I love a new year ... a fresh start ... a blank piece of paper ... endless new possibilities!

Of course, like my son who fills pages upon pages of drawings and scribbles faster than he can think about what he wants to create, I am sure I will want a new piece of paper by about March.

But for now as I look at this clean slate in front of me, I am excited. I have great intentions, good plans, and a mind bent on perseverance. This is one of my most favorite things about January 1.

Please though -- just don't ask me about it in March, because I'll have no idea what you're talking about. And besides, come about March, springtime is approaching and isn't spring about Re-Birth and Re-creation? Starting over ...

I am so glad I have these opportunites to reflect on personal growth, and keep trying, and trying again, and again. I sure am a long way from getting it right, but I certainly do have good intentions and I do want to keep pressing on. I'm sure I keep learning, too (even if it's the same lessons more than once!). It just feels good to know that I have another chance.

And that's how I feel about my faith in Jesus. Jesus gave his life so that I have another chance ... in fact more than a chance ... a new life in him.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

the old has gone, the new has come!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!