a New Year, a New Life

People often ask us why we do what we do.They wonder why, in the golden years of our lives, when we should be sitting back playing golf and drinking coffee,we choose to spend our time working with missions. Why did we choose to become chaplains, spending our time and funds helping others instead of "enjoying" the worldly things? We did not choose; God chose us. Just as He called and chose Saul.

 

What is important is recognizing that we are following the great commission by committing our golden years to spreading the Word of the Lord and by helping others. The work of God fulfills our every need.God has never led a person without leadership (read Hebrews 5). Part of mission work is to notice the hurt and pain and responding to it, according to Matthew 9:36-37. "When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few".

When we were reborn in Christ we became a new creation in Christ. Old things are passed away; behold, all things become new.That change did not mean faith alone but a new identity. That second birth became more powerful than our first birth.We are building on our second birth. Hopefully people see the activity of God thru and by our faith.We didn't determine God's Word, we surrendered to it. It is not the change in us but the impact on others that makes the difference. All we know is that God will multiply what we do, influencing others to do the same, creating a rippleeffect throughout the area, and perhaps the entire world. A small stone can create a huge ripple effect.We just hope

that others see God's work through the things we do, and not just by us alone.

Our first birth is an earthly one, one which identifies us as to who we are. Our second birth, birth in Jesus Christ, identifies us as to what we are to become.Who we were and what we did has no effect on what we are now. Our past lives are the past - we live in the present, anticipating the future.

The New Year brought on time spent with friends, a few days of reprise from the daily activity, and with that the Texas crud!! Yep, it caught up with me again this year. Even with the flu shot, I got the chills, aches, and cough. Luckily, no fever, sore throat, or stomach disorders. After three days in bed, I decided I did not want to do this anymore, and roused myself outside today. I feel like a new person, with fresh air in my lungs and ready to pick up on three lost days. So back to meetings, reports, volunteer work tomorrow, and cooking.

I was really sick - can you believe that I was so sick I did not get to see pictures of our new, great grandson (the first great grand) until last night, when I could no longer hold out and dragged the computer onto my lap to see him. Oh my goodness, what a precious child he is. And I am sure the Lord said the same thing - "And He took the children in His arms, put his hands on them and blessed them". Mark 10-16.  His parents have become born again into the Lord, and this child will be doubly blessed to have both parents who are children of God. And as a proud great grandma, I would be remiss without a picture - so introducing Avery Schyler White:





Not to be outdone by his girl cousin, our grandson announced that he will be the father of twins in August!! I could not have foreseen what God had in store when He joined two people. Our family keeps growing and will continue to grow long after we are gone to join Him in eternal life. I don't know what our legacy will be, but I hope that it will be lasting one.

So as we go into a New Year, we do so with great anticipation knowing the challenges that are ahead of us, meeting those head on, and for those challenges we have not anticipated, that we meet them with the same vigor. And for the new life ahead - a new life in Christ, a new life in great grandchildren, we meet with open arms.

May your year be doubly blessed also!!