How are you ringing in your new year?
What if we started ringing in this new season in our lives with reflection, gratitude, and prayer because perhaps it is time to take a longer pause this time. It is likely we all feel disappointed, discouraged, and sad to some extent about the condition of our world, our families, and our culture. I think we are all grieving in one form or another.
As I ring in the new year, I reflect on Psalm 138 which tells me that that, “Although I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life”. I am thankful for that promise of God’s protection. I also remember the promise that no matter what happens that, “the Lord will fulfill his purpose for me”. This Psalm is packed with another beautiful truth when it states that, “your steadfast love endures forever”. I give thanks for God’s steadfast love in my life and home and his faithfulness to my family and I.
Every season of our lives contain different stories that unfold more differently than we imagine. We meet one milestone or goal, but then something else changes. There are so many unexpected twists and turns along the way, but there are also many surprises that are good. I believe that these good surprises are God winks to us reminding us of how much God loves and cares for us. There are so many answered prayers and even miracles we can’t even explain that happen in our lives. I think it is time at Getting Creative With Carolyn to remember those God wink times in our homes and lives where we have had those answered prayers. I am grateful for these good gifts that come from God. I want to challenge you and myself to reflect on those times of answered prayers and share them with others.
James 1:17 tells me that, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].”
Let us share our answered prayers that happen in our homes and families with those around us and encourage each other along our way.
Lastly, I wish the following for you and your family as you navigate into this next new season of your life.
“The Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you];
The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor],
And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness];
The Lord lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval],
And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].” -Numbers 6:24-26