Happy New Year! 2012!

Today is traditionally the time for new beginnings, fresh starts and resolutions.  Last night we spent with our friends the Terry’s and we celebrated the new year in England, Rio de Janiero, Buenos Aires, Barbados, and New York.  Then Emily and I celebrated in Chicago and Scottsdale before I fell asleep! 🙂

Last night was very foggy but I could hear the sounds of celebrations at First Night in downtown Fullerton, fireworks at Disneyland, and other songs and shouts of revelers heralding the new year and saying goodbye to 2011.

2012 began with a time of worship and commitment at church.  I made the traditional Hoppin’ John (black eyed peas) and enjoyed the most amazing weather day ever…Californians may be calendorically challenged (to their detriment at times) but days like today are an incredible gift not to be taken for granted!  It is especially nice since tomorrow will actually feel like an extension of today when I get up to watch the Rose Parade!

There is something about the opportunity to shape the future by decisions I make today that is really powerful.  Well- intentioned resolutions give the illusion that I can improve my situation making it better than before. And sometimes I can resolve to start a diet and stick to it, read my Bible more, or develop another healthy discipline.  But, the fact is that new beginnings are not often defined by calendar dates as by events that truly alter our lives.  It is learning to shape a new life from the rubble left by truly disastrous events that is most influential and powerful.  I continue to think about how I am heading into the New Year,  but even more how I am moving forward into this “new life” as a widow and single mom.  I continue to process how I want to be defined and how my life is being shaped and re-shaped using the rubble of my past and material of my present. On the one hand, 2012 is a chance to begin anew with lots of possibilities.  On the other hand, time itself is changing my life as it marches quickly by.

Hope (From the words of a Steven Curtis Chapman song):

Out of these ashes… beauty will rise and we will dance among the ruins We will see Him with our own eyes

Out of these ashes… beauty will rise For we know, joy is coming in the morning…in the morning, beauty will rise
Happy New Year 2012.

May the Lord’s presence this coming year be:

ABOVE YOU  to guard. (Deut.4:39)

UNDERNEATH  to support (Deut. 33:27).

BEHIND  as a reward (Isaiah. 52:12)

AT YOUR RIGHT HAND  to protect (Ps. 16:8)

BEFORE  to lead (Is. 45:2)

ROUND ABOUT  to shield (Ps.125:2)

WITHIN AS COMPANION AND COMFORTER (Galatians 2:20) (Mrs J. Goforth)