A New Beginning January a new year, new beginnings, With all the symbolism that belongs to this time of year, Lord, I simply give myself to you – anew. I pray for your blessing on my life, my endeavors, my thoughts, my striving to know your plan for my life and living it. May each day be a new beginning, a renewed commitment. Help me to leave behind the trappings of the past that prevent me from living your promise for the future. Give me strength for each valley, joy for each mountain, confidence and hope for each day. This is my prayer. Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear. – Isaiah 65:24
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spiritual reflections
A Miracle I saw a miracle today. A flower grew. Two weeks ago I put some seeds in the ground, covered them with dirt, and watered them. Today there are little plants where once there were seeds — little green plants which will continue to grow and bloom until they have completed God’s plan for them. Help me God, to grow and bloom and complete your plan for me. I saw a miracle today. A flower grew. I planted the seed…but God made it grow.
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– I Corinthians 3:6
spiritual reflections
Joyful, Joyful I walked into the church. It was Sunday morning. The greeters at the door shook my hand and welcomed me. Friends spoke to me and visited with me. The usher seated me with a smile and handed me an order of worship bulletin. The pastors were there with a greeting. The acolytes lit the candles. The choir came down the aisle. Everyone was singing “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” That was how I felt. Lord, thank you for my church. Thank you for the people, the activities, the fellowship, the music, the pastors. Thank you for the friendship, the inspiration, the spiritual growth and guidance I receive there. It fills my heart and very being. I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. – Psalm 122:1
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spiritual reflections
A Message There were balloons of many colors. They lifted off into the sky, floating slowly in a sea of color. Each balloon had a note tied to it, written to a loved one who had died. I had two balloons, one purple and one red. Each one had a note tied to it. One was to my mother and one to my dad. I watched the balloons until they were just dots in the sky and had disappeared into the heavens. This was the annual balloon release by Hospice, an emotional time for me. Did you see my balloons and read my notes, Mother, Daddy? I love you and I miss you, they read. I give you praise, Lord, for this day and what it means to me and all those who participate. Thank you and thank you. I will give you praise, O Lord, with all my heart ‌ – Psalm 9:1a
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spiritual reflections
A Lighted Candle It is Christmas Eve night. I am at church for the 11:00 service. It is Christmas Eve when I go into church and Christmas day when I come out. After busy weeks of shopping and baking and getting ready for Christmas, it is renewing to attend that beautiful and inspirational service of music and the Christmas story. It is a service of faith and hope and love. At the close of the service, everyone lights a candle that they are holding. Then together, yet individually, each person raises their candle high. That candle symbolizes a faith that can be taken into the world. It symbolizes a tiny baby born who became the light of the world. It symbolizes the light that can shine in our own lives with newness because of Christmas. Even after I blow my candle out, it still shines. Lord, thank you for Christmas. Let my light shine. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good work, and glorify your father ‌ – Matthew 5:16
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spiritual reflections
Peace The sun was shining. There was a soft breeze blowing. I sat on the swing on the patio. My orange cat, Tigger, sat beside me and rested his head on my leg. My white cat, George, slept on the bench in the yard. My little dog, Cooper, lay under the swing. I watched the squirrels running along the fence. Why is it we think we have to be busy all the time, Lord? It is good to just sit and be still and peaceful. Thank you, Lord, for this time. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you ‌ – John 14:27a
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spiritual reflections