As we pack away the Christmas decorations, our hearts are warmed by the love that lingers. Just a couple of weeks ago we dwelt on the Love of God as we lit the fourth Advent candle and considered Love’s manifestation in the birth of Christ. Strains of Christmas songs rekindled the joys of former years while family gatherings, absent for the past couple of years, enfolded us in the love for which we longed during the pandemic restraints. I hope each of you had the opportunity to taste that warmth and love in some way. However, it’s been a hard year still for many. My heart goes out to you.

Our Christmas gets packed in old moving boxes under our indoor stairs. But let’s not pack away the hugs, the smiles, the Christmas Scriptures, the smells of home-baked goodies from recipes of past generations. Let the season’s rich taste of love and memories linger as we roll out a New Year.

What is your hope for this new calendar year? Health, friendships, acceptance, a desire to dig deeper into God’s word? As you flip the page, God’s promises are filled with Hope for every day of the year. One that has become my favorite which embodies that stepping into something “new” but “unknown” is:

“Behold, I am doing a New Thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:19

Do you feel like there’s a wilderness in your life? God offers the hope that He is making our life new with His wisdom and love. He will make streams in the wastelands of our lives–places where hope has died. He will lead us through the deserts to woodlands and grassy knolls replete with the life-giving water of Jesus.

Look forward to the newness of life that lies on the other side of the packed boxes and warm memories. A life that goes beyond the flipping of a calendar to a new year, a new day, or a new month, but renewal that comes from our Lord every moment of every day.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider passing it on to one or more of your friends. We always welcome new friends gathering here, so invite them to become a subscriber like yourself. This new year will hold several giveaways and stories of God’s touch in women’s lives. Until then…

From My Heart to Yours,
Janis

Linking with: Remember Me Monday; Inspire Me Monday; Faith on Fire; Let’s Have Coffee Wednesday