Blessed New Year

Here we are at the beginning of another new year.  The first scripture I read this morning was a reminder by Paul:  "Not that I have already attained or am already perfected, but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me" (Phil. 3:12).   

How perfect a word for me, I thought, because although I am making great strides through prayer, exercise and therapy, I still need more strength. Then I remembered the Lord's word to Paul "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness"  (2 Cor. 12:9).  I thank and praise the Lord for His amazing grace that has brought me this far at probably one of the weakest times of my life.

Though I have not yet been released from using a walker, I have used a cane at times.  It is so much easier to carry when I go outside than the walker, but I need to be sure I have an extra arm nearby to help me balance myself.  As I think about it though, regardless of how strong we may think we are, we can do nothing without the strong arm of our Lord Jesus walking beside us to lead and take us where we are to go.  I always felt fairly strong before, but these past months have shown me how much I need the Lord and the many friends He has placed in my path. 

I may have shared this quote before, but I saw a small note taken from an Angel Magazine: "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened."  I know all of us have pleasant New Year's memories with our mates, and these days when friends are busy with their families often seem lonely to us. Yet we are never alone when we have our precious husband, our Lord Jesus ever at our sides. I must confess there are times though, when I feel like the little boy who was afraid of thunder. When his dad comforted him by reassuring him Jesus was always with him, the little boy said, "But Dad, I like when you hold me."  How many times we feel we too would like a reassuring touch like the little boy.

Some months ago I shared information about healing with the Gift of Touch. Jesus did much healing by His touch of love and compassion.  I believe it is also a good reminder for us as widows to remember a loving hug when we meet.  Paul closed out his letter to his friends at Rome with the admonition to "Greet one another with a holy kiss" (Rom.16:16).  

I leave you by sending all my friends a Holy Hug and Kiss and the prayer that this new year will bring many new God appointments and abundant blessings to you and your families.

In Christ's loving hugs and mine,      Dee