Contentment in the New Year

 Say not, ''why were the former days better than these?''
 For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
 Ecclesiastes 7:10

2011 is gone. Gone, and can't be brought back, ever.
Funny thing about it, I don't mind. Funny because it seems I've spent much of my life trying to hold onto things that are completely out of my control--like time,childhood, not wanting anyone to grow up, not wanting to forget sweet memories,being afraid I'm not cherishing each moment as I should, and the like.

This year, however, I've begun to realize that each day little things change, and oftentimes for good.
New chapters begin ever so slowly and the story doesn't end all at once. I'm learning to look at things in a new light. Taking delight in my LORD and the life He has given me...not trying to live in the past or looking anxiously towards the future. I praise God He has brought me to this realization, because it's freeing. My Father in heaven knows me and he has every moment of my life in His hands. So I don't have to hold onto things because HE already is. 

And that is wonderful.

''...Be content with what you have for He has said, ''I will never leave you nor forsake you''.
Hebrews 13:5

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
1 Timothy 6:6-7

''For everything there is a  season...''
 Ecclesiastes 3






Happy New Year, and may God bless you all.


P.S. Excitement: my papa bought us an amazing Christmas gift--a Canon Rebel. Yes, a DSLR!
That is a fulfillment of a dream. Can't wait to start posting pictures!

simple moments

A few weeks ago, after a day of stormy skies and monotone rainfall, the sky was illuminated by the setting sun. The rain stopped for a moment, and the clouds turned peachy golden in color, the world around me cast with a rosy glow. I was breathless for a moment, my heart full of wonder at this life God has given us. I love those moments. Those moments where everything is still and you say to yourself,
Life is so, so beautiful. Lord Jesus, you are so, so good. Your works are marvelous. Thank you. I love you. Thank you for moments like this.
These are the simple moments I hope never to forget.

reflections

Trees and telephone wires reflected on the surface of my beloved Gram Deb's pool.

The water looks so cool and inviting. Oh, how I love to swim! 

praise Him!

The sky is clear, blue, bright,

The palm trees are swaying, the fronds shimmering in the sun and soft breeze,

The birds are singing their free, joyful melodies, putting a smile on my face.

And the love of God is filling my soul, thoughts of the pure Son dying for me leave me breathless.

I am in awe of His goodness to wayward hearts, and I am so grateful I am saved... I know I am bought with Christ's selfless love,

and I can truly say and believe

I am saved, I am forgiven, I am His friend.

He is my Master and LORD, and all I want to do is

Love Him.

Rejoice in the LORD always!