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A New Year’s Look Both Ways
I'm convinced my neck will be sore tomorrow. No, I haven't been doing any strange exercises or sleeping in an awkward position. I've simply been doing what most of us do this time of year—looking backwards and forward so much that I'm starting to feel like an owl!
The transition between years always seems to trigger this response in us, doesn't it? We find ourselves simultaneously reflecting on the past year's events while peering anxiously into the unknown future. It's like trying to watch two tennis matches at once. It's exhausting but somehow impossible to resist.
As I look back over 2024, I can't help but smile at God's faithfulness. Sure, there were trials. My health issues didn't suddenly disappear, and our ministry in Wales continues to be challenging. But nestled between those difficulties were countless blessings: new friendships formed at the chapel, breakthrough moments in Bible study, and even Tess learning not to bark at every dog that passes our bungalow (well, almost).
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Life’s Little Luxuries
Have you ever noticed how quickly we can go from feeling blessed to feeling stressed? Take, for instance, our recent adventure with the fierce storm that wreaked havoc on our area. It not only knocked out our power but also damaged a water pump somewhere along our line. And just like that—no water!
The water company, bless their hearts, sent out a message early Saturday morning explaining the situation and promising to have everything sorted by afternoon. Spoiler alert: it wasn't. Then they assured us it would be fixed by evening. Again, no dice. This merry-go-round of promises continued through Sunday and into Monday, leaving us feeling rather like contestants on a survival reality show.
You don't truly appreciate the miracle of indoor plumbing until you're hauling buckets of borrowed water just to flush the toilet!
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From “If Only” to “Thank You”
Have you ever caught yourself saying, "If only I had done this" or "If only I had said that"? I know I have. It's easy to get caught up in the "if only" game, especially when facing a difficult situation or looking back on a mistake we've made.
But here's the thing about "if only”—it's a trap. It keeps us stuck in the past, dwelling on what could have been instead of focusing on what is. And it can rob us of the joy and peace God wants us to have in the present.
That's why I'm trying to replace "if only" with two different words: “Thank you.” Instead of dwelling on what could have been, I'm choosing to be thankful for what is. And I'm finding that it makes all the difference.
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Reframing Our Focus
I remember the time I found the perfect frame for my favourite nature photo. After trying many options, none quite worked. Some drew attention away from the picture with their ornate carvings or flashy colours. Others clashed with the cool tones of the image. I was about to give up my search when I stumbled upon a simple maple frame. Its neutral tone balanced the blues and greens of the photo scene beautifully. That frame drew out the picture's splendour.
Just as a frame can complement an image, our perspective can impact our lives. As Proverbs 23:7 declares, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." The right outlook enhances our circumstances like a flattering frame compliments artwork.
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Morning Time With the Master
Can you believe another new year has begun? Where did the time go? As the holiday hustle and bustle ramps up, it's hard to believe 2024 has arrived. Fortunately, with the new year comes many new opportunities.
As many of you know, I'm excited to launch my new line of monthly planners and journals accompanying my Optimize Your Day program! I designed them to be uplifting and practical, helping you organize your days while keeping your eyes on Jesus. I'll share more about them in a minute.
But today, I want to discuss an even more important topic than planners and journals—beginning each day with the Lord.
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From Silence to Symphony
For authors like me, book reviews and word of mouth are the building blocks to success both for the author and the books they write. It is beyond discouraging when my best work is lost in the sea of worthless dribble and harmful lies that somehow still make it to the top of the bestseller charts. Meanwhile, my books sit so far down the ranking that no one could find them if they tried. All those long nights working, all that sweat and inspiration are gone with no recognition from anyone. Many writers know this feeling, the soul-consuming emptiness of unappreciated hard work. (Cue heavy sigh and heartfelt sob!)
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From Music to Mayhem
Today, I'd like to take a lighthearted yet serious journey into the antics of our feathered friends in the yard. As spring arrived, we eagerly welcomed the melodious songs of grateful birds, who flocked to our yard to enjoy the birdseed and fat balls we provided. However, as time passed, their behavior took a turn for the worse.
Initially, the birds' sweet songs filled the air with joy. Their gratitude was evident as they relished the abundance of food we offered. They sang in harmony, creating a beautiful symphony all day long that brought smiles to our faces and joy to our hearts. We felt blessed to be able to provide for them and to witness their appreciation for that provision.