Moving forward ....

 " Happy New Year my friends. I pray this is a year full of challenges, strength and joy for each of you."

http://www.storybookwoods.typepad.com/

When first reading this post on a friends blog I wanted to run rather than acknowledge her words. 2013 was so challenging for me I felt like I dragged myself into 2014. Caring for a parent who is suffering from dementia is an emotional roller coaster.
Something in Clarice's simple message struck a cord for me and has forced me to face 2014. As I began writing this blog entry I was reminded of the song we used to sing at church years ago.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. 
His mercies never come to an end
They are new every morning
New every morning
Great is your faithfulness oh Lord 
Great is your faithfulness

This morning I was once again reminded of God's faithfulness and never ending mercies.
Don't you love the amazing shades of red, orange and yellow we see in sunsets and sunrises, they always surprise and inspire me. Today's sunrise was no exception, it was just a part of the daily cycle we live, and yet it was new and special for this morning as it is every morning.
You need to lift your eyes to see the full impact of a sunrise and today I feel ready. I have lifted my eyes and am looking to the one who protects, comforts, strengthens and challenges me.
I've been a bit slow I know,  we are already 5 days into the new year. I may not have felt ready to face the new challenges in 2014 but I know they will never be more than I can bear.
 So thank you dear Clarice for your blog that always inspires me to be creative and has helped me to focus on moving forward.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

 

So I echo Clarice's new year wishes and wish you all a year full of strength and joy as you face the challenges that come your way