Friday, January 1, 2016

Simmering, Sizzling, Steeping....and......

Black-eyed peas simmering with ham hock on the back burner, Uncle Bummy's sizzling in the black iron skillet, and tea steeping in a favorite mug----it must be New Year's morning. No protein shakes or grapefruit at the table, just lots of grease to go with Gigi biscuits rising in the oven.
And.....sitting. Sitting with food in lap watching the Rose parade (a bucket list destination) followed by lots of football. (Not playing, just sitting and watching.)
Not healthy but tradition all the same! A New Year's Day rule! Pork rules, that is.
Happy New Year 2016!

NEW BEGINNINGS

....welcome 2016! The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Or is it???
It seems that I'm always in the midst of a struggle as old years transition to the new ones. This year is no exception. Except....that I'm making NO resolutions.

My hubby and daughter, on the other hand,----along with a friend, a doc and a wise counselor are resolving to "help me" cut back. Maybe it's a reflection of the inner disarray that becomes "outer" when I let down my guard around them.

For a Christian, all new beginnings, in new years or new seasons, start at the cross and continue with obedience to His word.
For me, I want a renewed emphasis in my life on worship. My study in Revelation has been an impetus for that. Loving God and serving others are an overflow of worship..... so, how do I pare down? Relationships take time----time with the Lord and time with others. What a conundrum!
So far, the only fresh start I have made is to begin with a "new" Bible and a new journal. (Thanks, Nancy)

For a journaling junkie, these are essential tools. Maybe the new "journaling" Bible will help me see anew. See truth from Him rather than relying on years of "scribbled notes" (tho marginalia sounds better) in my old Bible. Maybe the new journal will help me keep up with sermon notes and improve my memory and "scattered thinking. "
Yet, the quandary remains---how can there be a "new beginning" when the old ways are so familiar!