Thoughts for the New Year


    It's a brand new year! The beginning of each year is a great time to look back to see what we have experienced, how far we've come, and how we've grown in the last twelve months. It is also a good time to look forward and decide what to work on more in the coming year. Though I don't make resolutions, I like taking time to ask the Lord for help in specific areas.



   I wrote a prayer letter on January 1st, 2015, asking God for help and growth in various aspects of life. Over the year, I reviewed it a few times and also read it yesterday. My reading was rather anti-climactic - I still need a lot of work in those areas! Sometimes our growth as believers is slow, and I think that a year isn't always enough time to see a big difference. Despite this, I do see evidences of the Lord establishing and deepening my character. I had no way of knowing how this would be brought about, but now have the advantage of retrospect.


My first blog review, One of my first telephoto shots, My first bridesmaid experience, The resort we spent a night at in Ashland, My first day with the hammered dulcimer, Family photo the day after Christmas

   Last year I had new experiences, and also gained some exciting new material things. I was a bridesmaid for the first time, went to jury duty for the first time, and had my first job interview. In the spring I bought a telephoto lens for my camera, and in autumn my parents bought me a beautiful hammered dulcimer. I learned that sometimes God doesn't give me what I want, and sometimes He does - both are for the best. This time of life is rich with "firsts", changes, learning, and new discovery. Not all of it comes without times of frustration, but it is growth, nevertheless.


   What's in store for next year? Well, only God knows that! I can guess. I can make plans to the best of my knowledge. I can imagine things that I might want to happen. However, I know that what happens isn't ultimately up to me. Instead, I just need to remember that every day is an adventure with the One who knows and loves me best.

 Did you experience any "firsts" in 2015?
Do you set resolutions, goals, or write prayers for the new year?

P.S. Thank you to everyone who follows my blog! Your comments have meant a lot to me this past year. Blogging is truly a blessing, a challenge, and a source of fun! The relationships really make it worth it.

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
Colossians 3:8-10


Comments

  1. Yes, dear friend...it is always good to look back upon a year, and then to look forward, praying that we may grow more and more into who the Lord created us to be...
    Blessings to you!

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  2. Dear Paige, This past year held a lot of wonderful memories for us. Our son Nicholas & Jessica were engaged New Year's Eve. I made them a quilt for their wedding 8/22/15. We went on mini trips around Missouri. September went to Florida then saw Taylor Swift in concert in Nashville Tennessee saw several sights there. We had good thanksgiving and Christmas with family all together. We received a Christmas gift from you. Eloquently playing your dulcimer for us. You really did that beautifully. Glad to see your family picture, you all look so happy together. Looking forward to following you this year. Who knows what wonderful things God has planned for us. Blessings Stephanie M.

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    1. Wow, it sounds like you had a sweet and memorable year for sure! :) I'm so happy that you enjoyed my dulcimer music - I hope to post more in the future. Thanks for your kind comments!

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  3. Dear Paige, May the new year bring you and your family the best that life can bring,happiness and love! Blessings always, cindy

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    1. Thank you so much! :) Happy new year to you.

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  4. You had jury duty!? How neat! I've always thought that sounded like an interesting assignment.
    I really appreciate your ending thoughts--You have hopes for 2016 but know that God has plans which are for your good that may overrule some of your hopes!
    2015 had many firsts for me as well. I think my favorite was moving to town. I've been a country girl all my life so that was a pretty big first! :)

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    1. Yes...well I went in, but I wasn't on the jury. :) I went through several days of questioning all the way through the jury and alternates being picked and never got called up to the box (except for a private hearing about something)!
      Thank you! That's so neat! I've always been a city girl..hope you like it. :)

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  5. Paige! You are so beautiful, inside and out! Thank you for your words and your blogger friendship! I had quite a few firsts this year too, and can only be in awe of our powerful God! Blessings to you!

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    1. Thank you and you're welcome! You are so sweet. :)
      He is so gracious in how He grows us, isn't He?

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  6. Beautiful post, Paige! You look lovely as a bridesmaid! Glad you were able to enjoy so many new, neat experiences. I wish you every blessing and happiness in 2016! May this year be even better than the last!

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    1. Thanks so much Bethany! :) You are so sweet. Same to you!

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