new – Reclaiming life – day by day and moment by moment.

All Things New

Happy New Year!

The freshness of a new year – a blank slate – a fresh start – a new beginning.

That sounds good. But unless you deal with the old – thoughts, habits, attitudes, words – you are just bringing them with you into a new year.

Dealing with these things requires focus, intentional reflection and heaping amounts of courage. Some of us have been operating with this norm for so very long that it has become like a comfortable shoe.

“Known bondage is easier than unknown freedom.” I love this quote from Kristi McLelland. (https://www.instagram.com/kristimclelland)

Notice it says easier. Not better. Not more desirous. Not more helpful. Just easier.

I know it’s been said that when you get sick of yourself, that’s when you change.

And we don’t have to wait until the new year to start. Every new week, day, hour and moment begins with a choice. Do you want to remain in the same comfortable shoe of bondage?

Or do you want to experience the new norm of freedom, intimacy with God, purpose for your life, vision and wholeness?

What changes will you make to your routine? Let’s start small.

Stop saying words like – This is just who I am. I’m not going to change. There is no hope.

Words have power! Speak life over yourself. Talk with God about who He created you to be! Ask Spirit what He wants you to do today and what changes need to be made. He’ll tell you.

Remember you are not alone. Holy Spirit lives in you and will guide you.

The enemy can’t steal your soul if you belong to Jesus. He can only make you ineffective and mediocre in your life.

Jesus came that you might have an abundant life. Choose!

Things Change

My retreat week has been quite uneventful. It’s been great. Very slow-moving. But things for others have changed. And sometimes it was quite quickly.

One man was doing his job – just as he had done for many years. But this day didn’t end like the others. He was struck by a vehicle and died.

I wonder about his wife. Did he kiss her goodbye that morning or because it was so early, did he let her sleep? Did they have lunch plans later that day or a vacation planned?

I wonder about the person who was driving the vehicle. What is he feeling?

People in California had to pack quickly and evacuate because of fires. What about their families, friends, pets, homes? Did they grab their pictures?

A person my age had a stroke. How has his life changed? A young person had a virus that landed him in the hospital for days. What has been going on in his mind?

Tim had minor surgery this week. Everything went as planned and we ended the day eating supper together and laughing. Other people received different news.

Oh, how do people do life without knowing that God is in control…that there is a plan and a purpose for pain? It’s hard sometimes even when we know that God is working. But there is comfort and peace that comes with that knowledge.

Peace isn’t the absence of pain or trouble or hurt. It is the very presence of Jesus in the midst of all that. Invite His presence into every area of your life. Every area – even the pain, the hurt, the doubts.

Oh, thank you, Lord. We don’t understand but, we trust in You. You are working – even when we don’t see it.

Where Do I Begin?

It’s 2025 and I am beginning the year with a me and Jesus retreat! (Please, forgive the grammar.)

I’ve looked forward to this for months and I am finally here. I packed nearly everything, said goodbye to the family (Xena, the wonder dog, was sulking) and drove for just an hour or so and made it without incident.

There are 18 steps to the door of this little apartment. I tried not to over pack. I did bring several bags of food. But, I thought it would be smart to bring the giant suitcase with just a few clothes and then pack the paint supplies, the canvases, the books, journals and my favorite slippers. 18 steps. Multiple times. I was tired when I finally got inside and locked the door.

I plugged in the little Christmas tree and lit my new candle. I unpacked and everything is neat and orderly.

I took a shower (first one today – and since I won’t be seeing anyone, it may be the only one for a few days.) I am certainly relaxed now.

How do I begin this time with my Father? How do I create the ‘right’ atmosphere for me to hear from Him?

I am extremely grateful. I thank Him for safe travel, for food, for heat, for peace and quiet. I thank Him for a husband who doesn’t mind me going off by myself, for my church being broadcast over the internet. I thank Him for being right here all of the time.

I have plans for this retreat. Plans to write, to walk, to exercise, to complete a puzzle. Plans to paint and to nap and to sit on the balcony and just look at the view.

But my top priority is to connect with Jesus and to see what His plans for me are. You don’t have to be in a special place or have things in order to connect with Him.

You just need a willing heart, open ears and to be still.

Start with gratitude. Tell Him you love Him. Just start.

Love or Self-Preservation

How many times do you extend yourself to others who either don’t respond at all or don’t respond in a positive way?

