children go far beyond what is being served on the dinner plate.

Hey Mom, what’s for dinner?  A question to really think about!

He Is Risen!

Yes indeed – He is risen!

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” – Luke 24:1-3

My Savior is alive!  He walks with me, he hears my prayers, he guides me, he comforts me, he corrects me, and he enjoys my praises!

After that horrendous Friday – when many turned away from Jesus, doubting all he had preached, believing he was defeated – as he had told his disciples earlier, on the third day, he rose from the dead!

Some were given the privilege to see him that very day.  Some, including Thomas, did not see him immediately and found it hard to believe he had risen from the dead.

He later appeared before Thomas and then spent another 40 days on earth, appearing to many, proving he had risen and preparing his disciples to continue the work he began, once he would leave to be with the Father.

Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed.  Blessed are they that have not seen me, and yet have believed.”

I have not literally “seen” the Lord Jesus Christ – but I have seen his work in my life, have seen him answer prayers, have seen him change my heart, have seen other’s lives changed and touched by a living Savior.

No other religious leader, prophet, or teacher has risen from the dead.  Their bodies still remain in their graves – and many, all over the world, worship them, trying to live up to the approval of a person no longer alive.

Not only is Jesus alive – he has given all those who trust their lives to him the gift of the Holy Spirit – to guide them, and intercede for them with God the Father.  He has also left us his Word – a Living Word – to know him – intimately.

My faith is not based on its moral principles or depth of some spiritual experience.  If that were the case, it would be no better than any other religion of the world, and Jesus would be only another great moral teacher.  No, my faith stands entirely on the person, the work and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ called to me and I answered.  He knew me before I was in my mother’s womb – he had a plan and a purpose for my life.  My answering has allowed him to guide me on this path, to know his plans, and to be able to say, with certainty, “Halleluiah, Halleluiah, He is Risen!”

It Is Finished

No one took his life!

It may seem that way to the world as the soldiers beat him unmercifully, tore away at his flesh, dragged his tortured body up a hill and nailed him to a cross; as he gasped for his breath while hanging on the cross – crucifixion being a tradition of the Romans to ensure a slow and painful death; as they mocked him - calling him to come down and prove himself to others by freeing himself.

When Jesus prayed to the Father earlier in the Garden of Gethsemane – he asked, “If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.”  But he also said, “nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will,” showing his willingness to be obedient to the Father’s plan for redemption.

As he hung on the cross – he took full control.  He asked the Father to forgive those that “knew not what they were doing” as they sneered and mocked him, waiting for him to die.  He spoke with the two men hanging on either side of him.  Seeing the repented heart of one, he told him he would be with him in paradise.  He called to his disciple to care for his mother and his mother to know she will be cared for once he was gone.  Although earlier he refused to drink when being offered something, to fulfull scripture he now called out, "I thirst" and then received some vinegar offered to his mouth. 

But most importantly – he willingly took on my sin.  A blameless man, who knew no sin, was willing to take on my sin, fulfill my sentence of death – being separated from his Father for the first and only time ever – since my sin could not be in the presence of a Holy God.  He became the holy sacrificial lamb – shed his blood as atonement for me – so that I, Nancy, may be able to stand before a Holy God.

And once he knew that all he needed to do was accomplished, then, and only then, he bowed his head and gave up this spirit.

So when I look upon the cross, and remember his words – “It is finished,” I remember he gave his life for me.

A Choice

This week is known as ‘Holy Week’ - the week that we remember and celebrate all that happened so many years ago - that actually signifies the most important activities in the Christian Church’s history.  The week began with Jesus Christ coming into the city of Jerusalem, riding on a mere donkey like a poor man, being honored and praised by palm waving crowds of people who had seen him during his three year ministry; amazed by his teaching, speechless by his miracles, touched by his healing, humbled by his forgiving messages, hopeful for his promises of a Kingdom to come.

