My first blog post...

I have decided that since I am not in school any longer I need to keep up my writing and thinking skills. Thus I have decided to start a blog. Not a blog of any significant proportions but simply thoughts that are somewhat coherent. At one time I wrote a lot but it has been some time since I have sat down with my thoughts and a blank page. I am looking forward to this opportunity to free the wandering words from my overcrowded head!

It is January 2008 and I have been thinking this past week about how we try so hard to make changes in our lives at the beginning of the year. But it is almost always a futile quest because we find ourselves getting busy again and lapsing into old comfortable habits. Its frustrating but it makes me realize two things...1. we need more than the dawn of a new year to make changes in our lives...and 2. because of Jesus every day is a new start. I heard a song the other day while I was working that reinforced the thoughts I had been having in this area. It goes like this...

New Year's Day
by Carolyn Arends

I buy a lot of diaries
Fill them full of good intentions
Each and every New Year's Eve
I make myself a list
All the things I'm gonna change
Until January 2nd
So this time I'm making one promise

Chorus:
This will be my resolution
Every day is New Year's Day
This will be my resolution
Every day is New Year's Day

I believe it's possible
I believe in new beginnings
'Cause I believe in Christmas Day
And Easter morning too
And I'm convinced it's doable
'Cause I believe in second chances
Just the way that I believe in you

This will be my resolution
Every day is New Year's Day
This could start a revolution
Every day is...

One more chance to start all over
One more chance to change and grow
One more chance to grab a hold of grace
And never let it go

So this song gives me hope...hope that I don't have to give up after every failure because God is a God of second, third, fourth, 65 billionth, chances... I can start out fresh every morning or at any moment. Every day is a chance for me to learn from my past and move on into something new. A new beginning. Thank God for new beginnings!!

Thank you Lord for never giving up on me! I don't deserve your grace and forgiveness and yet they are freely extended to me. Help me to start each morning with a fresh perspective on life and a renewed exuberance for each situation I find myself in.