We rang in the New Year up north with friends and I don’t know the last time I laughed like that. It was so much fun. Our kids had a blast and it was such a sweet time.  After much rain on our way we awoke to the most beautiful winter wonderland.  Everything was covered in a thick layer of clean, white snow and the sun was beaming brightly with millions of sparkles shining everywhere.  What an amazing reminder on New Years Day that our great God is making all things new.

Instead of a resolution, the word the Lord has refreshingly given me to begin this new year is love.  As I opened my devotional early this morning the topic was God’s gifts of love.  It just so happens that my love language is…you guessed it…gifts!  On Sunday our sermon in Isaiah was focused on what God will do this coming year.  There was a warning for those who do not seek Him, but for those who do, blessing will come.  It seems we have been in a pattern of waiting on the Lord.  While it can be hard to be patient, He has brought much contentment and joy in the process…something only He can do.  Standing at this crossroad of looking back and trying to see what’s ahead, just as I didn’t anticipate the word love, I certainly didn’t expect to find blessing in the waiting process.  God doesn’t only know what we need, He freely gives it abundantly.

With grateful expectation I am so looking forward to this coming year and all that God has in store.  I can’t wait to see how His love unfolds.  As you journey into this new year, friend, may you open your hands to receive the wonders of His love.

“Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.  Isaiah 43:18-19