“ . . the whole crowd began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:  ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’” -Luke 19:37-38

Later that week, most in the same crowd would cheer, “Crucify him,” as Pontius Pilate asks what he should do with a man that even he saw no fault in.  What turned the heart of many adoring him to begging for his death?  What is it that when signs and wonders were even before their eyes, they still did not believe?  How could they choose to free Barabbas, the destroyer of life over Jesus, the giver of life?

“And they cried out all at once, saying, ‘Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas. . .’  Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spoke again to them.  But they cried, saying, ‘Crucify him, crucify him.’” -Luke 23:18, 20-21

How many times has the Lord called to me to forgive, and I might choose revenge (even if only in my heart), or apathy – ignoring the unforgiveness deep within me?  How many times have I chosen the easy path, one that feels comfortable among everyone around me, rather than stand boldly for my faith, my belief, and my hope in the Lord’s promises?  How many times have I thought, ‘I’ll do that later,’ when there is a need now – to pray, to serve, to respond?

When I’m choosing carnality before holiness – I am choosing Barabbas over Jesus.  A carnal mind is actively hostile or opposing God.  It’s living to please myself instead of living to please God – a state of selfishness.

When I’m in this state – I cannot please God.  “The carnal mind is enmity against God.” -Romans 8:7

Holiness is waiting, reaching out to me, to adorn me in a garment of grace.  When I choose carnality – I’ve closed the door to the grace being offered and allow the shame of a selfish heart to dwell within me.

I need to daily make a choice – the right choice.  “Set your affections on things above not on things on the earth.” -Colossians 3:2

From the day the Lord called me to be his own, to accept him as my Lord & Savior, to follow him for the remainder of my days; he has given me choice after choice – to choose life rather than death.

Who will I serve?  Will I choose to serve myself or serve God and his calling on my life?  I do not want to be part of the crowd demanding Jesus be crucified – rather I choose to be part of the crowd weeping at the foot of the cross.

How Awesome Is My God?

"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself; and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will ne...ver do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone." -Thomas Merton

Someone posted this quote on facebook and I immediately copied and re-posted it on my page.

What an awesome God I have – that knows me better than I ever will, that called me to be his own, that leads me to where he wants me to be – even if I go astray, he will always lead me back.  A God that will never leave me or forsake me, that actually enjoys my praises and being in a personal relationship with me.  A God that meets me in my prayers, in my quiet time, in my joy, in my sorrow, every day, every moment, always.

Nothing more is needed to be said . . .

Time - A Gift

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Sometimes I look at my day, week, month, and am overwhelmed with all I hope to accomplish.

For most of us, work seems to take up most of the hours in a week.  If only work was really a definite 8-hour day each weekday – it would only use 40 hours each week – which doesn’t seem too bad.  But like most, our time for work actually begins from the moment we get up in the morning, followed by our commute to and from work.  I usually work at least an hour later than my “scheduled time” – many times two or more hours; and then there are those many days I “work through lunch” which takes even more of my hours, days, & weeks.  So I end up looking at possibly 12-13 hour days or an average of 60-hour work weeks.  No wonder I can’t find much extra time in my life! 

I’m also involved in many areas within my church community and organizations which I support.  Looking back, some I can say for sure I was ‘called’ to be involved, others either by interest or support, I continued to spend alot of my time.

At one time, I found myself looking at every aspect of my life as a burden or a chore, and was feeling stressed whenever I approached my next day.  Then one day, while I was reading my daily devotional, I read a quote by Elisabeth Elliot: ‘I don’t have time’ is probably a lie more often than not, covering ‘I don’t want to.’  We have time – twenty-four hours in a day, seven days in a week.  All of us have the same portion.

At first I was taken aback by this, and definitely didn’t agree with her.  Not everyone has the same responsibilities in their ‘twenty-four’ hour day.  How can she make such a general statement?  And does this mean I need to say yes to even more?

