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Wednesday, January 2, 2013

A Brand New Year



My husband and I started out the New Year quietly, at home, just the two of us. We love having a houseful of family (blessed to have our whole family of 22 home for Thanksgiving, and then again on Christmas we were blessed with 18 around our table!) - and, also, we love time with just the two of us. And at this stage of life, we get to have both.

New Years Eve and New Years Day were two of those times with just the two of us. And on cold winter days, we love to relax (with our laptops, a good book or two, and a movie) in our family room downstairs. We have an old wood stove there which heats the room up toasty warm - and also, helps heat up the rest of the house, too. It cuts down our furnace bill a lot during the winter - and it's just so soothing to feel the warmth of the wood heat on cold winter days.

The perfect place to pause and reflect at the close of a year, and the beginning of a New Year. Purposely taking time to slow down from the busyness of life, to relax, and to - listen and learn from our Maker.

"Pay close attention to what you hear.
The closer you listen,
the more understanding you will be given -
and you will receive more."
(Mark 4:24)

These were some of the words that were impressed on my heart and mind as we entered another year. I have had a special focus on the word "listen" for the past few years - there is so much to learn about listening. So much to learn as we pause our busyness, and really seek to listen to God, learning from Him, hearing His heart. Reading His Words with a heart ready to listen. Taking time to share our hearts with Him, and to listen as His Spirit communicates deeply within. And with our family and friends - how I desire to really listen. I am learning more about what it means to truly listen - and look forward to another year of opportunities.

"Come to Me with a teachable spirit,
eager to be changed.
A close walk with Me
is a life of continual newness."
(Jesus Calling)

Looking forward to a New Year of walking closely, and listening - and wishing the same for you! Happy New Year!

Linking up with:
Thought Provoking Thursdays
Faith Barista Jam


4 comments:

  1. We are happy in a crowd or just the two of us, as well. You described an evening much like our own this year. It was just right!

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  2. Stopping over from the Faith Jam . . . I had the same word for a few years. It's good when you realize there's still so much more to learn. It was also nice to get a new word this year! :)

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  3. Hi - I have been meaning to comment since last week's Faith Jam. This resonated much with me, too. My word has been "still" and I find so many similarities between that and words like "rest" and "listen." I'm chronically busy, which I do not like but am not always good at stepping away from. Yes, I know God is calling me to be still so that I can listen! Thank you for sharing! God bless. :)

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  4. Dear Cherry, I wanted to quietly slip in and say thank you for sharing a special moment in your new year in the faith jam a few weeks ago -- the start of God's whisper to you for His journey in you -- through the word "listen". I especially felt comforted reading the Mark 4:24 passage. I felt God's comfort as I read your post, re-affirming that as long as I am close to Him and listening, none of these quiet days will be in vain. I just love coming here and visiting with you. All the still and listening you've invested is touching those of us who come to read your words. Love, Bonnie

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