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Resolutions Out A New Thing In

It’s a New Year – Raccoon’s Pillow Says It All

It’s January—time to make some changes. Once again I vow to do better, work harder, and complete projects. In a few weeks, I’ll barely remember my resolutions, let alone keep them. How about you?

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

This verse spoke to me today. God is doing a new thing. God is doing …

Beginning the year with a list of resolutions to accomplish on my own strength is futile. My good intentions and resolve last about as long as it takes to open the refrigerator door or flip the TV channel. Resolutions call on me to be better and to do more.

Suppose this year, I quit trying to do this and improve that and simply allow God to do a new thing in my life.

As I write this, it is day 5 of the new year and I have already found an element of freedom. I am not trying to accomplish goals on my own strength. I am enjoying a real sense of God at work in and through my life in a new way. My focus is on Him and not on myself.

Click here for a biblical perspective on how to set your goals for the year.

Instead of making one or more resolutions that would soon fall by the wayside, I asked God to change my direction; to give me a word to focus on for the year. My focus word for 2024 is “thankful”.

Being thankful is not something I have to “do”. It is something I choose to “be”. When I squeeze into that outfit one more time, I can choose to BE thankful I have choices. I can BE thankful I can dress myself; BE thankful I can live at home; BE thankful I have food in my cabinet.

Please note: I am not living in la la land! I do have goals, serious goals for the week, month, and year. But, my focus is on God and how He wants to accomplish them through me as I thank Him for opportunities, guidance, wisdom, and clarity.

I want to challenge you to do what I did. PRAY. Ask God for your word for the year (or week or month). Let Him change your focus each day and enjoy all that He has in store for you. Write your name in Isaiah 43:19; make it personal. Allow God to do a new thing in your daily life. He loves you so much; allow Him to direct your paths each day.

I am thankful for YOU!

Hugs,

Please leave a note so I can pray for you on your journey.

Schedule and Budget meet Reality

This was not a Minor Leak

“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.” Psalm 4:5 KJV

My schedule and budget have been filled with more than time should allow. Today was to be a much-needed free do-what-you-want-day for me.

Munching on another cookie, I gathered my mailing list, gifts and packaging, and books to autograph as I settled down for some tea and planned my strategy.

There was a plumber on his way to fix what surely was just a slow drip under my kitchen sink. That should not interrupt my schedule and budget. I was organized and ready to enjoy the rest of the day as soon as he fixed my little leak and left.

An hour later: “Ma’am, could you bring me a few towels? How long has this water been dripping? You have a serious problem here.”

He has to be wrong. I need him to patch the thing and let me get on with my day! Not only did I not have time for a major problem, it sounded a bit expensive. Can’t he wrap some tape around the pipe until the holidays are over?

Friend, have you had days like that? Do they seem to be more strenuous during the Christmas season? I seriously believe the devil pulls us down at every opportunity, especially as we are preparing to celebrate our Saviour’s Birth. I don’t know about you, but I seem to have a shorter fuse during the holidays. I want everything to be perfect; with no surprises.

Today our scripture for the day hit my heart. I think The Message says it best. “Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.“

Yes, it was an interruption in my schedule. Yes, it was costly. It has been drizzling (not dripping) long enough to rust the pipe! Who knows how long it will take the cabinet floor to dry? And, yes, some of my wants for the day were left unattended. But…

YES, Jesus spoke directly into my heart. Only by His grace, I could offer the following prayer as the plumber worked.

“Thank You, Jesus, I have a home! Thank You, Jesus, I knew someone to call. Thank you for him, and please bless his family as he helps others. Thank You, Jesus, for providing for me so I can pay him.”

I continued to breathe prayers of thanksgiving for a warm fire, a filled pantry, friends and relatives who are healthy; for my health, and plentiful provisions. For family and more friends than I ever deserve. For Jesus. For a Father that loves me just as I am.

Sweet friend, if you are having an abundance of bumps and detours in your holiday, trust God to work through it. And, if you want a shoulder to cry on… I am here and I am praying for you.

Hugs,

The Rebel and Preacher Man

Now Available on Amazon-Kindle and Paperback

Every day is a day to be thankful. As I write this column, it is Thanksgiving Day and I am literally overwhelmed by God’s Amazing Grace! I feel doubly blessed. My book—God’s Book—is now available on Amazon: kindle and paperback!

Someone recently compared writing a book to birthing a child. If true, I praise God more than ever for the four mothers who birthed my precious children! Yikes! This has been one challenging journey!

Russell and I worked on the book three years before he went Home to Heaven over two years ago. This is bittersweet as I would love to curl up with him on the couch in front of the fireplace and read it together. I praise God for the memories and the promised reunion… in His time!

Click here for ordering information. (Add to your Christmas list.)

The year was 1960.

She was 17, twelve hundred miles from home, and terrified. After graduating with honors from high school five months earlier, Carrol Sue confidently faced the future. She would join the Navy and share the love of Jesus as she traveled the world at their expense. How did she end up in jail and so alone?

He was 34, married, and had a good job. One night he agreed to attend a revival with his wife, and that same night Russell surrendered his life to Jesus. Soon after, he answered God’s call to preach the gospel. Life as he knew it did a complete turnaround and was immediately changed. Then the unthinkable happened. How could he face the future alone?

Have you thought of writing YOUR story?

Read the amazing, true love story of two individuals whose meeting was all in God’s unbelievable plan for their lives. God’s grace. His mercy. His love. All shine through The Rebel & Preacher Man

You can trust God with your past, present, and future!

Hugs,