You may remember that our family is fractured. (See post “The Day After” from November 2023.) This is always magnified by the holidays.

I spoke with my pastor’s wife. She has family hardships too. What?!?! Pastor’s families aren’t picture perfect? That may surprise some but, as a pastor’s kid, I can tell you they aren’t. Everyone has issues – whether they are apparent or not.

But God is sovereign.

We often extend invitations. However, many times we either get zero response or a definitive NO. How many times do we keep reaching out?

How many times do we keep being hopeful only to end up disappointed?

We are called to be like Jesus. We are to compare ourselves to Him alone.

He kept asking, kept loving, kept forgiving. And He knew their hearts!

I want to know the highs and lows and everything in between in my families lives. I want to live life with them and not on separate islands. I want them to know Jesus and to have a relationship with Him. I want them to know how much they are loved.

So, we continue to reach out, to invite, to ask questions. As a wise woman once told me, “We can give (people) love. We just cannot dictate how they receive it.”

By the way, we did get two yes responses this year! We are hopeful for more.

What Are You Going To Do?

It was a question I did not want to hear and definitely did not want to answer.

We had some friends over for dinner last night. Mom was entertaining the five year old and the other adults were telling God stories at the table.

Tim recounted how we met and fell in love. He told the story of how we came to this church and how God has been using us. Our guest told stories too about how big and awesome our God is.

I was quiet and then said that I found this conversation convicting. I recently found out someone I know has cancer and is now home on hospice. I wrote her a note and recounted memories of times together. Everyone wants to know they made a difference and were seen.

But I made no mention of God, salvation or eternal life.

My guest asked the poignant question, “So, what are you going to do?” I didn’t know. They said I could write another card or call or stop by. Stop by? What? Like unannounced? To drop in on someone I haven’t seen in years when they are in a delicate state? That takes another level of confidence I don’t have.

So, my wise husband then suggested I ask the Holy Spirit.

Whew! That’s another truth I needed to hear.

If I say I am a Christian, I follow Christ, I believe that there is an eternal life spent in hell or heaven, why wouldn’t I want to tell others?

Because I’ve believed a lie. It’s not my ‘calling.’ It’s not my ‘gifting.’ I’ve followed the fear.

The truth is that we are all called to be the light in the world. We are to be like Jesus. Well, He definitely went around telling people about eternal life.

Again – let’s go back to what I know to be true. If God is for us, who can be against us? The Lord hasn’t given me a spirit of fear – but one of love, power and a sound mind. He will never leave me. He is always with me and promises to meet my needs. He directs my steps. He gives me the words.

Alright – I am moving forward. Help my unbelief!

So, my friend, what are YOU going to do?

Commitment or Perfection?

Leadership expert John C. Maxwell states he is a writer so he writes everyday.

Really? Every day?!?!?

When I checked to see how many books he has written, I got several answers. One said 130, another said 203 and yet another said 860!

Whichever is correct, this much is true. The man writes! He is committed to it.

But does this make him perfect?

When I read stories of great people in the Bible, I tend to ‘perfectionize’ them. I see Noah building that ark day after day after day – never getting tired or taking a day off. I see Solomon building the temple never wavering in his commitment to finish. I see Paul traveling from town to town preaching the gospel and never resting from speaking or his writing.

But is this true? No. They were human like us. They grew weary and tired. They were frustrated and had doubts too.

But they were committed to God. They were not perfect in their commitment. But they were committed.

I’ve been committed to Tim for over 18 years now. Have I been perfect in that commitment? Have I honored him 100% of the time? No. Yet, I am committed.

I say that God has called me to write and yet I waiver on being committed to writing. But, maybe I’m trying to be perfect.

But once again, God has not called me to perfection. He has asked me to trust and obey Him.

So, again, I start anew. Another day, take another step forward. Just keep moving.

Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness, for forgiveness, for fresh starts. Help my unbelief!

Once again…

New year. New month. New week. New day.

We like new. Like a fresh sheet of paper wanting to be inscribed. Like warm baked bread inviting cozy conversations and soup. Like a new blanket of snow waiting for the first footprints of man or animal.

Wait…that last one. Snow….Let me rethink that.

We were promised snow. We got ice. I’m thankful for weather people but, they are not in charge.

Still, it was pretty to look at. Everything stopped. It was quiet and peaceful. This was day one.

