In the Newness
As we approached the end of January, the days finally resembled a New Year as several people had passed on the blessing of a “Happier New Year.” The Catalina Mountains surrounding our desert community became a winter wonderland with a powdered sugar dusting of snow. When those white flakes fall from heaven, I inhale refreshment and exhale all the burdens that have been clinging to me from the past year–or longer. I am so driven to taste this refreshment that hubby and I skirted the mountain’s edge in our car, snapping one shot after another to remind me of how it feels to be washed by pure white snow as a cleansing from God.
David begs God to cleanse him with hyssop in Psalm 51 and wash him that he might be whiter than snow. Here David is referring to his sins that have separated him from God. But I envision the snow that has graced us this year as a cleansing from the horrific year we endured in 2020. The snow was God’s hand breathing New Life into me, cleansing away the worries, the fear, the pain of the year past.
This, by no means, magically erases the issues, the illness, or the events of the past year, but it infuses me new hope for this year. God’s word encourages me that He controls this year with His word.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth and making it bud and
flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for
the eater,
so is my word that goes out
from my mouth:
It will not return to me
empty,
but will accomplish what I
desire
and achieve the purpose
for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10&11 NIV
Most of us start the New Year perceiving it as a clean slate on which to write our purposes, our goals, our resolutions for the next year. Somewhere after scratching down our thoughts, we slip. Whether it’s the next day, the next week, or the next month we find it difficult to sustain our heartfelt promises of New Life for the New Year. Today, God placed a new slate in front of me. One that will bring refreshment every day just as that new-fallen snow on the scruffy desert brush. He said:
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Now that’s a promise I can trust whether new-fallen snow dusts our majestic mountain terrain or the temperature soars to 110 degrees.
His word stands trustworthy as well when political tornadoes whirl around us or diseases continue to plague our land. There remains the refreshment of new-fallen snow because God’s word will accomplish the purpose for which He sent it, and He will establish the plans we set before Him.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis Van Keuren
Linking with: Blue Cotton Memory, Mary Geisen, Let’s Have Coffee,
Inspire Me Monday, Welcome Heart, Being Woven, Share a Link Wednesday,
Grace and Truth, Faith on Fire
Beautiful! I always love hearing your observations.
Dear Mary,
Thank you for your encouragement that keeps me going through this writing process. I’m blessed to know that my observations provide meaning for you and your life. Thankful for your enduring friendship.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
This >> “God’s word encourages me that He controls this year with His Word” Janis, this is just beautiful and I want to remember this all year!Blessings!
Dear Joanne,
I will need reminding myself that God controls this year with His Word. Each season has its trials and difficulties to surmount. And we need to be mindful of God’s presence and control through it all while still providing comfort and peace to others going through their own trials.
See you on Wednesday.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Beautiful words of encouragement here today Janis. I love Isaiah 51 quote, it’s full of comfort for us with the prodigals in our families.
You’re most welcome to join me in a cuppa at Tea With Jennifer,
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thank you for the invitation, Jennifer. And thank you for your sweet words about the post. Isaiah 51 provides great comfort for whatever we are going through.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
I love this: “When those white flakes fall from heaven, I inhale refreshment and exhale all the burdens” – so beautiful! God knows how to encourage our hearts that He is there – with big and little things – even snow flake things! He so knows how to make our hearts glad in the midst challenges and prayers waiting to be answered! Beautiful snow dusting photos Janis! ~ Praying God’s Shalom on you in 2021! ~ Maryleigh
Thank you, Maryleigh, for stopping by with your encouraging words and God’s peace. It’s a great reassurance that God knows how to bring joy to each individual heart He has created. So grateful for His personal touch. Keep creating your beautiful photos!
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
What a beautiful reminder that we can trust God in all things. Gorgeous pictures! I don’t know why I’m just now getting your newsletter but so glad it came.
Hi Tracy, I’m glad my newsletter finally arrived in your inbox, too! It’s good to have you here. I don’t think we can be reminded enough that God has all things in His hand and under control, even when we feel like life is unraveling.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Thank you for the nourishment this morning as I enjoy the sunrise over the Catalinas. Isaiah‘a promise that God’s Word won’t return empty always gladdens my heart.
Dear Val, Thank you for dropping in this day and sharing your morning sunrise over our beautiful mountains. We are blessed.
God’s promise in Isaiah seemed so appropriate for this scene.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
As the snow falls on us this morning, your post renews my trust in God, and hope for the future. Thank you for reminding us that each new day is a clean slate. We are washed clean in the blood of the Lamb. He is our salvation.
Dear Marie, It’s so good to hear from you. I’m imagining you sitting by your window watching the glistening snowflakes fall. Blessed to know the words here reminded you of Jesus cleansing of our souls. Be blessed.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Beautiful photos and thoughtful encouraging words, Janis.
Hi Francine! Thank you for dropping in busy lady. Your presence and words encourage me.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Janis. This is so beautiful, so encouraging. And so very well spoken. Blessings.
Paula, thank you for stopping by. Your words bless me! I’ll have to drop by at your website for some coffee and Jesus!
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Thank you for this post. It was very encouraging, and the pictures were beautiful!
Thank you, Nancy, for dropping in. I’m glad the post encouraged you. I hope you share it with your friends.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis Van Keuren