But I had to pause – and realize the gift I have been given – the gift of time.  No matter what’s going on in my life, ‘I’ cannot make any more time; I can only receive this gift and be a faithful steward in the use of it.

Of course, demands on our time will differ, but what demands am I responding to?  What is the reason I say “Yes” to requests to help, to serve, to join, and to do ‘whatever?’

If time is truly a gift, I must remember who the ‘giver’ is.  Am I taking the time to wait and to pray, before filling my calendar and my commitments?  Am I truly living my destiny, called by my Master, allowing Him to use me for His purpose?

I needed to prayerfully look at all I was involved in, and ask the Lord what it is that He wants me to do.  While I was taking time to do this, another opportunity actually came up for me to serve in a ministry that was very dear to my heart.  Maybe it was because I was finally waiting on the Lord, but as I wondered whether or not to say yes, I knew the Lord was asking me, ‘why not?’  As I added another commitment to my already busy schedule, I then knew the Lord was also telling me it was time to let go of a few other commitments that I had been involved in for awhile.  “To every thing there is a season . . .”

If I prayerfully take a moment and ask, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” - then, and only then, will there be enough time.  I can depend on it – for everything God wants me to do – there will be time.

A Grandmother's Prayers

The definition of ‘Grandchild’ is: ‘child of a son or daughter.’ - 6 words that don’t say very much.

I have been blessed with three wonderful grandchildren.  My oldest grandson turned 8 this past November.  This past week was my second grandson’s birthday – he turned 5 and told his Dad, “Daddy, since I’m 5, you might not be able to hold me anymore.”

I love when my son shares quotes from my grandchildren.  It gives me a glimpse into their precious, growing, minds.  A hint of how they see their world around them, and the excitement they experience at special occasions in their lives.

After I spoke on the phone with my grandson for his birthday, and of course smiled a smile that is still shining on my face, I remembered that my sweet granddaughter will turn 2 in just a few weeks.

What an amazing blessing I’ve been given.  When I had my son I didn’t think I could love any child as much as I loved him.  When my daughter was born, my heart exploded with more love than I could ever imagine – almost as if God gave me another heart to fully love each one.

And then came my grandchildren.  I don’t know if I can even put into words the emotion I feel knowing they are in my life.  Each one has captivated my heart beyond measure – and each one brings me such joy that sometimes I just sit and think about what it all means to be ‘Nonna.’

I once read, “Being a grandmother is a constant learning and teaching experience, because as grandmothers, women must learn to apply yesterday’s wisdom to today’s challenges.” – Kristen Johnson Ingram 

I was not given the privilege of being a grandmother just for my own joy and blessing.  As with everything we experience in life – the Lord bestows upon our lives opportunities to know him intimately and to pass on this blessing to others.  I was given the opportunity to pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of my grandchildren.  In fact, it’s expected of me to do so.

I spent (and continue to spend) many hours praying for my children.  I have seen the outpouring of love, grace and mercy from the Lord in each of their lives, and have seen many answered prayers.  Once I learned that my first grandchild was on the way, a new responsibility was given to me, the new grandmother-to-be.  I found myself praying for this child even before he was born – and have continued ever since.

We are given the power, through prayer, to influence the future of our grandchildren for their good.  Our grandchildren are our link to the future, and our faithfulness to pray for them can greatly impact their future.

I found my prayers needed consistency and purpose.  A “general” prayer for my grandchildren could almost be a wasted prayer.  Between a few books, resources and searching the scriptures, I found the following to be a great guideline for my prayers:

-      Be Bible based – I definitely need to be better acquainted with God’s Word, to grow in knowledge of Him, which will lead me in how to pray in accordance with His will.  I sometimes turn a scripture into prayer for my grandchild’s needs.  I find using the Psalms a good way to pray the scriptures over my grandchildren.

-      Be open to the Holy Spirit – the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to help me pray what is on God’s heart.  The Lord is well aware of my grandchildren’s circumstances and needs.  I need to submit my prayers to the Holy Spirit – which many times may surprise me as to what I end up praying over my grandchildren.

