2017

As we look forward to 2017, we wonder what changes will we see this year?? Last year brought so many changes, doors closed, more wonderful ones opened, a  new great granddaughter named Harper,  a new son-in-law (our oldest daughter was married December 27 to a wonderful Christian man), new journeys on a path following the Lord, a test of faith as we worked through Fred's broken leg (which is well on the road to complete recovery, teaching me more patience) as well as so many other changes too numerous to mention. We spent the evening at a favorite restaurant with friends, then a few hours playing cards. The men and women each one game, so we all went home winners!  As geezers, we were in bed before midnight, as we remembered those cold New Year's Eves in Wisconsin, in below zero weather, thinking we were having the best time of all welcoming in the new year., or in the Arkansas warmth, enjoying the evening with Christian friends. As we celebrated New Year's in S. Texas, we listened and watched the many neighborhood fireworks displays, as is the custom here. They keep on all night long, but as we are used to it by now, we slept through the worst of it.

There is so much going on in the park this right now that it is impossible to follow it all. I just check out the calendar, mark what I may be interested in, and then figure out how to fit it in my schedule! On Friday afternoons, I started going to the Busy Bees Quilting class with the idea of making a full size quilt as a project - it seems that it now has turned into a wedding present for our daughter! I am so pleased the way it has turned out so far - the gals in the class are so helpful and patient with me. I used to sew so much when the girls were little but slowly got away from it. I forgot how much I loved it!!!

I am so confused on which season I am in right now. While living farther North, fall was when the leaves fell from the trees - herein S. Texas, the leaves are now falling. I think, oh, fall is here and it will soon be cooler. Well, it has been cooler but it is winter, I guess. Really warm for a few days (80's or so) then a cold front comes in and reminds us that it is really December/January).

My New Year's resolution this year is to make a choice, be bitter or be better. As there were so incidents in the park this past week, this resolution has been a blessing. I choose to not be bitter about happenings, but to be better - a better forgiving person, better in being a true follower of Christ. Pastor Robert's sermon this morning was exactly about this - strange how God seems to know exactly what we need and when we need it.  We received a card in church this morning with this printed on it: "This year is going to be better because God is going to make me better" by making a covenant with God to make me better. It is going to be a New Year, a new me. Many folks make New Year's resolutions - either new ones or recycled old ones. Only 50% of the population make resolutions (more than watch the Super Bowl), but only 8% keep them. If we strive to keep our resolutions (especially to become a better Christian) we need to set expectations - not vague lower ones nor higher impossible ones. Aim for something more than what you are today. Now is the time to love a better life through Christ - today, right now. To do so we must desire to sin less - not huge commandment breaking sins, but those everyday sins that we do not realize we are doing until it is too late - gossiping, always being negative, unwilling to change a bad attitude, unwilling to give of our time, talents, and provisions happily, not loving our neighbor, avoiding those in need - get the point?? Invite God into your hearts this year in order to set you free - free to follow Him always.

Have a wonderful coming New Year - may you all best blessed beyond your dreams.