New Beginnings!

As I sit here today reflecting on "new beginnings" and "start overs" my heart smiles. My life has been full of ups and downs, some my fault and some the result of others actions. With GODS grace and love, each time I have began anew continuing to put one foot in front of the other!

Last weekend, I journeyed to South Carolina for my aunts funeral. My cousin Jennifer and her husband, Travis graciously allowed me to stay with them. The second and third night my sister, Courtney joined us. Each night I ran out of steam before Courtney and Jen and went to bed. I laid awake and listened to them giggle and laugh. It reminded me of listening to Courtney and our younger sister Dayna giggle and laugh. Dayna was tragically killed in a car accident in 1989 and each of us miss her very much. I do not weep for her, because I know she is in a place with no earthly sorrow. However, there are days when I weep for "me!" I miss her giggles and her great big smile!

I am much older than Jennifer even though we are first cousins. Recently, I realized GOD has given me the blessing of being the "Big Sister" again. Occasionally, I get a call or text that says something like, "What do you think about this? or that?" and I am honored to take each of those calls. My heart smiles as I see GOD giving me a chance to be a significant part of Jennifer's life. I love her dearly, as I do all of my cousins. I am blessed beyond words can express to be a part of Jennifer's life! Thank you, Jenn for loving this "old" cousin and thank you for being you!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

New Beginnings

"So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth." Hosea 6:3

Lately, we have experienced "lots" of rain in Richmond, Virginia. Even though we needed this rain, many complained about the inconvenience of sloshing around like a duck. On a few occasions, I joined the complainers.

Pondering this passage brought me to my knees. I enjoy the blessings of God's creation, yet many times I am spoiled and selfishly do not want to be inconvenienced. My focus wavers and I find myself enjoying the material, earthly benefits of being a child of GOD and complaining when it does not suite me.

Where should my focus be? Do I make the needed changes in my life? Am I serious and deliberate in making those changes? Exactly where are my priorities?

My focus should be worshiping my Heavenly Father and focusing on the eternal benefits. Thankfully, today is a new day and GOD gives each of us the chance to start anew.

Blessings and prayers on your journey with your Heavenly Father,

Andrea

New Beginnings

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog-it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." James 4:14-17

Our lives are limited and there are no guarantees. Are we making the most of the gifts GOD has given us? Are we living life to the fullest? Are we living out a life of obedience?

Today, we are reminded of yet another truth: Being disobedient and sinful is not always doing what we know to be wrong. Sin is also NOT doing what GOD asks of us. It is hard to think of sin as not going the extra mile or giving a little extra to someone in need.

Sin can also be not writing when GOD clearly calls us to write and share HIS word with others. Okay, so now I am tromping all over my own feet. There are times when I am tired and frustrated and I simply close the computer. I know what GOD wants me to share, yet I willingly walk away.

Thank GOD for HIS mercy, grace, and a chance for new beginnings. Begin anew with me today. Obey the Father and enjoy your journey.

Serving GOD with you,

Andrea

*Those looking for the Fan The Flame award: look to the post below.