-      Be submitted to God’s will – I need to be willing to wait, submit, and let go of my grandchildren’s needs to the God who loved them before they were conceived.  Let go of my “timing” for answered prayers and be willing to trust in God’s timing.  This is a test of my faith – to trust Him to fulfill His will in His time and in His way.

-      Be specific – practical prayers are important, but specific prayers for my individual grandchildren are even more important; their spiritual growth, their home and family, their friends, schooling, protection and health, difficulties or concerns they may be facing, accomplishments & celebrations in their lives, etc.

-      Be persistent – I must never give up praying for a particular situation for my grandchildren.

-      Be thankful – Thanking God in advance for answering my prayer His way and for revealing His answers to me in His time.

-      Trust Him always – I must remember, “we have no power . . . nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” – 2Chron. 20:12.  I do not know how or when an answer to prayer will come, but I must continue to praise the Lord for his love and mercy and know he has my grandchildren in the palm of his hand.

The apostle Paul wrote to his spiritual son Timothy, acknowledging the powerful influence of a godly grandmother.  I pray that I continue to grow in my faith, my prayers and my obedience to the Lord, so I too, may be a powerful influence to my grandchildren.

"I constantly remember you  in  my prayers . . . I have been  reminded of  your sincere  faith, which  first lived  in  your grandmother Lois and  in  your mother  Eunice  and, I am  persuaded, now lives  in  you  also." – 2 Timothy 1:3, 5

Redeeming Love

I read Redeeming Love - by Francine Rivers – and found this biblical/fiction story of Hosea, retold as a story during the Gold Rush in the 1850s, captivating my heart and my soul immediately.  I found myself looking at my schedule each day to see when I would be able to continue on this journey in the lives of each character in this story.

As a young child sold into prostitution, Angel now cannot grasp the love offered to her by a kind farmer, Michael Hosea.  Along with witnessing the unconditional love of God, she is tormented by her past and distrust of all men and any love at all.  Angry and bitter and certain there is no hope for redemption or love, Angel is pulled back to the dark world she was given the opportunity to be freed from.

Michael’s love as a husband, demonstrates the love God intended between husband & wife.  Not without doubt, pain, bitterness and lies, Michael’s commitment to his marriage, and his ultimate commitment to God, demonstrates how the choice to love his wife, is the only chance of turning these struggles into goodness, sweetness, happiness and truth.

Each time Angel would run away from Michael’s love, it reminded me of how many times I myself “run” from the promises of God, trying to make it on my own.  It also reminded me of God’s open arms of forgiveness, redemption, and never-ending love.

I found it a blessing to have read this amazing book – and an even greater blessing to be reminded of the perfect, unconditional love of God.

Mercies In Disguise

I was recently listening to a song by Laura Story, entitled Blessings – and it was one of those moments, when you hear a song you’ve heard many times before, but this time it is speaking directly to your heart.

Something touched me deeply and I began taking some time to reflect on the words – especially the chorus.

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

It caused me to think about how I approach my prayer life.  Do I realize the many blessings that occur in my everyday life?  Do I know of the Lord’s mercies in all that I am facing?  Do I trust Him enough to know He loves me, protects me, and allows many things to occur in my life, so I may cling to Him and His Word more and more?

I think I look too much at prayers that seem to be answered “my way” as blessings and signs of the Lord’s Mercy.  I don’t take enough time to look back at what I considered unanswered prayer and see how those particular situations brought me to a closer relationship with the Lord, a confirmation of His presence, and a time when my faith was strengthened.

I know He hears each of my words, but I also know He knows so much more than I can ever fathom, and His answers are always to unfold His will and His calling for me and my relationship with Him.

I have to remember this is not my home – this is a time to be conformed to the image of my Savior – a time to grow in wisdom and faith and a time to trust in all His ways – to prepare me for my true home.

