As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Saturday, January 9, 2021

Walking Into the New Year


Last January as we stood on the brink of 2020, we could not have imagined what the year would bring. 

A global pandemic. 

The loss of Ron's mom. 

The loss of my aunt. 

Social upheaval. 

So many changes of plans. Postponements. Cancellations. Endings. 

Plan A, then B, then C . . . Plan R? 

Changes of lifestyle. Changes in how we do the basics. 

Disappointment. 

Grief. 

Misunderstanding. Strained relationships. 


And yet . . . 

There was precious new grandbaby Caleb, and the news of two more grandbabies on the way! 

There were answers to prayer . . . for Caleb's restoration to good health, for safe travels across many miles, for big and small requests.

There was the birth of my cousin's sweet baby girl who has been such a gift to a family in grief. 

There has been the settling into a church home.

There has been financial provision with the ability of Ron to do his job from home. 

There has been the unfailing faithfulness of our God. 


Would I have changed any of those things, if it was in my power to change them? Absolutely! Yet my trust is in the One who knows all things and does all things well. 


So again, I stand on the cusp of a new year, not knowing what will be, and I pray this prayer with Moses of old. God had directed Moses to take His people into the Promised Land, and Moses pled with the Lord for direction, and for assurance that he had found grace in His sight. God answered him, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Then Moses said, 

"If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here."

That is how I feel, here on the edges of a new year. I don't know what the days will hold, but I know that I don't want to walk through any of it, the pleasant or the uncomfortable, the easy or the difficult, without His presence.



" . . . and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age." Matthew 26:20

" . . . For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

18 comments:

  1. Beautifully written. Without His presence I do not want to be. Praying with you. So good to read His promises.

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    1. Thank you, Ellen! Yes, so thankful for His promises!

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  2. As in everything you say and do, your godly heart and His Spirit within you are evident in this thoughtful post.

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    1. Your words are very humbling. I am grateful for His presence and His amazing faithfulness!

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  3. What a lovely post. Every word is precious.

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    1. Thank you, Barbara! May you be strengthened for the new year!

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  4. Even until the end of the age. I don't think this is the end, but that turn of phrase struck me. It is good to hear.

    "And yet . . ."

    Amen!

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    1. Yes, that is good to hear! Thanks for visiting, Sandi!

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  5. oh my yes ..
    this post right here speaks deep to my heart.

    you shared and i so agree.
    God had directed Moses to take His people into the Promised Land, and Moses pled with the Lord for direction, and for assurance that he had found grace in His sight. God answered him, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Then Moses said, "If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here."

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    1. They are powerful words, aren't they . . . these verses from Scripture? His presence.

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  6. What a poignant post of reflection of this past year, Cheryl. Yes, without God's presence I can't go on.

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    1. And that's such a good place to be, I think . . . realizing that we cannot go on without His presence!

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  7. Your words are so lovely and reflect your heart for God. Yes, we can walk through the days and years with Him. He will never leave us nor forsake us. A good thing to reflect on for the past, and to hold close as a promise for the future.

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    1. Thank you, Lorrie! I feel the same way about the value of reflection, even as we move forward . . .

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  8. I love your true words of wisdom. I believe we have all become more in tune with our beliefs and gratitude during this trying year. No one could have ever imagined what 2020 was about to bring. With God's promise we have hope for this new year. How wonderful to look forward to two new grand babies! You are truly blessed. Stay well my friend.

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    1. Rosella, thank you for your kind words. Isn't it a good thing we don't know what a year will hold?! It's so much easier to walk one step at a time . . . as long as we're walking with Him!

      I am excited about these new babies, and, yes, we feel very blessed!

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  9. What a thought-provoking post. It's been a rough ending for me of a rough year, but I totally concur with these words:

    "Would I have changed any of those things, if it was in my power to change them? Absolutely! Yet my trust is in the One who knows all things and does all things well."

    Amen, Sister!

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    1. Dear Becki, it certainly has been a rough year for you! How blessed we are that we know and trust our Savior!

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