Happy New Year ...

My view from the "wrapping room" on Christmas Eve ... beautiful.

... from the Gather Ye Rosebuds Blog! :)

I am beginning this January with a thankful heart. I find the excitement with which I used to greet the new year has been tempered by the last few, and I think that's natural as we grow and experience some life and learn from it (hopefully) the lessons God wants us to. But at the same time, I have to be careful not to let it become too tempered. ;) To give God the glory and remain hopeful and joyful when His amazing and all-wise plans graciously continue to say "no" to my wishes, one year after another. To thank Him for His care when my heart hurts to the extent that I don't even know how to pray. I remember Jesus in the garden, how He cried out (with suffering that I will never comprehend and would never pretend to equate anything in my life with) -- and how His crying was for God's will to be done over His. And I really want to focus on that idea this year -- on subjection. On what John the Baptizer described as "my decrease for His increase." Man, that's hard. And does Satan ever throw absolutely everything he can into our paths to turn our attention back onto ourselves.

I look at the lives and the daily burdens carried patiently by so many brethren around me and I'm humbled. I'm so thankful for what I do have and for the fact that I'm starting this year off with good health, a good job, a warm home, a family, and God, and the assurance that God will never leave me though all those earthly things might. To HIM be glory! Brrrrrrrring it on, 2016, you next chapter in this exciting, yes, exciting adventure called life! :0)

 Wishing all of you the blessings that belong to those IN CHRIST this year. Have courage, dear friends! Christ has overcome, and all we need do is follow Him down to the last little jot and tittle. :) After all ... that is what we are here for in the first place! :o)

With Love,

Gather Ye Rosebuds 

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