If I would only take time to wait on the Lord – accept the trials and disappointments in my life as blessings – then I will realize the many mercies in disguise.

A Time to Chat

I gave my sweet granddaughter a tea set for Christmas along with a little book – “My Very First Tea Party.”

Once we opened the box and I showed her “how to” make tea, pour the tea, and of course sip the tea, I didn’t have to show her a second time.

Periodically she would gather her teapot and cups and come to me serving tea – smiling and enjoying this time of us ladies having tea.  
 

There’s just something so sweet about “tea time” with my granddaughter . . . I used to have many tea parties with my daughter – which involved many cups of tea, dolls and stuffed animals gathered around joining us – and her sweet chatter while sipping tea.

Whenever my son and his family visit me or I visit them – there are many times I sit with a cup of coffee with my daughter-in-law – catching up with the many things going on in our lives and just enjoying a warm beverage and some chatter.

The other night my daughter came over and we made some delicious hot chocolate – sipping and of course chatting.

A warm beverage – a sweet smile – a time to chat – seems simple – but can be so much more!

Take a moment with someone special in your life and enjoy a warm beverage - and chat!

Tell the Next Generation

Today is my son’s birthday! 

The Lord blessed me by bringing Peter into my life and I discovered a love that only can be known as a parent.  I was given an opportunity to share my life with a precious child – an opportunity to teach him about the Lord – an opportunity to see him grow into a mighty man of God!   

He serves the Lord by guiding his family in the ways of God’s Word, as an amazing husband to his wife and is teaching his children at an early age about the God that loves them so very much - he serves the Lord as Associate Pastor of Youth and Children’s Ministries - he serves the Lord with each relationship he has – sharing God’s love and wisdom with each person who crosses his path.

I am so blessed and honored to say that I am his Mom!

Ps. 78:1-7

O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.  I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things from of old – what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power and the wonders he has done.  He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.  Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

New Beginnings

Nonna's Blessings

As 2012 begins, I look back at the past year and how the Lord, who is always merciful and loving, blessed me in so many ways it amazes me. 

My daughter and I just returned from a visit with my son and his family for Christmas.  It was a wonderful time spent with my grandchildren; playing games, reading books, going out to various activities, tea parties, hugs and kisses and just sitting back and hearing their chatter and laughter.  It brought such joy to me.  To have my children and grandchildren all together for the holidays was a gift in itself.

Christmas 1983

Christmas 1983

It seems just like yesterday that my own children were as young as my grandchildren – excited about Christmas surprises, goodies, and special visits. 

Now my son is married with three children, living far from home, yet never far from my heart.  My daughter is living on her own, working in NYC, and has become an amazing friend as well as daughter.  My joy comes from the fact that both serve the Lord with all their hearts.  They have realized the calling made to each of them, and have responded with full faith and obedience – opening the opportunity to realize the destiny planned for each by the Lord.

I sometimes wonder how I am so blessed . . . how a Holy God notices me . . . He knows my concerns . . . He hears my prayers . . . and He included me in his plan for his eternal purpose.   He is ever so faithful and asks that I too respond with faith – which is His gift to me to give back in return.

I anticipate a year of blessings, challenges, and opportunities to grow in faith and love.

If a resolution were to be pledged – not that I truly like resolutions, since most last approximately a month at best – I would carefully look at how I spend the many hours in each day and truly prioritize my time.

I would spend more time in God’s Word – more time in prayer – more time being still and knowing He is God.  I would wait and not be anxious – pause and listen in awe.  I would put aside whatever distracts me from His presence and realize His hand in my every day activities.  I would share His love with everyone I come in contact with.  I would truly trust Him when life seems to be full of struggles or hardships.  I would say yes, when being asked to step out of my comfort zone for His Kingdom purposes.  I would know my Lord so well that His desires would become my desires.  I would stop and look back at all the amazing answered prayers.

Perhaps this year will truly be a year of new beginnings.