I don’t know about you but I’ve never been into making New Year’s Resolutions. I’ve always been one to implement a change or new concept whenever one is needed. Why wait for the New Year to make a resolution??? ☺ But, I do understand the feeling of the ‘fresh’ start that seems to go hand in hand with a ‘new year’. It’s a way for us to wipe the slate clean. When we literally turn that calendar page from December to January it’s as if we also make a mental connection with all the ‘blank’, ‘clean’ pages that lie before us to fill in with new and fresh ideas and thoughts. New beginnings await and that feels good!

When I think back on 2013 I am so happy to be able to say…adios, sayonara, good riddance…and see ya! It’s the second half of 2013 that has left me with a huge hole in my heart! A hole that will always be there, never to be repaired. My life has forever been changed because cancer came to invade my world. The good news is, God has equipped me with a big heart so that there is still has enough room to have joy, room to feel happiness. Even though my heart will forever be scarred, I still choose to look back on 2013 with a joyful heart and not a ‘scarred’ hurting heart. I’m joyful because in spite of all the pain my family has endured, we have also been surrounded with blessings and beauty. So even though I am more than ready to say good-bye to the ole ’13, I plan to take with me all that is good, all that is precious. The blessings are bigger than the pain, hurt, and fear of this cancer journey. The only way this is possible for me is because I know God is bigger than all the pain and worry that seemed to find its way into my heart.

The picture above is of my baby girl and our new pup, Hope (very appropriately named☺). This picture was taken just last week right in the middle of a chemo round. Doesn’t she look great?!! ☺ When I look at this and see her smile, I don’t see pain, I don’t feel worry or sadness. I see joy, I see hope, and I see Gods promise of love and protection all around. This is what I will take with me as the new year begins.

Here I am this morning in my backyard with arms stretched in reverence to God saying, ‘Lord I give You all my worries from 2013. I’m leaving the past where it belongs Lord, in the past. Thank You for enabling me to ‘clear my slate’ and as I ‘flip’ the calendar from 2013 to 2014, I am ready for the plans You have for me and my family this new year. Amen.’

I hope you also can ‘clear your slate’ of anything that has been getting in the way of your joy during this past year. I pray that you will give it God and let Him be the One to carry your burden and trust His plans for your life. A new year awaits, lets rejoice together in New Beginnings!

Blessings and Happy New Year!