Happy New Year!

The Old and the New

photo by Linda6769

We went for a hike today on a trail nearby that wound among the trees in the forest. Some were bare and others had toppled. There were smaller, younger evergreens popping out among them including some pines that were just a couple years old.  It reminded me of how the old and the new stand side by side, much like it does in our lives. 

At the end of each year, we tend to think of what we've done over the past year, good and bad, and how we'd like to live this next year.

New Year's Party by Urbanphotographix

Now we celebrate the beginning of this next year, with all the hopes and dreams we'd like to see come true.  Happy New Year everyone.  May you recognize and appreciate the blessings God has in store for you in 2012.

My Child, Part 7

I can do more for you than you could possibly imagine.--Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.--II Corinthians 3:20

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles--II Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18

photo by poojabrahmi 

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I carry you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

Photo courtesy of  SilverFox MultiMediaedia

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4

Photo by starush

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4




I need encouragement every day. I hold onto these promises, even though I can't always see or feel them.  It gives me hope for the future, even when my life doesn't meet my expectations.  How about you?  

My Child, Part 6

One Heart
from bigeyez

                                                                                          


Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart- Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.--Philippians 2:13
                       
       

    

Wordless Wednesday--Just Desserts at Christmas

mincemeat pie for Christmas

My Child, Part 5

God has even more to say about how He sees us.

It is my desire to lavish my love on you.--I John 3:1   

For you are my child and I am your Father--I John 3:1

And my plan for you has always been filled with hope Jeremiah--29:11

♥~...

heart-shaped bokeh♥
from ~♥ Mademoiselle 5oo5a ♥~...

I will never stop doing good to you--Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.--Exodus 19:5

I want to establish you with all my heart and soul-Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.--Jeremiah 33:3

Thinking of my relationship with God in this light makes me want to draw even closer to Him.  How do you see it? 

My Child, Part 4

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. I John 3:1

And I desire to lavish my love upon you. I  John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. I John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48

photo courtesy of Richard-Ugadawg

If you seek me with all your heart you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs Matthew 6:31-33

photo courtesy of Kitten

My plan for your has always been filled with hope Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

Gingerbread, Gingerbread Everywhere

We went to the Oak Grove Inn  in Asheville, NC yesterday and had a wonderful time.

Because it's Christmas, they had their annual Gingerbread House Contest.  They had four age categories judged separately.  The best went on to New York where they were put on display.  The grand prize winners were on Good Morning America today. To see the winners, click here Thought I'd share a bit of what we saw.

Hundreds of hours were spent to make each of the houses. All are made of gingerbread and royal fondant icing. Every part of the entry is edible

Not all were houses

All were amazing works of art.

Some had more icing than others

It was a real treat to see how creative people can be.  

What are some things you and your family have done this Christmas season?  

My Child, Part 3

photo by HTloveHL

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you before I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact the time of your birth and where you would live. Acts. 17:26

God's in charge of more than we even think about.  

Wordless Wednesday--Sunset in St. John

My Child, Part 2

Today we continue to look at who we are in God's eyes.  It comes from a letter entitled My Child. For the first post on this series, click here. 

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered - Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in My image. Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being - Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28.

This reminds me that we're God's children and we were made in His image.  God knows everything about us, including the smallest of details and we're dependent on Him.  I don't always like to admit that last one, but it's true.   What comes to  mind when you read these statements?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3)

Sophie and Aubrey are safe in their parents' care,without even knowing it.

So it is with us and God.

Wordless Wednesday

Sunset in Alaska