Tag: New Year

Compass: To Pace With

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25 ESV)

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“I know how to accept middles, endings and new beginnings…and I will.” (paraphrased from Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie)

To me a compass is an instrument that you use to get directions. Or more accurately to confirm that I am headed in the correct direction. I have to trust the compass, and gravity and whatever magical physics are behind the device and its use. (Have you figured out yet that I haven’t had much real experience with a compass. I have a romantic attachment to the object as a metaphor for travel and journeys, etc.)

Just when I thought I knew what a compass meant, I discovered a new meaning.

I discovered that compass can be used as a verb, opening up new realms of possibility. It is related to words and phrases like: encompass, comprehend, bring about, obtain and devise. Quite a variety of meanings to chew on.

As we say good-bye to this year, and enter the new one, I wonder what the future will encompass. What will I need to comprehend to keep moving forward? What does God plan to bring about? Will I obtain new clarity? But most of all, I want to keep pace with the Spirit of God.

The Spirit of God can act like a compass in my life, reassuring me through God’s word and presence that I’m headed towards God. And I appreciate how the Spirit corrects me when I’ve wandered away. I am so thankful that I’m don’t have to be left to my own devices.

Have a Blessed New Year! And don’t forget to comment over on the Giveaway post to win a new journal and 2016 planner with a re-purposed book cover to carry them in, as well as a copy of my self-published devotions. The winner will be announced on January 2nd, along with the first RJD Link-up of the year!

And come back tomorrow for a special treat! My friend and fellow journal enthusiast, Lynn Morrissey will be sharing the art of the acronym poem, also known as an alpha poem, along with her own reflection using this art form. She will be concentrating on New Beginnings! Yay!

Posted on by kelrohlf 2

Happening New Year

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 118:29 ESV)

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During the greeting time at church, we asked each other what resolutions we made for the New Year. I told my neighbor that my resolution was to make some resolutions. Listing goals and writing down “I resolve” statements just hasn’t happened yet. 

Other activities have happened, and each new day things happen. This is my “Happening New Year!” I’m just going to let things happen. If happiness crosses my path, I’ll greet it and give it a giant hug. If sorrow rolls in like a thunderstorm, I’ll take refuge in the shadow of the Almighty.

I am thankful for what I HAVE. I have my pile of books, journals and collage supplies near my comfy chair. I am sticking to the plan of USING what I HAVE!

Yesterday at our monthly journaling group, our wise mentor, Mary Ann, challenged us to think about this question, which she heard on a radio show during the week:

What if all we have tomorrow, is that which we gave thanks for today?

What a challenge! She set the timer for 7.5 minutes and we furiously captured in words all the things we are grateful for and that we wanted to HAVE again the next day. Thankfully, God’s provision doesn’t depend on our habit of giving thanks. But it was an eye opening exercise, and kind of fun at the same time. Made me think, what am I REALLY thankful about?

I am thankful for journals, writing, blogging and sharing insights here at Nourishment for the Soul. I am grateful for creative pursuits and a calendar full of art journaling classes, which I will be teaching in the next coming weeks. But most of all I am thankful for Jesus who loves me more than I can imagine and who delights in every little thing about me. 

What are you thankful for today?

 

Linking with Soli Deo Gloria Party!

Posted on by kelrohlf 4