After a few days with very cold temperatures (one day they matched temperatures in Alaska), it wasn’t so lovely anymore. People wanted out. Being still was for day one – not for day three.

It’s amazing how people (including myself) react when freedoms are suddenly limited. Anyone remember 2020?

One thing I noticed was the amount of complaining! The roads weren’t clear. Someone didn’t say if their road was open or closed. People driving around barricades. The city, the mayor, the state weren’t doing enough. Banks weren’t open. My dog won’t go outside to use the bathroom. (My Xena – the Wonder Dog – had no issue with this. Thankfully.)

I’m trying to approach each new day, new struggle, new unknown with the simple thought of, “What does this make possible?”

This ‘delay’ gave some the opportunity to reorganize their cabinets, read a book, clean their bathtub. Others got some fun sledding and ice skating experiences.

An ice storm makes me again appreciate the first responders (including wrecker drivers) who were so exhausted after day one but kept doing what they were asked to do. Local 4×4 owners coordinated getting people (including hospital workers) to work and then home. Area restaurants who were able to open served others with limited staff.

It gave me an opportunity to thank the cashier at Publix. She was one of two during an open few hours some were able to venture out. She was tired and in need of a break. I couldn’t give her that but I could give her a kind word and sincere appreciation. Some in the line didn’t speak to her. I guess they just wanted to get their groceries and get home. I understand that. Who know what they were dealing with?

But I can smile and appreciate and speak with kind words.

And it wasn’t just because my dog will use the bathroom outside.

All things…including you!

Do you ever hear someone say – Well, that’s just who I am. I can’t change it. OR- that is my bad habit and I can’t change it.

Do you ever say it yourself?

My answer is yes – all to often, yes.

But it’s not true. It’s a lie straight from the devil.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 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.

God makes new things. We are not to dwell on the former things. One of my issues is with food – chocolate, mostly. It’s so wonderful whether milk, dark, with sea salt and caramel, with peanut butter. But, sometimes I binge. But God can free me of this. This is not something that I have to live with for the rest of my life. I am a person of God which means I am a new creation and I can exercise the self-control muscle.

Today might be a struggle. Yesterday wasn’t and tomorrow doesn’t have to be. Thank you, Lord, for making me new. Help me to walk with confidence that I am renewed with you. Do a new work within me.

First step…

I am blessed to live near a walking and biking path along a creek. I often take Xena with me and when I do, it is less of a leisurely walk and more of a walk fast, stop, walk fast, turn around, stop. Walk faster!

One afternoon we were enjoying the nice weather and came upon a man practicing his Tai Chi (or something like that.) It’s always so beautiful and graceful. He usually doesn’t break his routine when we approach but that day he did.

He told us he had just seen a coyote on the other side of the creek walking in the same direction we were. The creek was low and could easily be crossed by human or animal. I thanked him and Xena and I continued our way. I found a thick tree limb that had fallen and picked it up and carried it like a sword ready to strike. We were approaching a part of the path that was covered with trees on both sides. My vision was limited.

I suddenly was walking purposeful with a steadfast gaze to the front, to the side and to the rear. I was on high alert.

What changed? Xena and I had been aimlessly wandering around on familiar territory. Suddenly, I was made aware of a potential danger that could come from any direction. I armed myself and prepared for battle.

Thankfully, we never saw the coyote and made it home safely. I was able to drop my weapon when I got into my neighborhood.

I started thinking about my response to the perceived danger. I was going to protect myself and my beloved dog. I was hyper-aware of my surroundings and I wanted to get to the safety of home as soon as possible.

As a Christian, I have a real enemy. He is always lurking nearby – prowling and waiting to devour me. Why am I not as vigilant with that enemy as I was with something that turned out to be nothing?

Most of my life I have spent wondering around without awareness of him and his intent on limiting me and my purpose in life. He has attacked me with lies, busyness, loneliness, depression, and the biggest one of all – FEAR. All of which is to make me ineffective in living out my purpose – which is to reflect Christ and point people to Him.

Well, today starts a new chapter. I am done procrastinating and listening to the lies. I am done thinking that I can make no difference to anyone with my words. I am done thinking and thinking and thinking about writing and not writing. I am blogging with a purpose. I am living out what I am called to do.

Beware, devil. I know you are out there. I am prepared. And by the way, I know the final outcome.